Over the last several years there has been a shift in the definition of home. What once meant a place to come home to after a long day has evolved into something more, a place that reflects and expresses who we are and what we love. This has led homeowners to become more creative in their choices and willing to push outside of the traditional rules and elements of design. For years we felt obligated to live within the expected ideas for design but now new styles like grand millennial and Bohemian have gained in popularity with more being explored. There is great freedom in being able to think outside the box and incorporate elements that previously were not put together and now they can be with amazing results. This experimentation with personal expression goes beyond the intimate areas of the home like the bedroom and living areas and into kitchens, home offices, and even bathrooms. Let’s talk about some of these spaces and how you can weave more of you into them.

Ways to personalize your kitchen

While white kitchens have continued to remain a popular choice for homeowners, there are many who are tired of the trend and want it to be more fun and exciting. Some great ways to brighten up the kitchen include:

• Backsplash
• Contrasting island color
• Range hood
• Countertop
• Lighting

The heart of the home can really be turned into a work of art when the right elements are blended together or even made to stand apart and make a statement. Backsplash is a wonderful way to add some visual interest as well as texture to your kitchen. From whimsical mosaics to bold color choices, you can instantly transform drab to fab. Two-toned kitchens are also trending because it allows you to add a color you love or even in a beautiful wood stain that brings warmth to the overall design. Range hoods are also becoming a way for homeowners to give a pop of personality to the place with some choosing a stunning metal hood or a rustic farmhouse style done in shiplap. Lighting is another great way to blend a part of your personality into the kitchen. Whether it is a unique fixture that blends metal, glass, and wood or a fun pairing of sizes over the island let yourself “shine”. Countertops now come in more patterns and materials so have fun going to the slab yard and finding one with vein patterns that speak to you or you can pair wood countertops for your island with traditional countertops on your perimeter. 

Ways to personalize your bathroom

Even though the bathroom is considered a functional area in the home that doesn’t mean it has to be boring or traditional in looks. Several designers are now bringing back wallpaper but not like the old days where it was on every wall in bold, bright patterns though that is still an option. Wallpaper used on an accent wall in the bathroom can create a dramatic effect that will take it to the next level of excellence and elegance. Countertops are also a great way to have some fun by finding one that has a unique vein pattern or even a dark choice against a light vanity. It makes it stand out and takes your breath away. Floor tile is a wonderful way to incorporate something different and unique to the bathroom and can really give it a “wow” factor. Tile companies like Crossville and Daltile offer so many varieties of tile including ones that look like wood which can add warmth to your bathroom space. A freestanding soaker tub can be an expression of your personality as there are several shapes and sizes for you to select from now as well. Even the color of your bathroom vanity can be a way for you to highlight something you enjoy as well.

Ways to personalize your living room

The living room is one spot in the home that tends to be used often so it makes sense that it should reflect you in every area. Accent pieces and furniture are the key features that will be noticed right away whenever someone visits so pick items that really represent you. Don’t be afraid to embrace color, even bold ones, in furniture pieces like the sofa. Even manufacturers have responded to the demand by designing sofas that have unique textures or a fun blend of metal and fabric. Select accent pieces like pillows, table lamps, and home decor pieces that you love. Who says they even have to match each other? There are several amazing design styles that are a blend of several which results in something that is specifically theirs. Include pictures of things that matter to you or special family memories to personalize it to you. Canvas prints are a beautiful way to fill your walls with the people you love most. The living room is meant to be a place that truly feels like the place you can come and let your hair down.

Ways to personalize your home office

As more and more people work from home, adding your personal touch to a home office can be considered essential. With many spending 8 to 10 hours in this space it is important that there are things inside that give your eye a rest and refresh your creativity. Think about the things you enjoy and use that as your foundation for reinventing your space. Do you like inspirational quotes? Find some that mean a lot to you and have them turned into a work of art for your wall. Love the outdoors? Bring in some potted plants to brighten up the space plus they will clean the air for you and are good for your eyes when you need a break from the computer screen. Find a chair that feels good to you, after all you are sitting in it most of the day or maybe add a comfortable armchair where you can sit when working on your laptop or reading through files. Incorporate some favorite framed memories from vacations or adventures to make it truly personal and maybe add some fun accent pieces that make you smile. Having an office that you enjoy coming to every day because it reflects your personality can make a big difference in your performance levels. Just a few simple upgrades or adjustments are all it takes.

Personal expression through design

There is no denying the truth found in the statement, your home is your castle and who doesn’t want a custom castle? Now more than ever there are items available to you to completely personalize your spaces to reflect your specific personality. There is freedom to break the traditional design rules of the past and express yourself in so many ways by combining what you love into something new. Every area of your home should tell guests your story, it should speak to them of the things that matter most to you. By selecting colors, textures, patterns, shapes, and art that correctly embraces your individual tastes you can accomplish that goal. Don’t be afraid to step outside of the box and share what matters to you. At its core that is what design is about, using a combination of varying elements to tell your story to the world.