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Last Updated on December 19, 2024 by Alaina
Have you ever walked into a room and felt like you’d seen it before? Maybe you didn’t even walk into the room, but you were looking at content online and noticed too many rooms have too many similarities. Maybe it’s the cookie-cutter furniture, the same neutral tones, or decor that screams “on sale at the big box store.” It’s not bad, but it’s not memorable either. The truth is, a lot of homes fall into the trap of looking… well, generic.
Even if you live in an apartment or a home where the architecture or the exterior of the home doesn’t exactly scream “custom,” but believe it or not whether you rent or own, yes, you have way more creative power than you think. Seriously, it’s time to break free from the IKEA catalog vibe and design a space that’s as unique as you are. But where do you even start?
Stop Buying Mass-Produced Products
If everyone else can buy it, chances are it’s not going to make your home stand out. For starters, mass-produced decor and furniture from big-name stores are easy and accessible, but they don’t bring anything personal to the table. If your wall art, throw pillows, and coffee table all came from the same aisle, your home is going to look… like everyone else’s.
So, why not look at smaller brands? Why not look into artisans? How about exploring local markets? Just think about it, would you rather buy a generic lamp from a big box store for the sake of convivence or would you rather wait and search for a stylish floor lamp that’s essentially an accent piece of its own? There are so many one-of-a-kind pieces out there, so why settle for less when you can create beautiful little moments in your home through thoughtfully curated decor?
Keep Away from Trends
Yes, trends. They’re fun while they last, but they’re the fast fashion of the decor world. For example, pineapple decor was everywhere a few years ago, and now it feels like a distant (and regrettable) memory. Currently, it’s all about wabi-sabi and rustic minimalism, but by the time you finish your coffee, another trend will be taking over Pinterest boards.
You’re better off going for something timeless, but it also helps to understand that timelessness doesn’t mean boring. It means finding a style that feels personal to you. Love bold colors? Incorporate them. Prefer a serene, neutral palette? Lean into it. When you create a space that reflects your own taste instead of chasing trends, your home will always feel fresh, no matter what’s in style.
Mix and Match Styles
Alright, so nothing screams “generic” like a room that looks like it was ordered straight from a catalog. This has been a thing since mass-produced furniture, but still, don’t fall for it! Matching furniture sets and overly coordinated decor feel safe, but they also lack personality.
Mixing styles, on the other hand, adds depth and tells a story. If you’re buying all of your furniture from IKEA, well, it’s pretty obvious that you bought all of your furniture from IKEA (there’s just a certain style that IKEA has). Just play around with materials, shapes, and colors. Matchy-matchy just isn’t a good look.
Avoid the Default Furniture Layout
Most people instinctively push all their furniture against the walls and call it a day. For the most part, this arrangement doesn’t always make a space feel welcoming. It often leaves the room feeling boxy and uninspired, like it’s waiting for a dance floor to appear in the middle. Instead, try floating your furniture away from the walls, it’s what wealthy people do for their homes.
Don’t Be Afraid to Add Quirks
Homes that stand out often have a bit of quirk to them. Just think of vintage finds, unexpected pops of color, or decor that makes people smile. Maybe it’s a funky ceramic vase, a collection of antique cameras, or a bold wallpaper in the powder room. These touches show personality and turn a house into a home. But overall, the key is balance. So, just add a few playful pieces without going overboard.
Personalize with Meaningful Items
It was briefly mentioned earlier, but the goal should be about thoughtful curation. Sure, it takes a while to do, but overall, it’s really worth doing for your home. Overall, there’s nothing that makes a home feel more unique than having every piece have meaning. But overall, these items tell a story and add warmth that no mass-produced decor can replicate.