HOW TO MAKE YOUR HOME MORE ‘YOU-NIQUE’

 

By Alexis Donkin & Marinus Kleinjan

 

When it comes down to it, what really makes our homes unique? The word itself is defined as “being the only one of its kind, unlike anything else.” We would say that in regard to your home, to qualify as unique it should represent YOU. After all, you are like no other.

 

We all have individual tastes, styles, colour palettes, but what else can help your home define you? We have done the investigating, and discovered some of the answers were right under our nose.

 

Here, we’ll explain why in five totally do-able, affordable ways.

 

“BE BOLD, BE BRAVE”

 

Throw out the rule book! There, we said it. Some of the best Interior Designers admit trend has become a naughty word. More than 60% of Instagram users are online daily, and so we would suggest many (or most) of us would be familiar with #minimalism. Yes? It’s had 10.8 million posts alone. What about #neutral it’s gaining more popularity all the time at 670,000 individual posts. Our advice to achieve a unique home is – just do what makes you feel comfortable, happy, alive in your own space. Be eclectic, lash out on colour or pattern. Be bold, be brave! Don’t allow yourself to be conscious about the decisions YOU make for YOUR home.

 

FEATURE PIECES & FOCAL POINTS

 

Often there is one item in the home you love the most, share it with those around you. Make it a focal point. Renovating an old home? Find a piece of its original structure, something from an old barn or shed and bring it back to its former glory, upcycle perhaps? Feature pieces invoke interest and allow creativity. Did anyone see the recent episode of House Rules Australia where an old trough was converted into a laundry sink? Clever handy work, and enough to make you want to spend time in the laundry, or on second thought, maybe not!

 

TEXTURE, TEXTURE

 

Time and time again homeowners can be afraid to mix things up, trying meticulously to match the textures within a room to give a polished appearance. When often it can make the space look clinical. Luckily, we have found ways you can use a range of textures, while still being cohesive. Rough textures give the appearance of weight and comfort. Think old linen couches on floorboards, or perhaps shaggy rugs on tiles. Don’t be shy when it comes to your walls either, there are textured wallpaper designs which can give a room a wonderful appearance of depth.

 

DIY LIGHTING

 

It’s not just the expense when it comes to purchasing unique lighting, but often styles can look very generic. Nothing feels better than creating something with your own two hands (just ask us)! There is an endless array of ideas and instructions on how to DIY online. These are our top picks, and all you need is disused items from around the house.

 

Rope & Basket Lights

 

     Image Credit: Pinterest

 

Tea Cup & Saucer

 

Designed by Gregory Bonasera

 

Aluminium Graters

 

 

Image credit: recyclart.org

 

 

CUSTOM FURNITURE

 

Many of us enjoy being part of the design process when it comes to building or renovating our dream homes. Why not apply this principle to your furniture? Warning: Shameless plug ahead… We can help. Whether it be a wine rack, coffee table or even something smaller for entertaining purposes. A Lazy Susan, or wooden platter. We can design and create wine glass holders, suitable for a table top at a party or even a picnic. Head to the online SHOP now, or give us a call to discuss your design ideas. Whatever you dream of, Barrels by Design can bring it to life.

 

Image Credit : Marinus Kleinjan