Tell Your Family’s Story with Thoughtful Home Decorating
Have you ever walked into a home, looked at something that caught your eye, and thought, “Wow, that is so cool”? After you noticed some unique piece of art, a wall of photos or a travel keepsake, you probably turned to the owner of the home and said, “Tell me the story behind that”. Decorating by focusing on your family’s interests and unique style will not only create a warmer, more comfortable place to come home to, but also invite visitors to ask questions and get to know you a little better.
For the creative type, this may come easily. My friend’s daughter recently took an old window from her shed, refinished it, added hooks and hung it on the wall as a coat rack. When someone asks her about it, she tells them, not only about the window, but also the history of the shed that she removed and replaced with a newly constructed garage.
Even if you don’t have the time or patience for more in-depth craft projects, you probably do have time for some basic but unique design projects. Everyone has a stack of photos that are stored away in a closet, never to be looked at again. Why not choose 10 or 15 of your favorite photos, pick up matching black 8x10 frames and hang the photos staggered on a wall that guests will notice when they come over. It creates an instant conversation starter and invites storytelling on both sides.
The next time you are on a trip, instead of buying the t-shirt souvenir, look for something more unique. In foreign countries this might be a small statue, a wall-hanging, or a beautiful piece of pottery. If you’re on a beach vacation, maybe you take a collection of beach findings and place them in a pretty glass jar. When you finish a bottle of your favorite wine, consider repurposing it into a lamp by putting string lights in the bottle and using it as a nightlight in the bathroom or hall.
Decorating should be stylish, tasteful & functional, but it should also include an element of you and your family. Let your home tell a story by choosing decorative items that have meaning, bring warmth and invite conversation.
Article provided by Gary Gentry
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