Your Guide To Creating An Authentic Home
Do you know what sets your home apart from anyone else’s? Your authenticity.
An authentic home tells a story that feels like it’s been lived in, loved, and evolved over time. Uncomplicated, real, humble and welcoming.
It’s a true reflection of those that live there, and even those before them. Having an authentic home is about embracing the imperfections and the quirks that come with a home’s history. It’s not about creating a perfect, magazine-ready space. Instead, it’s about making choices that feel right for the people who live there (you!)—whether it’s mixing old and new, showcasing cherished family heirlooms, or using striking, unexpected colours and patterns that reflect individuality. (Give me African geometrics any day of the week!) An authentic home doesn’t just look good—it feels good. It’s a space that invites you in, that’s comfortable, and that makes you feel connected to it. It’s about the atmosphere, the energy, and the feeling it evokes when you walk through the door. It's the small, personal touches—like a favourite armchair, a well-worn rug, or a collection of travel mementos—that truly make a space feel like home. Authenticity isn’t about keeping up with trends or achieving perfection. It’s about celebrating what you love, and creating a space that reflects your life and your journey.
Creating an authentic home is about making a space that feels personal, comfortable, and truly yours. Here’s a few tips on how to get started:
1. Fill It with Meaningful Items
Begin with the things that matter to you. Surround yourself with what you love! Whether it’s a family heirloom passed down through generations, a travel souvenir from a memorable trip, or a gift from someone special, each piece tells a story. These items are more than just decor—they hold memories, emotions, and personal connections. They give your home a unique character and a sense of soul.
Tip: Let your space tell your story, not a trend. Choose pieces that feel personal, not just "on-brand."
2. Embrace Imperfections
The charm of an authentic home comes from its lived-in feel—scuffed floors, a well-loved armchair, or creaking floorboards. These imperfections make your home approachable and warm, and they show that your home is a place where life happens.
Tip: Don’t worry about everything being perfectly "curated." When you have a home that is collected with what you love, need and use, designed with how you live, it’s curated for you and always evolving with you. Your home can be styled beautifully, and lived in and loved, especially when you refine it to your collection.
3. Mix Old and New
The beauty of an authentic home lies in its balance. Blending vintage treasures with modern, functional pieces creates a space that feels both timeless and evolving. It’s about merging the past and present, and making sure that everything works together while still feeling like you.
Tip: Don’t be afraid to mix eras. An old wooden chair paired with a sleek, modern sofa is always a winning combination in my eyes!
4. Reflect Your Personal Style
Your home should reflect you—not the latest trend. Think about what makes you feel most at home. Choose furniture, colours, and textures that resonate with your personality and values. Have what you love, need and use in your home. Don’t chase after "what’s in"; instead, create a space that feels right for you.
Tip: If you love a piece, make it work in your space. Even if it doesn’t fit the current style, it’s your home, and that’s what matters most.
5. Prioritise Comfort Over Perfection
Your home is meant to be lived in, so it should feel comfortable and functional. Prioritise cosiness and practicality. Comfortable sofas, soft textiles, and a layout that supports how you actually live are more important than a magazine-worthy look. A home should be designed based on your needs, goals and values as as individual.
Tip: Your home should invite you in. Focus on creating spaces that are easy to relax and feel calm in, not just to look at.
6. Bring Nature Inside
A connection to nature brings calm and balance. Use natural materials like wood, stone, linen and of course bring in plants and fresh flowers. Let in natural light wherever you can. Nature has a way of grounding a space, making it feel refreshing and real.
Tip: Greenery is always a good idea. A few well-placed plants can completely transform a room’s atmosphere!
7. Make It Timeless
Instead of following fleeting trends, think about what will stand the test of time. A motto I have if you are going to invest in high quality pieces, ‘buy once, buy well.’ Choose pieces that reflect your core values and will still feel good in years to come. Your home should be something that will grow with you, not just something that looks good right now.
Tip: Go for quality and pieces that you love, not things that will just fill the space temporarily.
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