We all want our homes to be a reflection of who we are. So how can we incorporate more of ourselves into our interiors? Here are four ways to personalise your space.

In a largely homogeneous world, it’s important that we can escape to a home that feels like us. Incorporating a sense of self into your interiors will amplify the sense that you’ve created a nest: somewhere safe, welcoming and distinctly yours.

But how to do that? Before you begin thinking about personalising your space, ask yourself these questions:

• What do I really value?
• What brings me joy?
• What makes me feel relaxed and calm?

With your answers in mind, here’s a little more food for thought.

Decorative pieces with meaning

Rather than displaying cookie-cutter pieces that can be found in every homewares store, choose decorative elements that are really meaningful to you. These could be family heirlooms passed down through the generations, treasured gifts from friends and family, or mementoes from a favourite holiday. If you’re a collector, grouping your treasured pieces together will have more impact than scattering them willy-nilly throughout the house. Arrange a display of meaningful pieces — everything from a shell to an old house key to a baby photo — in a metallic-trimmed glass photo box on a coffee table. Not only will it look great, but it might start an interesting conversation.

Colour, colour and more colour

Everybody loves a crisp white wall, which is why white remains an enduring staple in our interiors. But white doesn’t really have a personality. Colour, on the other hand, not only adds visual interest to a space, it speaks volumes about who we are. “The first thing we see and respond to in a room is colour,” says Karen Haller, a colour psychologist and author of The Little Book of Colour. “We have an emotional reaction to it.” We’re not suggesting painting all your walls purple; rather, introduce hues in manageable doses, especially if colour is a newish concept for you. This might be as simple as painting your front door a striking shade of teal or pink, or adding drama to a self-contained room (rather than an open-plan space) with deep, rich shades of blues, greys and reds. And don’t forget about wallpaper! It can add oodles of interest to spaces like hallways and powder rooms.

Creative agency

Home-made pieces are deeply personal, but how do you incorporate that kind of authenticity if you’re not an arty-crafty type? You only need to search “DIY home decor” on the internet or Pinterest to find a thousand ideas, but key here are simple creative concepts that reflect who you are. Why not consider printing your favourite digital photographs of family and friends in black and white, mounting them in different-sized white frames and arranging them in a striking vignette on a wall or in the hallway? Similarly, scour op shops for old paintings, then use the ornate frames as backdrops to your children’s works of art.

The vintage advantage

Things with a patina of age sing individuality, and there are plenty of ways you can incorporate vintage pieces into your interiors without making them seem old-hat (remembering that less is more.) Like lighting! Statement ceiling lights from the 1950s, ’60s and ’70s will add a unique talking point to a room, as will retro and antique standing and table lamps. Yes, downlights are invaluable over your kitchen workbenches, but think about old industrial pieces as feature lighting over an island. Don’t be afraid to raid your nan’s linen collection, either. A beautifully embroidered tablecloth will elevate any dining table, and a hand-crocheted blanket or throw will add individuality to a couch or armchair. Statement furniture pieces, like a mid-century sideboard or an antique armoire, add a sense of eclecticism.

Organise your money

Creating a plan to personalise your space is one thing, but ensuring you have the budget for it is another. With a Suncorp Bank Everyday Options account¹, you’ll get a main account with debit card² access for your day to day spending and can choose to add up to 9 sub-accounts³ for things like Bills or your Mid-century Furniture Fund. Sub-accounts can be used to organise or bucket your money depending on your goals.

And, when you do find that new statement piece online at a budget friendly price but overseas, rest easy knowing there are $0 foreign currency conversion fees on Visa Debit² card purchases made with the Everyday Options account and no monthly account keeping fees. Less fees means more in the budget for you.

Learn more about our Everyday Accounts

Published 1 January 2022