40 Easy Home Decor Ideas and Styling Tips (Part Two)

If you’ve already checked out part one of my easy home decor ideas and simple hacks (and if not, don’t worry, you can pop over there anytime—I’ve linked it in here!), you know I’m all about practical tips that make your space feel amazing.

Now, in part two, I’m diving deeper with stylish storage solutions, clever little upgrades like swapping out hardware, seasonal decor swaps, and the magic of adding personal touches that really make your home uniquely yours.

These ideas don’t take a ton of effort or budget, but boy, do they pack a punch.

From tidying up clutter beautifully (hello, baskets and hidden storage!) to changing small details for big impact, you’ll soon see your home transform into a space you truly adore.

So get comfy, settle in, and let’s make your home even more gorgeous, organized, and full of personality.

I’m right here cheering you on!

Stylish Storage Solutions: Clutter Control with Class

Now, let’s chat about something not exactly glamorous but absolutely essential: storage. A beautifully styled home can lose its charm quickly if there’s stuff strewn everywhere or crammed into corners.

But storage doesn’t have to be just utilitarian – it can be stylish and even enhance your decor.

The key is to choose storage solutions that double as decor or at least blend seamlessly with it.

This way, you’re not only hiding the clutter but also adding texture or visual interest. Here are some tried-and-true strategies I use to keep my home looking tidy and chic.

Decorative baskets and boxes

I have a bit of an obsession with baskets – they are the unsung heroes of clutter control.

Toys taking over the living room? Toss them in a wicker basket in the corner.

Random charging cables, remotes, or game controllers? Stash them in a cute patterned box or small chest on your shelf.

Baskets come in so many styles: seagrass, wire, fabric, colorful, plain – you can always find one to suit your room’s look.

For example, in a coastal-themed space, some whitewashed woven baskets under a console look perfectly in place and hide all your magazines or knitting supplies.

In a modern space, sleek white or gray fabric bins on a shelf keep things minimalist.

I label mine on the inside of the lid if needed (so I know which one holds batteries, which holds photo cords, etc.), but on the outside, they just look like decor.

Multi-purpose furniture with hidden storage

We touched on this in small space tricks, but it applies to any home: furniture that sneaks in storage is gold.

Think coffee tables with drawers, benches that open up (hello entryway bench where you can store scarves, gloves, dog leash, and no one’s the wiser), or nightstands with multiple drawers instead of just a table.

Think about having an ottoman in your living room that stores all your board games. It looks like a normal ottoman, but lift the top and bam – Monopoly, Scrabble, and Uno cards galore…all of your favorite games just right there.

Using these multi-purpose pieces means every item can have a home, which keeps surfaces clear. And clear surfaces = instantly more stylish looking room.

Floating shelves and wall storage

If floor space is limited (or even if it’s not), consider going to the walls for storage.

Floating shelves can be arranged in visually pleasing ways, acting like a display for pretty items and a perch for functional things.

In the kitchen, I installed a couple of floating shelves and now my nice-looking jars of spices, teas, and canisters of dry goods line them – it’s storage that became a design feature.

Wall hooks or pegboards can be made to look cool too.

For instance, a set of decorative hooks by the door for coats and hats can eliminate that pile on the chair, and if you choose hooks in a finish that matches other accents (black iron, brass, etc.), they just seem like part of the design.

In a kid’s room, a pegboard painted a fun color can hold not only craft supplies or toys but also be an interactive decor element.

Use every nook (in a pretty way)

Look around your home – are there untapped nooks or weird spaces you can convert to storage?

Under the stairs, windowsills, the foot of the bed, behind doors – these can often host shelves or cabinets.

Add wall sconces for a touch of character and ambient lighting.

Even a shallow shelf running above a doorway (like in a bathroom or study) can hold books or baskets attractively.

If you have a deep windowsill, consider styling it with some books stacked on their sides and a couple of bins for small items, along with plants – it turns into a little built-in shelf with character.

Also consider corners: a corner bookshelf or etagere can utilize a spot that might otherwise collect dust bunnies.

Stylish labels and organization

When your storage is visible (like on open shelves or glass cabinet doors), maintaining a cohesive look is important.

One trick: decant items into pretty containers.

For example, laundry detergent pods can go into a big glass jar on the laundry shelf instead of the loud plastic bag, cotton swabs and bath salts into mason jars in the bathroom, cereal into matching clear canisters in the pantry.

It instantly looks orderly and satisfying (and you can see when you’re running low easily).

Use labels if necessary, but choose or DIY labels that have a nice font or design so they don’t look chaotic.

Chalkboard labels or simple black-on-clear sticker labels can be both functional and sleek.

Rotate and edit regularly

This is more of a habit than a styling tip, but it affects your storage style quotient.

I make it a point every so often to rotate what’s stored versus displayed.

For instance, I might put away some decorative items in a storage box for a season while displaying others, then swap.

This prevents too much buildup of stuff on every surface. It also forces me to edit – do I really need five throws in the living room at once, or can two be stored away?

Does every book need to be out, or can some favorites be out and others stored or even donated?

By editing down, the items you do display or keep accessible have room to shine, and the space feels calmer.

And when you do store stuff away, keep it accessible enough that you won’t dread retrieving it (otherwise, you’ll never put it away in the first place).

I like using the rule: items I need often should be in arm’s reach storage (drawers, closets at eye level), items used rarely can go higher up or further back.

Beautiful storage boxes or fabric baskets (which I use) on high shelves hold my sentimental cards and off-season decor – I only pull them down occasionally.

Meanwhile, baskets under the coffee table hold stuff I use frequently like current magazines or my knitting project – easy grab, easy hide.

Remember that an organized home is a stylish home because it allows your decorative elements to stand out and not get lost in mess.

And you can absolutely make organization pretty.

When your storage solutions complement your decor, they cease to be just storage – they become part of the design.

A row of matching baskets atop your kitchen cabinets can look intentional and charming, all while hiding your less-used appliances or party supplies.

A vintage cabinet with doors can house office supplies but outwardly just look like a lovely antique in the corner.

So give your storage a style upgrade: treat yourself to those nice baskets, paint a plain bookshelf to match your walls, line a cabinet back with patterned paper for a pop when you open it.

Little touches make staying organized feel more enjoyable, and your home will look guest-ready with minimal scrambling because everything has its place.

As the saying goes, “A place for everything and everything in its place” – I’d add, “in the most stylish way possible!”

Small Upgrades with Big Impact: Hardware and Fixture Hacks

Ever notice how in a great outfit, the accessories can make all the difference?

The same is true in your home.

Little details like doorknobs, cabinet pulls, faucets, light fixtures – these are the “jewelry” of your rooms.

If your home still sports basic builder-grade or outdated fixtures, swapping them out can yield a huge style payoff for not much money or effort.

It’s one of my favorite budget-friendly makeover tips: focus on the small upgrades. They’re like quick wins that together elevate the whole house.

Let’s look at some of these often-overlooked details you can update for a fresh new vibe.

Cabinet hardware

Changing out the knobs or handles on your kitchen and bathroom cabinets can make it feel like you got all-new cabinetry. No joke!

For example, say you have plain wooden cabinets from the 90s with those cheap-o brass knobs (you know the ones).

Try swapping in some modern matte black handles or brushed nickel pulls – suddenly the cabinets look more modern too.

Or if you want a touch of glam, go for brass or gold-toned hardware in a sleek shape.

Switching out your hardware is often as easy as unscrewing the old and screwing on the new (just check hole spacing if you have two-hole handles to make sure your new ones align).

And hardware can be very affordable – you can find pretty options for a few dollars apiece at home stores or online.

For a bathroom vanity, consider fun knobs – I’ve seen folks use crystal knobs for a vintage glam touch or leather loop pulls for a Scandinavian vibe.

It’s a small investment, big return.

Faucets and showerheads

Those standard chrome faucets can be blah. Upgrading to a stylish faucet can boost both looks and function.

Maybe a tall gooseneck faucet in black for the kitchen, or a waterfall style in the bathroom.

It’s a slightly bigger DIY (turning off water supply, using a wrench, etc.), but still something many homeowners can do in an afternoon.

You can swap out your kitchen faucet for one with a pull-down sprayer head and a sleek profile; it not only works better for washing dishes but also looks like a high-end fixture you’d see in a design magazine.

Same goes for showerheads—swap your basic model for a luxurious rainshower, a high-pressure massage version, or one like the beauty below (which I recently upgraded to myself!).

It not only feels incredible but instantly elevates your bathroom’s aesthetic. You can also choose a larger size or a unique finish to perfectly complement your space’s style.

Don’t forget, finishes matter: choosing a consistent finish across your hardware and fixtures (like all black, all brushed nickel, all brass, etc.) creates a sense of unity.

Lighting fixtures

Those “boob lights” (flush mounts with the dome and little finial) that many homes come with… yeah, not the cutest.

Swapping in a stylish light fixture is one of my go-to moves.

There are zillions of beautiful flush mounts, pendants, and chandeliers out there that can fit any budget.

Maybe over your dining table, you put a statement pendant that draws the eye (and compliments galore).

Or in the entryway, change the generic light to a fixture with some personality – maybe a lantern style if you like farmhouse, or a sleek drum shade for modern.

Even the bathrooms – a new vanity light bar or sconces can take it from dated to updated.

I once helped a friend replace her plain vanity strip light (those rows of bare bulbs) with two farmhouse-industrial sconces on either side of the mirror; the bathroom suddenly felt like a trendy B&B.

Lighting is functional art, in my opinion, so let your personality shine with it!

And you don’t have to spend a fortune; there are great finds at discount stores or online that mimic designer looks.

Switch plates and outlet covers

Here’s a teeny detail people often miss – those plastic beige outlet covers can stick out like sore thumbs, especially on painted or wallpapered walls.

Consider replacing them with covers that match the wall (you can even paint them to blend in) or decorative metal ones that match your hardware.

In if you want to get fancy in your dining room, use oil-rubbed bronze covers that match a chandelier and cabinet knobs – it’s a subtle cohesive touch.

Also, if you’re feeling handy, you can swap standard outlets for ones with USB ports – super practical for charging devices and a nice little “modern living” upgrade!

Doors and doorknobs

Interior doors sometimes get overlooked.

If yours are flat hollow-core and you’re dreaming of something with more character, an intermediate step is to paint them a nice color or add trim to create panels.

But if you can budget it, even replacing one or two prominent doors (like maybe a barn door for a pantry, or French doors for a study) can add a lot of charm.

At the very least, consider the doorknobs or levers.

Shiny brass builder knobs can be swapped for matte black or brushed nickel levers for a more contemporary look, or glass knobs for a vintage feel.

The visual and tactile experience of a nice doorknob cannot be underestimated – it’s something you touch every day, so upgrade that experience!

Little extras

Never underestimate the power of small details—they’re the secret sauce to giving your home that polished, upgraded feel. Here are a few easy yet impactful changes that elevate your space bit by bit, making your everyday life just a little nicer.

New house numbers

New house numbers on your exterior (stylish fonts or metal finishes can boost curb appeal).

A prettier thermostat

A prettier thermostat (yes, that’s a thing – or go smart with a Nest which looks sleek).

Updating drawer slides

Updating drawer slides or hinges so things close smoothly (functional but you’ll appreciate it daily).

Changing out an old air vent grille

Even changing out an old air vent grille for one that’s more decorative.

Each of these by itself might seem minor, but add them up, and your home starts to feel thoughtfully upgraded in every way.

What I love about focusing on hardware and fixtures is that it’s relatively low commitment if you change your mind, and it doesn’t require moving heavy furniture or remodeling walls.

It’s like giving your home a set of new earrings and a necklace – suddenly, even the plain dress (room) looks fabulous.

So if you’re itching for a change but don’t want to undertake a big project, look at the “jewelry” in your home. Swap out a thing or two.

You’ll be amazed how these small changes can refresh your space and make it feel custom-tailored to your taste.

Seasonal Swaps: Refresh Your Home for Every Season

One of the joys of having a well-styled home is adapting it with the seasons – it keeps things feeling fresh and celebrates the time of year.

Now, I’m not suggesting you redecorate top-to-bottom four times annually (who has time or money for that?).

Instead, think small swaps and accents that can give your home a seasonal twist without a ton of effort or expense.

It’s fun, I promise!

You’ll learn to love opening that box of spring decor or fall goodies like you’re reuniting with old friends.

Here’s how I approach seasonal styling in a practical, enjoyable way.

Pillow covers and throws

We talked about textiles already, and here they come to the rescue again.

Possibly the easiest seasonal switch is throw pillow covers and blankets.

For example, as summer ends and crisp fall weather arrives, I swap my lightweight cotton and linen pillow covers (the ones in breezy patterns or bright pops of color) for richer, warmer ones.

Out come the pillows in warm tones like mustard, rust, and chocolate, maybe a plaid or two, or a velvet pumpkin-print pillow I adore.

The lightweight summer throw on the sofa gets traded for a chunky knitted blanket or faux fur throw.

Instantly, the living room feels cozier and autumnal.

The beauty is that pillow inserts can stay – just change the covers!

This saves space (storing flat covers instead of whole pillows) and money (covers are often cheaper than complete pillows).

Dining and kitchen touches

Consider swapping out your table linens – a fresh table runner, placemats, or napkins in seasonal colors can set the tone.

In spring, I use a floral runner on the dining table and perhaps a bowl of lemons or a vase of cherry blossoms as a centerpiece.

Come fall, maybe a rustic burlap runner with mini pumpkins and a garland of faux fall leaves down the table.

Even the dish towels in your kitchen can change: I have a set with cute snowflakes and reindeer for winter, and some with lemons and herbs for summer.

They’re functional but also little pops of seasonal cheer.

Nature-inspired decor

This is one of my favorite tricks because it’s often free. Bring in elements from nature that reflect the season.

In spring and summer, clip some fresh flowers from the garden (or even wildflowers/weeds – a jar of Queen Anne’s lace or daisies looks so charming).

In autumn, gather some pretty fallen leaves, acorns, or pinecones on a nature walk; display them in a wooden bowl or clear vase.

A bundle of wheat stalks tied with a ribbon makes a lovely fall arrangement, too.

In winter, snip a few evergreen branches or holly sprigs and place them in a vase for that outdoorsy holiday feel (and wonderful scent!).

I love how these natural touches connect your home to what’s happening outside.

Switch up wall art or prints

If you have frames with interchangeable art or photos, consider rotating a few pieces seasonally.

Maybe in summer you display floral wall art or photos from a beach vacation, and in winter you swap in that print of a snowy forest.

I have a letterboard sign in my entryway where I change the quote or phrase each season – it’s become a little ritual that guests notice (“Pumpkin Spice and Everything Nice” might show up in October; “Baby It’s Cold Outside” in December; “Hello Sunshine” in June, you get the idea).

It’s playful and keeps the decor in sync with my mood.

Scent and ambiance

We style with our eyes, but don’t forget other senses.

Candles and diffusers are a wonderful seasonal layer.

In spring, I might burn a candle that smells like fresh linen or gardenia, in summer, something citrus or sea-breeze, in fall, it’s all about apple cider and pumpkin spice scents, and winter brings out pine, cinnamon, or vanilla by the fireplace.

These scents unconsciously signal the seasonal change and make the home environment feel complete.

Plus, candles add that warm flicker we all crave in the darker months. (Always practice candle safety, of course – or use good quality flameless ones and use an essential oil scent diffuser for worry-free ambiance.)

Holiday items in moderation

When it comes to specific holidays (Thanksgiving, Halloween, Christmas, Hanukkah, etc.), a few well-placed items can go a long way.

A seasonal wreath on the front door is a lovely greeting (I have a spring floral wreath, a bright summer wreath, a fall foliage wreath, and a winter evergreen one that I rotate).

A bowl of holiday ornaments or a small decorative tree on a side table can instantly say “’tis the season.”

For Halloween, maybe it’s a fun skeleton decoration or a couple of chic ceramic pumpkins on the mantle and some orange twinkle lights woven through a garland.

The key is to integrate, not inundate – you want your seasonal/holiday decor to complement your everyday style, not fight with it.

Choose a color scheme that works with your existing decor: e.g., if your living room is mostly blue and white, you might opt for white and silver Christmas decorations instead of traditional red and green, so it all flows nicely.

Rotate clutter out

One practical aspect of seasonal decorating – when new decor comes out, consider tucking some everyday decor away.

This prevents the surfaces from getting too crowded. For instance, when I bring out the bowl of pinecones and berries for the coffee table in winter, I put away some of the regular decor that was there prior.

Swap Items To Keep Things Fresh

Swapping items keeps things feeling fresh and also gives your favorite pieces a little rest, so you’re excited to bring them back next year.

By embracing these seasonal swaps, your home will never feel stagnant.

Look Forward To Something “New” With The Upcoming Season

There’s always a little something new to look forward to as the months change.

And you don’t have to spend a fortune – honestly, a lot of my seasonal pieces are from end-of-season sales or DIYd from nature or the craft store on the cheap.

Over the years, you build a small collection that you can reuse and mix differently each year.

It makes home feel dynamic and in harmony with the world outside.

Enjoy The Season More

And I find it helps me enjoy the present season more – I’m a big believer that our environments affect our mood.

When my home mirrors the cheer of the holidays or the renewal of spring, I feel more in tune with those cycles rather than life just blurring by.

So, happy seasonal styling!

Even if it’s as simple as putting a bright new wreath on your door or changing your bedspread to a cozier one in winter, those little things delight the senses.

Every few months, you get a mini home makeover, and who doesn’t love that?

Small Space Tricks: Living Large in Less Square Footage

Now let’s tackle a challenge so many of us face: making the most of a small space. As someone who lived in a tiny apartment and a couple of other small spaces, I have collected quite a few tricks to maximize space both visually and functionally.

The goal is to have a home that feels open and organized, not cluttered and cramped, no matter the actual square footage.

Even a studio apartment can feel like a stylish haven with the right strategies.

Here’s how to live large in a small footprint.

Light colors and cohesive palettes

One of the simplest ways to make a room look bigger is to use lighter colors on big surfaces (walls, floor, large furniture) and keep a relatively consistent color palette.

Light walls (white, soft neutrals, pastels) reflect more light and blur boundaries.

That doesn’t mean everything must be white and boring; you can certainly have color, but maybe opt for that airy sage green or pale sky blue over a deep maroon, for example.

Also, minimizing contrast in a small room can help – if your walls, curtains, and sofa are in the same family of colors, they’ll visually blend and the room feels more expansive.

Mirrors are your best friend

I cannot emphasize this enough – use mirrors strategically to double your space (at least illusion-wise).

A large mirror on the wall will make it appear like the room continues further.

If you can position a mirror opposite a window, even better: it will bounce natural light around and kind of create a “virtual window” in reflection.

I did this in a narrow living room by hanging a big round mirror across from the only window; suddenly, the dim corner brightened up, and the whole room felt wider.

Mirrored furniture or decor (like a mirrored coffee table or a cluster of small decorative mirrors) can also sprinkle a sense of depth.

Just be mindful of what the mirror reflects – you want it to reflect something nice (light, a pretty view, artwork) rather than a cluttered spot.

Multi-functional furniture

In a small space, every piece needs to pull its weight, often in multiple ways. Look for furniture that serves dual purposes or has hidden storage.

A classic example: an ottoman or coffee table with storage inside.

It’s a seat, a footrest, a table (with a tray on top), and a storage box all in one!

Consider having a fold-out dining table in a tiny apartment that stays compact against the wall most of the time as a console, but when friends come over, it expands to seat four for dinner – magic!

Murphy beds (that fold into the wall or a cabinet) are lifesavers in studio apartments or guest rooms doubling as offices.

Or try a daybed or sleeper sofa that can be a couch by day, a bed by night.

Even smaller touches, like nesting side tables that can tuck under each other, or wall-mounted nightstands and lamps that free up floor space, make a big difference.

Before buying a piece, I always ask: Can it serve more than one function? Does it offer storage?

If yes, it’s likely a winner for a small room.

Use vertical space for storage

We talked about vertical styling aesthetically, but vertically is also how you conquer storage in a tight space.

Think tall bookcases, shelving units that go up to the ceiling, hanging organizers, and wall hooks.

By going up, you free precious floor space.

For instance, instead of a wide low dresser, maybe a tall narrow chest of drawers.

In kitchens, utilize that wall: a pot rack hung from the ceiling, magnetic strips for knives, a corner storage organizer or pegboards with hooks for utensils can clear your counters.

If you have a small bathroom, consider adding an over-the-door storage organizer and shelves above the toilet – those otherwise dead zones can now hold towels and toiletries in pretty baskets and containers.

No square footage wasted!

Clear furniture and leggy pieces

Here’s a visual trick: furnishings that you can see through or under make a room feel more spacious because they don’t block the visual flow.

Choose tables, sofas, or chairs with legs versus ones that sit flat on the ground.

Also, glass or acrylic pieces (like the ever-trendy clear acrylic chairs or a glass coffee table) kind of “disappear” and let light through, so the room feels less crowded.

That little bit of air underneath furniture creates a sense of openness (plus you can slide slim storage boxes or baskets under if needed!).

A small living room may feel congested with a boxy futon sofa that hits the floor; swapping it for a love seat on tapered mid-century legs can make the room appear lighter overnight.

Keep clutter to a minimum

I know, easier said than done, but in small spaces especially, organization is key.

Give every item a home behind doors or in baskets, so surfaces can stay mostly clear.

Utilize closet organizers, under-bed bins (thanks to those furniture risers we discussed, you can fit more under there!), and pretty boxes on shelves.

When there are fewer things visible, the room automatically feels larger and calmer. One trick: use storage that matches your decor so it blends in – like woven baskets that match the color of your rug, or sleek white boxes on a white shelf.

They hide the chaos (be it cables, papers, or extra linens) and read as decor.

Trick the eye with design details

A few more mini tricks: Hang curtains high (we covered that; it makes the room taller and also frees floor space if the curtains start closer to the ceiling).

Use a large rug rather than several small ones – one big rug can actually make the floor area seem more expansive by unifying it.

Allow for negative space; don’t feel you have to fill every corner or wall. A little breathing room around objects or furniture, even if it’s just a few inches, goes a long way in avoiding that cramped feeling.

And arrange furniture away from walls if possible – pulling your sofa just a few inches off the wall (or floating it in the middle if the layout allows) can create a sense of depth.

Embrace The Coziness

Lastly, embrace the coziness of a small space.

There’s something so appealing about a well-designed small room – it can feel like a snug retreat.

By using these tips, you ensure it’s cozy, not cluttered, intimate, not impossibly tight.

I personally love the challenge of small spaces because every decision counts, and it’s so satisfying when it all comes together beautifully.

Remember: it’s not about the size of the space, it’s how you style it!

Personal Touches: Make It Uniquely Yours

We’ve covered a ton of tips and hacks to elevate your home’s style, but let’s circle back to something really important: making sure your space reflects YOU.

All the perfectly arranged pillows and chic color schemes in the world won’t feel truly satisfying if your home doesn’t tell your story.

The most beautiful homes have soul – they feel lived-in and personal, not like a furniture catalog.

So in this final section, I want to encourage you to infuse your personality and memories into your decor.

It’s the secret ingredient that transforms a nicely styled house into a warm, one-of-a-kind home.

Display your treasures

Do you have family heirlooms, travel souvenirs, or pieces of art that you love?

Find a way to incorporate them. That might mean prominently hanging the painting your grandmother made, even if it’s not “trendy”.

Or framing those postcards you collected on your European backpacking trip and creating a gallery in the hallway.

Perhaps you have a collection (stamps, vintage teacups, vinyl records, you name it) – instead of keeping it hidden in a box, figure out a cool way to show it off.

One of my clients loved hats; we turned her impressive hat collection into a focal point by arranging them on a feature wall with special hooks – instant art installation and storage!

Photos and mementos, but style them

Family photos bring warmth and remind you of your loved ones daily. The trick is to avoid visual clutter by giving them a cohesive presentation.

Maybe choose all black-and-white prints and identical frames for a modern gallery of family pics.

Or have a mix of sizes, but all in the same frame color for unity. A digital photo frame is another neat solution – it rotates through hundreds of your pictures, so you get to see many memories in one frame (great for small spaces!).

Beyond photos, think of ways to display other mementos: shadow boxes can hold concert tickets, wedding invitations, pressed flowers from a special day, etc.

My friend has a shadow box with shells and pebbles she collected from various beach trips, labeled with the location and year; it hangs in her bathroom and is both art and memory.

DIY and hand-crafted elements

Incorporating something you made yourself, or that was handmade by someone special, brings a lovely personal touch.

Maybe you created a painting when you attended a Painting With A Twist event with friends.

And, it could be as simple as a pillow you sewed from your old concert t-shirts (upcycle those into a funky throw pillow!).

Or maybe you try your hand at stenciling an accent wall with a mural or pattern that’s unique.

One friend of mine framed a piece of her wedding dress lace with a little note – it became decor in her bedroom, which I found so sweet and meaningful.

Another painted a simple abstract canvas in colors that matched her living room; she isn’t a trained artist, but it looks great and it’s one-of-a-kind.

Don’t be afraid to DIY some art or decor – it will automatically be personal because you made it.

And if crafting isn’t your thing, support local artisans!

Having a pottery vase from a local maker or a quilt from an Etsy artist adds story and soul to your home that store-bought, generic items can’t match.

Show off your passions

Your home should celebrate what you love.

Love music? Maybe display your guitar on a stand in the living room, or frame vintage concert posters as art.

Are you a bookworm? Make a beautiful book display – color-coordinate them or arrange floating shelves in a creative pattern.

Gamer or movie buff? Set up a stylish media corner with cool LED backlighting and some framed game art or movie stills.

Fitness enthusiast? Dedicate a neat little nook for your yoga mat and gear with inspiring quotes on the wall.

When your space aligns with your hobbies and interests, you’ll feel more you in it, and guests will get to know you better through your home.

One couple I know turned their hallway into a mini art gallery of their own photography from hikes – each photo had a small label with where it was taken.

It not only filled a narrow space brilliantly, but it also sparked great storytelling.

Mix old and new, high and low

Don’t feel everything has to match or be from the same source. In fact, layering eras and price points adds personality.

Maybe you have a sleek new sofa but pair it with that quirky mid-century side table you scored from a flea market – those contrasts make a room interesting and individual.

If everything is brand new from one store, it can lack that personal stamp. Add in the thrifted lamp, the handmade bowl, the throw pillow you brought back from a bazaar overseas.

These items carry memories and uniqueness.

Scent, sound, and scene

Since we’re getting personal, consider how the home feels beyond looks.

Your favorite music playing softly in the background, your signature scented candle or essential oil diffusing a smell you adore – these things create an atmosphere that’s distinctly yours.

I have a friend whose home always smells like fresh-baked cookies (she has a vanilla-cinnamon scent she always uses), and somehow that has become “her place” vibe – it immediately feels welcoming and cozy and her.

Create A Playlist

Another friend always has the coolest playlists of world music in the background; visiting her feels like a cultural journey, and it matches her globally-inspired decor.

These intangible elements are part of styling a home, too, making it a full sensory experience that reflects your personality.

Embrace What Makes You Happy

In essence, embrace what makes you happy and let it shine in your space.

Trends come and go; the most important thing is that you and your loved ones feel at home and represented.

Don’t worry if something isn’t “Pinterest perfect” – if it’s perfectly you, then it’s perfect for your home.

A house becomes a home when it’s layered with love, memories, and the quirks that make you unique.

That gallery wall of family vacations might not mean much to a stranger, but to you it’s a daily dose of joy.

That funky lamp you inherited might not be in style, but if it reminds you of your grandma and you love it, it deserves a place of honor.

Add Personal Touches

So add those personal touches that make you smile. Combine them with the styling tricks we’ve discussed – the good lighting, the balanced furniture layout, the cohesive colors – and you’ll have a space that’s not only beautiful and functional, but also meaningful.

And truly, that’s the ultimate goal: a home that not only looks great, but feels like your sanctuary filled with your story.

Whew—we’ve covered a lot here in part two! From stylish clutter-busters and quick hardware swaps to simple seasonal updates and the magic of adding personal touches, these little tricks truly add up to big changes.

Remember, creating a home you love doesn’t mean spending a fortune or tackling huge projects all at once. It’s about embracing small shifts that feel good to you and enjoying how each tweak makes your space feel warmer, cozier, and uniquely yours.

If you missed part one (or just need a quick refresh), be sure to hop back over there.

You’ll find even more easy hacks like clever furniture risers, cozy textiles, lighting tricks, and creative ways to style your small spaces.

Most importantly, have fun with this!

I’m always here, cheering you on as you sprinkle your home with beauty, personality, and comfort, one easy step at a time.

Happy decorating!