Have you ever walked into a house that is beautifully decorated but has no character? It’s like you’ve stepped into a home furnishing catalogue where everything has been put into place, there are no books or shoes lying around and no memorabilia that tells stories about the owners of the place. Perfect for a photo shoot, but not for a home.

On the other hand, there are houses that scream personality and individuality. There’s no secret as to who can live there because they’re plastered their style all over the place. There’s no catalogue feel to those houses, those are proper homes lived in by very real people.

Having your own place gives you the opportunity to express your tastes and style throughout the rooms and your first step is to know what you like. Your tastes are different to your parents’ taste so if your former house had magnolia walls yet you love bright pink, go for it! Trends change over the years so what was in 20 years ago may no longer be ideal for today.

If you’re not quite sure what style to go for then buy a selection of home and design magazines to get ideas and inspiration. Take the time to go round various shops looking at fabrics, furniture and other items that you’d like to decorate your place with. You might want to take a friend whom you trust with you, someone who knows you well and who will give you advice according to what is best for you. Don’t let people impose their ideas and opinions on you because at the end of the day you’re going to be living in the house.

A simple method to add that personal touch is to adorn your house with photos. Photos of yourself, your family, your friends, your pets, places you’ve visited, anything that holds memories for you. By placing photos on your wall and around the house you get to share these experiences with your guests. Seeing your photos on a daily basis will also help to remind you of these special times.

If you like quirky items that you’re unlikely to find in regular shops then you might want to take your search online and browse eBay. Online shopping can lead to some great finds that you’re unlikely to see in other people’s homes and can often prove to be bargains too. When browsing the listings pay particular attention to the description given as you don’t want to end up buying junk. Also take into account the price of shipping; bringing furniture from abroad can prove to be a pricey venture so it’s best to stick to ordering items that are smaller and/or lighter such as cushions, frames and knick knacks.

Another site for ‘different’ items is Etsy where all items are either handmade or vintage. This isn’t an auction or a bargain site so prices will vary greatly; however, you can end up with some original finds that will liven up your home decor instantly.

If you prefer to keep things local then browsing markets, house sales and car boot sales is a good idea to search for original pieces at good prices. This is especially relevant if you like the retro look but want an authentic piece rather than a made-to-look-retro item (which usually turns out to be pretty pricey anyway).

You can also take a paintbrush to items and spruce them up to look exactly as you want them to. A fresh coat of paint can make something look new and one of a kind.

Decorating a house is a tiring, yet very rewarding, process so have fun it with and make sure that there are elements of you all over the place. If you share the place with someone… well, you may have to compromise on the pink walls.

Style Tips

• Experiment with your favourite colour/s on the walls
• This also applied to fabrics and textures. When it comes to cushions, spots and stripes can live together
• If you adore flowers/cows/cars, then show it. Place them on the ceiling if that takes your fancy
• If you can afford to, hire a designer. Just don’t let him/her impose their style on you
• Decorate with photos and mementos from trips abroad or special events in your life to give the place a truly personal and individual look
• Take advice from people; just don’t compromise on your own vision

Published in HOMES & DESIGN, The Sunday Times – August 15, 2010