Here are 3 ways to create a more soulful and unique home that feels like you!
Recently, I watched a tour of fashion director Lucinda Chambers’s London home on House & Garden, and there was something she said just within the first 10 seconds that stuck with me.
While putting on her earrings, she said, “I think I dress like my house, for sure. or my house looks like me”
As she continued to share her living room, I could immediately tell that her home is definitely an extension of her. She has poured her heart and soul into it, & I felt like she was sharing a piece of her with the world through her space.
I’ve always been so inspired by homes like Lucinda’s, the ones that are unique and full of character. Well-lived homes that are perfectly imperfect while flawlessly balancing personality with style.
I think that’s what makes these homes timeless – because trends come and go, but YOU you’ll always be you.
That’s the kind of home I’m now focusing on creating for myself, and after watching many more home tours, I’ve noticed 3 things that these unique, soulful homes all have in common:
The first is that, they tell stories
They tell stories about the people who live in them, their hobbies, travels, friends, or family. Memorabilia is creatively used as decor. In Lucinda’s kitchen area for example, she has a dedicated wall full of thank you letters, post cards, and her children’s art work from when they were little. She says it’s a snapshot of memories and the nice times everyone’s had. I love that she embraces them instead of storing them away in a box that’ll collect dust.
Some ideas for tastefully using memorabilia are displaying collectibles like plates on a shelf, mixing in travel photos l into your wall art, re-purposing vintage fabric into a lamp shade, or showcasing your favorite flea market finds.
There’s nothing more YOU than the stories you can tell through your home.
The second thing unique, soulful homes have in common is that they required patience.
Maybe the designer had been holding onto their favorite antique coffee table for the perfect moment or serendipitously discovered just the lamp that would fit. Each piece seems to be intentionally chosen and carry a lot of value.
When I first moved into our space, I felt rushed to fill it up because it was such a blank slate. I felt pressured to “complete” our home – whatever that means – so I can share about it on my channel. Soon, I realized that my style was evolving and that I had wasted money on pieces that I’d grown out of.
I also learned that my home can never really be “finished” because it will continuously evolve with me. Knowing that gives me patience and a peace of mind.
Some of my favorite pieces at home seem to be the ones that appeared in my life when I wasn’t trying to rush it. Like our Swedish high boy dresser or my vintage framed art work collection – all which I’m keeping for as long as I can.
If we all rush decorating our homes, we’d all end up going to the same easy access stores to buy the same trendy pieces – and our homes would end up looking very similar. Taking it slow gives us the space to look at many different things until we find what feels most like us.
Which leads me to the third and last thing that unique, soulful homes have in common –
They embrace mixing
Whether it’s a combination of colors, modern & antique, or textures, mixing elements gives these homes character and depth. Being able to draw inspiration from anywhere and get creative with mixing, allows designers to really show their personality.
Looking outside big box stores and instead flea markets, local boutiques, or thrift stores is a great way to find things to mix into your home. I love that when you’re in these settings, you’re more likely to tap into your heart and find unique pieces that speak to you.
There was a comment I read on Lucinda Chambers’ home tour video that I want to end this with.
”The best house tours are the ones that show that the house is well-lived, that tell stories of travels, family, friends. It’s so warm. It’s a home.”
I’m still growing with my home and discovering my style. I think the only way is to keep experimenting, collecting, and building things that spark joy for me. Over time, I’m hoping that my home will evolve into an extension of my multi faceted self who loves all kinds of things. A soulful home that feels like me.
And most importantly, I’d love for my home to be exactly like the comment – well lived, that tells stories of travels, family, and friends. So warm. A home.
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