Home is where the Heart is: make yours uniquely your own

It's difficult to give specific advice on how to make your home unique - because every home is as different as there are people and personalities. A new home, whether previously occupied or brand new, is like the white space of an unwritten page - you can mark the words as you like and create your own personal story.

The way you decorate your home is your own signature, but complementing that is what you prefer to put on display - whether paintings, ornaments, collections, memorabilia. All of this creates an utterly unique space that is a combination of personal likes of colour and form, supported by memories that are uniquely yours. But there's a further step when you add a touch of flair here and there, creating interest and surprise, making your story come alive, and your view of who you are evident in the décor of your home.

The Arty Look

Collections. Keep your collections visible through shelving designed specifically to highlight display without becoming overbearing on the design of the room. These items are the benchmarks of your life, the ticked boxes that are solely yours. If there is any point of uniqueness in a home, this would be it.

Pictures. Do something different with your pictures. Spotlights are useful to warm the colours and make the presentation more noticeable. But perhaps be daring, and hang pictures under a window. This can draw the eye to the window and also add a playful ambience to the room.

Art in the bath. Bathrooms are increasingly becoming popular for adding unusual decor to a home - but don't follow trends. Do something that makes this conventional space truly inspiring. A stunning work of art behind the door, or a section of wall devoted to family photos in high-class frames, walls painted with chain designs. Everything you add to this area creates a sense of self-connection and personal statement.

Colour. These simple changes can truly define your personality! Paint your rooms different colours, or make use of unexpected dark colours: a bedroom in purple, a living room in red and gold, a bathroom in lavender. But remember to add lighter items as bold contrast against darker choices. There is no greater uniqueness than colour combinations that create mood and character. A singularly effective home can be muted in pale shades with startling displays of art and artefacts - or bright and bold with arresting strong colours that demand attention. Either way, people will certainly get the gist of who you are!

Practical Pieces

• The kitchen offers the most fun in décor because you can try so many aspects such as colour combinations, and unexpected decorations such as unusual artwork, quirky photographs, and unique containers with humorous pictures. Startle with colour - kitchens come in all shades! Choose shades that warm the heart, lighten the mood, and truly express the distinctive heart of your home.

• The front door is a big statement. Make it stand out by simply painting it a bright colour, or commission an art design from a wood craftsman or metal sculptor. Add pot-plants of note on either side, or even build a portico with Roman-design pillars for truly impressive effect. Either way, your front door should be a bold statement of style, security and an inkling of what lies beyond.

• Furniture follows function - but you can add real distinction when you add a swing couch or a rocking chair. Cosy cane ball-seats suspended from the ceiling create both modern quirkiness and a place to withdraw with a book or cup of tea, swinging gently on a soft breeze from an open door. Cleverly angled and juxtaposed with other furniture in your room, seating can become an expression and strong stamp of character.

• Handles and doorknobs offer an easy way to change the look of your house. Go for brass, wood, leather or even rope, in eye-catching design. Making your doorknobs and kitchen cupboard handles part of your art display, but also functional in application, is a good move in developing a unique look for your home.

• Ceilings are an often forgotten when thinking of ways to make a unique décor statement. It's another blank page; add wood beams or chandeliers, or mirrors to make the room feel larger. Add a medallion to the base of the central light, add funky inset lighting, stencil work, or even wall paper.  And consider adding simple effects with a paint colour other than white. With these options, you are creating fascinating décor while making your house entirely different and completely your own.

• Plants add greenery, a restful beauty. Avoid the usual tubs and bowls and do something different so that the plant is more than just the usual background object. Hanging plants will always prove a talking point, very noticeable and useful as room dividers or helpful in lowering very high ceilings. Your choice of plant and positioning is always an individual reflection. There are many plants in homes, but decisions with regard to display, size and effect are purely your own.

Home Sweet Home

Ignore trends. The point about adding individuality to your home is not about impressing guests, it's about what makes you feel happy and emotionally connected to your home. Home is where the heart is, and it should make you feel relaxed, comforted and tranquil; an oasis in the hustle bustle of life. It's a very personal space - and this must be reflected in every choice of décor, every item on display, every memory honoured by loved objects, photographs and a lifetime of acquisitions. The personality of your home is about taste, it's about judgement - but it's also about life.

Bring life to a room. Create a room with balance and contrast, thus creating intrigue. Mix large with small, dark with light. Build opposites and variety in textures; this adds interest to a room and experience of that room. The point is not décor for décor's sake, but to add harmony, personal satisfaction and the sanctity of a space that is uniquely your own. If you feel both invigorated by your home surroundings and comfortable, then you have struck the cords of originality and individuality, and your own personal peace. 

The Leapfrog Property Group

Leapfrog Property Group offers a fresh and innovative approach to buying, selling, renting and property investments, ensuring the best property deals for clients across South Africa. Our agents are qualified, trained, experienced; our approach bold and spirited, driven by heart, generosity and honesty. It is our mission to advise,  eliminate obstacles and save you unnecessary expense. Trust is our watchword. And value our motto. Armed with our combined credentials, we are the bright face of excellence in the South African market. 

Find us at: www.leapfrog.co.za

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