How to make your home look more unique

Your home should reflect your personality, but that’s easier said than done when you live in a new-build house or don’t have the funds to make major changes to the layout or refurb the kitchen or bathroom. There’s also a danger that you could go overboard, with too many clashing styles and colours – leaving rooms looking confused or busy. So, what’s the answer? Well, by following these simple tricks, you can easily make your home look more unique and more you.

Work out your likes and dislikes

Firstly, as your interior décor needs to reflect your personality, it’s helpful to think about what you do and don’t like. You could try browsing interior design magazines or taking a look at interiors accounts on Instagram. Another good place to find inspiration is MyJobQuote’s Facebook page. It covers a good range of interior design styles and showcases some of the more unusual home interiors created by professionals and enthusiasts alike.

Don’t automatically follow trends

Although it’s tempting to simply follow trends, doing this will simply leave your home looking the same as everyone else’s. If you really like a particular trend, try putting your own unique spin on it or only go with your favourite elements of it. For instance, if you love the trend for slatted wall panels, try using them on an island or as a room divider rather than simply using them for a feature wall. Or, if you like the trend for striped wallpaper, try hand-painting stripes on your walls instead for a more unique take.

Don’t be afraid to mix colours, patterns and styles

Sticking to one colour throughout the house can make your home look a bit bland. And going with furniture and sofas from one range can leave your home looking a bit too matchy-matchy. Although interiors can look a bit busy if you mix too many colours and patterns, shying away from this altogether can leave your home lacking in personality. Equally, if you like certain elements from different design periods such as Victorian, Art Deco and mid-century, don’t be afraid to mix them together.

Adding unique fabric designs to your décor is a brilliant way to bring colour and character into your home. One way to do this is by hanging custom flags in your home. Whether hung on a wall, framed as art, or draped across a cosy corner, they instantly make a space feel more personal. You can choose patterns that reflect your family, travels, or passions, turning décor into a story. It’s an easy way to add style, personality, and a unique talking point to any room.

Blend old and new

Mixing old and new items is a great way to add uniqueness to your home. Throwing in a few antique touches to an off-the-shelf kitchen or bathroom is one of the best ways to make it look that bit different. For instance, using vintage light fittings and scaffold board shelves in a kitchen. Or, in the bathroom, going with a reclaimed wood bath panel or accessorising with items like vintage enamel soap dishes and pottery vases or adding in a rustic stool or antique chair.

Choose handmade over mass-produced

Getting a local carpenter or joiner to help you create some built-in or bespoke furniture is a surefire way to make rooms look more unique. For large items such as alcove storage units, kitchen pantry cupboards and wardrobes, this can sometimes work out more cost-effective than buying stand-alone versions from well-known brands. Similarly, using handmade tiles on a splashback and switching out standard handles for ones from an ironmonger can give a flatpack kitchen a more handcrafted feel.

Upcycle your belongings

Upcycling décor and household furnishings is one of the best ways to achieve a unique-looking interior. Painting patterns onto plain tiles and plant pots will add more individuality around the home without needing to spend much money. Upcycling plain or mass-produced furniture with new finishes, handles and legs is an affordable alternative to buying handmade pieces and will create something new and unique.

Ditch the feature wall

Thinking outside the box will help make your home more unique and will add character. That’s why it can be a good idea to ditch the tried-and-tested feature wall and highlight other architectural features instead. You could paint doorframes and window recesses in a contrasting colour to highlight them instead. Or you might fancy painting the doors themselves or perhaps the ceiling.

Use personal items

Using personal items as part of your home’s décor is another good way to make your interior stand out. Travel mementoes and kids’ drawings work particularly well in amongst prints and paintings on a gallery wall. But you may also have heirlooms or things you have been gifted that you can put on display around the home.

Take your time

Finally, it’s worth noting that creating the perfect home interior takes time. So, don’t try to force it or get the job done in a matter of weeks. Let it evolve slowly. By collecting and curating your belongings over time, you’ll have a greater connection to your interior décor and will find that it’s naturally unique.