How to Turn your House into a Home

Princy Hart, Hart & Schmitt Designs

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By Cathy Shouse | Photos provided by Hart & Schmitt Designs To make a house a home, add the personal touches that are unique to you. Princy Hart of Hart & Schmitt Designs shared her best tips and tricks. Hart and her partner Lin Schmitt earned interior design degrees, have over 30 years of combined experience, and started out in California before coming to the Midwest.

INTERIOR DECORATING 101

~ Display your personal keepsakes (i.e., personal artwork, photos, heirlooms, memorabilia, décor, and other items of sentimental value). They show your personality and soul. ~ Begin with your walls. Create a welcoming atmosphere by hanging some personalized photos of you and your loved ones. Gallery walls are a collection of artwork, photographs, or other treasures arranged creatively on a feature wall. Put photos in multicolored frames for a more dynamic look. ~ Then add a pop of your favorite color around your home. You could paint a feature wall, or add decorative accessories in every room of your home.

For example, if the color palette of your living room area is quite neutral, then you can add pieces of furniture upholstered in your favorite color.

You can also add your favorite colors through decorative items like pillows and throws. ~ Display your travel keepsakes. If you are into traveling, decorate with some of the mementos from places you have visited. Display them on side tables, sofa tables, coffee tables, or even mount them on your walls. ~ Share your personal artistry and talent by customizing spaces with items you created. Your home will become a true reflection of your personality. ~ Incorporate some different patterns to add distinction and vibrancy. Add cushions in different sizes and colors to your living room sofa to create a harmonious looking space. Add an area rug to complement the other patterns in your room. ~ For some further inspiration, visit Pinterest. Every idea is represented by a

“Pin”, which is an image that is searched and saved by Pinterest users. It is a free site and won’t cost you anything to sign up!

PERSONALIZING:

~ Turn your favorite photos into puzzles of various sizes and hang them on a gallery wall. ~ Mount collections on your walls (i.e., plates, baskets, coasters, musical instruments, sports memorabilia, etc.). ~ Add lights: twinkle lights, chili pepper lights, reading lamps, and more.

Lights are not just for Christmas decorating but can be used year-round! ~ Plop some greenery near a window; an easy way to add a pop of color. If you are not confident in taking care of real plants, use faux plants or succulents. Using greenery is a trend that will never go out of style. Personalizing your space will take some time and dedication. However, it’s the best way to create that unique ambience and welcoming feeling when you walk into your home. Show off your personality to your guests. a