How to Make Your Home Feel More Like You

I don't think any designer here was snickering at any of the haunts favored for quick fixes. I have found MANY great bargains at all of them, but I do believe a strong editing process is involved. Pillows with down fills, the occasional fabulous lamp, wonderful baskets to stash magazines, hugely discounted high end coverlets, enough decorative boxes to re-do/organize a closet, adorable kids bedding, that sort of thing. BUT. I speak first hand from seeing the excess, and money simply tossed down a drain, in piles of....whatever, that lurk on shelving in clients basements collecting dust. Much of it seasonal decor, one of this, and one of that. These outlets can literally suck you in, right to the moment of checkout where you find four more things you may likely not need. A good rule of thumb, is to walk away for a day, and if the item is still "calling "...fine! But art shows, antique stores, household sales can turn up fabulous things as well. As can some patience and the realization you do not have to fill every corner and table surface. Especially not all at once.

Doesn't matter where the "stuff" comes from nor its price/quality. If you love it, find a place where you can enjoy it regularly. My goal with home enhancement for clients is that residents love nearly every single object in their home (don't need to love functional items, but certainly USE them) -- being surrounded by colors, textures, sounds, smells, lighting, moods, etc. that are uplifting, motivational, inspirational, calming/energizing... and AUTHENTIC. Expressing who you are -- in fact, the best parts of your past, present, and future -- is key for the one place where we have control. Combining research from environmental psychology, positive psychology, design psychology, and more, positive interior design creates spaces that enhance our well-being and happiness by applying some of these recommendations and others. Love the photos here, and I'm actually helping a client right now with a wall of children's art in her bedroom -- much better than the messy pile she had! Fill your home with smiles.

I use these glass balls from all our trips as curtains … love when the sun shines thru