Let your stuff tell your story

Who are you? An artist, musician, traveler, or parent? What do you love? The color yellow, science fiction, flowers, or knitting? What makes you, YOU?

Our homes should reflect who we truly are. The colors we choose, the items we display, and the overall feeling of our spaces tell the world all about us. If you need some ideas for injecting your personality into your home, consider these categories for inspiration.

Travel

Travel

Where have you been in your life so far? What places made your heart sing? Maybe you recharged at a tropical island, or took a road trip with your best friend, or went to cooking school in Italy. Think about how you can share those memories through your home decor.

L-R: My handprinted ceramic plates from Siena (Italy) are on proud display in my home; Caity from Pamplemousse Papers showcases her Swedish dala horse on her kitchen shelves; and a Otomi embroidered pillow from my trip to Mexico City graces a chair in my living room.

Artwork from your favorite destination is a great way to keep your memories on display. Textiles—pillows, tablecloths, rugs—that you picked up on your travels are easy to sprinkle throughout your home.

Family connections

Family

You probably already have family photos scattered about your house, but think about other ways you can tell the story of your family. Have you inherited pieces from family members that you can showcase? What about art made by relatives? Consider these ideas . . .

L-R: Frame your kid's masterpieces for unique and personal art; display homemade family heirlooms, like this metal horse on my credenza that was crafted in the 1970s by my Uncle; or show your style and your family history via a beautiful hand-me-down, as my sister has with our grandmother's pink vase.

Quirky collections

Eclectic Collections

I'm fascinated by what other people collect, and especially how they display their collections. A good collection is an instant peek into the owner's personality and the perfect conversation starter. I myself collect fun drinking glasses, owls, vintage Santa mugs, anything MCM, and stuff with hand motifs (see below).

L-R: Elsie's impressive display of colorful vintage glassware; my travel-obsessed friend Christoph's collection of vintage airline pins, artfully framed by his husband Joe; a hand-shaped bread board and accessory tray from my hand collection.

Hobbies

Hobbies

Don't hide away your hobbies—show them off in your home. If you're a movie buff, frame your ticket stubs or movie posters; if you're a mixologist, make the most of your fancy liquor and barware. More examples . . .

L-R: Hang your musical instrument to show you're a player (via Guitarmetrics); a stack of colorful travel books on your coffee table tells your guests a lot about you; a clever paint palette clock from RipdNTorn on Etsy is a bold choice that screams "an artist lives here!"

Look around your house—what can you find that tells your unique story?