Customized Castle: Creative Ways to Decorate Your Home

American novelist Chuck Palahniuk, author of “Fight Club” (yes, the very same book from which the movie was based) once wrote, “find joy in everything you choose to do; every job, relationship, home… it’s your responsibility to love it, or change it.” Many people long to do just that when it comes to their living space. Aside from color palate and the usual furnishings, you might find yourself at a bit of a loss for how to really make your home into a customized environment. Sure, your couch is comfy and your hardwood floors gleam, but if your quarters aren’t really screaming “you” or you’re just a bit uninspired, perhaps all you need is a creative boost to get things going in the right direction.

Location, Location, Location

If you need a little inspiration to make your home proudly stand out, consider bringing the outside to the inside. It doesn’t have to be your yard, either; in fact, it doesn’t have to be local at all. Choose any location in the world that you please! Add some house plants that correspond to the region you’ve selected; cacti for warm, dry areas, or lush indoor greenery. Of course you want your home to showcase photos of your loved ones, but you can also use that same approach to capture the imagery and vibe of the outdoors with canvas prints. Maybe choose one of a notable attraction that’s located in the same or similar environment you’re aiming to embody, or use a more obscure nature/outdoor scene. Canvaspop.com explains that you can let custom art do all the talking or give it a little something extra by choosing a complimentary color for the wall either as a backdrop or an accent on an opposite wall. The use of photography can enhance and compliment any motiff, as what the photos exhibit can be literally anything. The options really are endless.

Multiple Sensory Input

A lot of emphasis is placed on visual decor for obvious reasons, but research shows that the sense of smell has strong, direct links to parts of the brain that involves emotion and memory. Why not include multiple senses when it comes to customizing your home? Different fragrances can evoke feelings of calm, excitement, and most importantly: home. You can choose to incorporate this sense in a number of ways; there are oil warmers, electric scent plug-ins, incense, candles, essential oil diffusers, and more to choose from. As for what fragrance to use, you can decide on one (or a couple) that compliment your outdoor theme (ie, coconut for tropical regions), or choose something entirely different that you feel embraces the energy you want for your living space.

What makes a house a home entails just one important thing. Home is where your loved ones gather, where memories are made, and meals are shared. Customizing and decorating your space is an extension of you and your family. How you choose to personify is completely individual, so whatever you choose, there is no right or wrong way to show your true colors.