I’ve been getting quite a lot of grief for not having posted anything related to home decor in a while. Yes, my blog was initially intended to address home design matters. But I get easily distracted. Don’t blame me.

I love homes. Real homes. Not those houses you enter that feel so sterile, lacking a certain personal touch. As if everything was placed there for a purpose. No colour, no warmth, absolutely zero personality.

It’s so simple to add a bit of flare to your place. I’ve compiled a few helpful tips that are so easy to incorporate and won’t break the bank:

• Ask a friend to make you a beautiful painting: If you can’t afford a Monet, and don’t have sufficient artistic skills of your own, why not have a talented friend paint something for you? Ideally this should be a good friend, clearly. I’m lucky enough to have some gifted friends. My childhood friend Samira makes the most beautiful paintings which she displays in her home. You’d think she bought them at some fancy art gallery. You can see some of her paintings below. I might just ask her to make one for me someday. Let’s hope she says yes.

 

• Make your coffee table inviting:  Add a colourful flower arrangement and books that reflect your interests and personality. I love flipping through people’s coffee table books. You can find out so much about a person. As for flowers, you can find artificial ones and display them nicely without making them look fake. I get asked all the time how I manage to keep fresh red roses on my coffee table. They’re fake, that’s why.
• Add any little bits and pieces that reflect your personality: For my part, I love fun cushions. Check out mine. It says it all. I also love frames with sayings or images that inspire me daily. I’m sure you often fall upon things that you feel are “just you”. Grab them, and bring them home.

• Collect your memories: It can be a delightful compilation of fun photographs or any other little tidbits from your past. You can easily buy a frame with specific spots for your pictures; alternatively you can create your own collage. We don’t get to keep much in life besides the memories, so make sure to treasure them.
• Paint an accent wall: Unfortunately, I’m not famous for painting my walls. I think it may be out of pure laziness. However, I do have friends who paint their walls and I think it’s a fabulous idea. If you’re sick of looking at the same old white bland walls, choose a colour you love, something that’s ideally warm, and goes with the rest of the room, and go ahead and paint it. People will naturally be drawn to that wall, and it’ll instantly tie the whole room together. It’s an easy change that goes a long way.
• My personal favourite: Pick up items from your travels. I love to travel, and there’s no better way to keep those precious souvenirs than to get something for your home. Nothing tacky, God no. Handmade items that reflect the local culture are an option. Basically something you’ll enjoy seeing every day and that’ll add a worldly touch to your home.