I think one of the most important parts of creating a home you love is choosing things that make you happy.
Not what is currently trending.
Not what someone else says you should have.
Not necessarily what costs the most.
Choose something that catches your eye. Something that inspires you. Something that makes you smile every time you see it.
For me, it's a side table. The side table in the featured image is one of my favorite pieces from Ballard Designs. I fell in love with its whimsical floral legs—it felt less like furniture and more like a little piece of art.
[See the table at Ballard Designs →]
I had to have it.
And now, every time I walk into the room, I see those little flowers and smile.
It's a small thing, but it changes how I feel in the space.
I have another example: a piece of artwork featuring a sweet-faced cow.
There is something about him that makes me happy. Every time I look at his face, I think about how cute he is—and it makes me smile.
Then there's the throw blanket on my couch.
It's soft. It's cozy. It's wonderfully snuggly.
And I don't care what the temperature is outside. If I'm sitting on the couch, chances are I'm going to wrap myself in that blanket.
It makes me feel cozy, safe, and at home.
None of these things necessarily represent some grand design rule. They aren't things I chose because someone told me they would make my home look luxurious.
I chose them because they made me feel something.
And I think that's where truly personal design begins.
Let Your Home Tell Your Story
When you fill your home with things that you genuinely love, something wonderful happens.
Your home begins to reflect you.
Your personality.
Your sense of humor.
Your memories.
The things that make you feel happy, comfortable, inspired, or even a little nostalgic.
And suddenly, your home doesn't look like everyone else's.
It becomes one of a kind.
That's something I believe is far more valuable than simply following a design trend.
A room can be beautifully decorated, but if it doesn't make you feel anything, it can still feel like it's missing something.
On the other hand, a room filled with pieces that have meaning to you can feel completely luxurious—even if those pieces weren't expensive.
So when you're designing your next room, don't start by asking:
“What should I buy?”
Start by asking:
“What do I love?”
What makes you stop and look twice?
What makes you smile?
What makes you feel peaceful?
What makes you feel cozy?
What reminds you of somewhere you've been—or someone you love?
Find those things.
Then build around them.
Because when your home is filled with things that make your heart happy, it becomes more than beautiful.
It becomes your sanctuary.
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