Whether you have moved into a brand new home and you are its first occupant or you live in a home that is many years old with a character of its own, it is important that you make your living spaces represent you and your family. Each of us have our own unique style and quirks, and there is nothing better than walking into a home that showcases all of that. Your home doesn’t have to be drab or run-of-the-mill—in fact, with my tried and true decorating tips, you can create a showplace that is your very own.
Here’s how:
Paint
The cheapest way to redecorate and give your home some flair is with paint. Growing up, my mom was an enthusiastic painter, always painting and re-painting rooms until she got just the perfect color. Mom always used to say, “if you don’t like it, you’re only one can of paint away from loving it!” I can tell you that as the owner of Saint Louis Closet Co., I’ve seen so many clients anguish over a color choice for months, even years. My advice? Just go for it! Go ahead and paint away and if you don’t love it, buy a new can of paint!
Yes, I’ve made tons of paint faux paus (haven’t we all?), and one time I even let a friend talk me into antiqued PINK, yes pink walls in my living room! It turned out Salmon, and I hated it. I simply selected another color and I ended up adoring the room and its hue.
Rugs
Floor rugs are a fabulous way to change the look and feel of a room. Rugs are an investment and they can truly turn a house into a home. Try them out, bring them home, live with them, but remember to buy the rug first not the drapes.
Start from the floor and work up was the best decorating advice I ever got, and I still use that advice to this day!
Photos
Photos are my form of artwork. Don’t get me wrong, I love art, but I love my family more! There is not one wall, not one shelf, not one table in my home that is not filled with family photos. It’s my own personal museum of my life and my kids, and it brings me joy and makes our space feel personal. Everyone who comes to my house always comments on my photos.
I have different areas with different themes; main stairwell all black and white photos I took of my kids from babies to age 6, basement family room; nothing but big beautiful square pics of family vacations, my entry hall buffet changes with the seasons – beach pics, Halloween pics, Christmas pics!
Have fun going through your pictures and selecting different eras or looks for each room. This can certainly add to the decor, and make it feel like a real home.
Favorite room
I love my home more than anything, and it has been a labor of love. It’s 122 years old and one block from where I grew up, and I can honestly say, I don’t want to live anywhere else.
I do have one favorite room – my Guest Bedroom. Years ago I fell in love with a picture in a decorating magazine because of a beautiful wallpaper—an English Garden on the wall with big beautiful blue flowers and whimsical bugs. This wallpaper makes me happy, and I had to have it. Lucky for me, my dad was a master wallpaper hanger and he brought this English Garden to the walls of my home. It’s here where I recycle out all those extra family photos from around my home, so the walls (and some of the wallpaper 
are covered with nothing but happy memories! I have 2 antique twin beds with blue/white quilts from my son’s baby room here too. It’s definitely my favorite place.
Find your favorite place in your home and make it one that you treasure. You can fill it with keepsakes, antiques or things passed down to you, or use it as your template where you can gather inspiration to make it happen.
I hope you’ve found my decorating tips useful, and that they help you create the home you’ve always wanted. With a simple few changes, you can really personalize your space and make it one that you and your family love.
What are your favorite decorating tips? Share in the comments.
