Interior Personality

What makes a house a home? In just a few seconds, can you name five magazine spreads (or the designers that created those personal interiors)  that have totally blown your circuits? I loved the most recent issue of House Beautiful that focused on creating interiors that are personal. Below you will find just a few homes that are memorable to me because they are truly personal and fresh and trendsetting and absolutely ONE~OF~A~KIND.

I should also mention that I think House Beautiful has risen to the challenge of creating a relevant, interesting and artistically stimulating magazine at a time when shelter magazines are falling by the wayside. I have been a subscriber since my early twenties and have never been more satisfied with my monthly delivery. I admit that I was a little worried when HB recently changed editors but the new editor, Newell Turner, has once again taken a very good publication and taken it to the next level.

Designer Lindsey Bond's 1950 Birmingham, Alabama cottage {below} was featured in this month's House Beautiful. The article entitled "Express Yourself" will not be forgotten soon. All three featured homes are worthy of a post and will surely find a place in your inspiration files. My advise: Go get a copy of the newest HB. It's a keeper!

and Jill Brinson's 1936 renovated cottage in Atlanta, Georgia featured in the December/January issue of House Beautiful.

Designer and stylist for Euro Trash, Lizzie Carney in her stylish Jacksonville, Illinois bungalow from the October issue of Country Living.

Who can forget the issue of Cottage Living that featured the warm and cozy home of Heather Chadduck? Her Birmingham cottage is loaded with stylish ideas.

What can you learn from these designers? Here are a few observations I have made:

Start by selecting a unique color palette that is all your own and use it exclusively throughout your home as a backdrop. It will help unify a mix of old and new furnishings.

Use curtains not only to dress the windows but to define spaces, add softness and camouflage storage in small spaces.

Splurge on lighting!

Don't ignore the warmth and depth of design that texture adds to an interior.

Personalize your home with a gallery wall.

Create excitement through the unexpected.

Use interior doors as an opportunity to express yourself. Add old doors or shutters or paint your interior doors a deep rich brown.

Mirrors are your friend. They expand rooms and share light. Don't be afraid to prop them against the wall.

View your space via your personal lenses. How will you use your home? What are your essential needs and 'guilty pleasure' desires? Think outside of the box. Use the spare bedroom as a closet or the basement as a wine cellar. Move the laundry from the basement into the center of the house and have it serve double-duty as a wet bar when entertaining. It's your home. You decide.

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