Ever walked into a space that was absolutely stunning—but felt totally lifeless? Like a home designed to impress rather than to be lived in?

Kind of like dating that person who checks all the boxes—looks great on paper—but there’s just, well… no spark.

Now, let’s flip the script. Think of a space that made you feel something—warm, energized, inspired, cozy. That’s personality. That’s the magic ingredient that transforms a house into a home.

In the Magic of Home series, we’ve been reframing what it means to have a "dream home," breaking it down into five key elements that make a home truly special:

Warmth
Personality
A Shock to the System
Layers
Individuality

We started with Warmth, and now it’s time to dive into Personality—that extra special something that makes a space feel alive and unapologetically yours.

The “Perfect” Space vs. the One That Stays With You

We live in a world obsessed with aesthetic perfection. The pressure to create a Pinterest-worthy home can make people afraid—not just to take risks and let their design freak flag fly, but to design a space they truly connect with.

In a world of Shea McGees and Amber Lewises, if you’re not confident in your personal style, it can feel intimidating to go against the grain. To proudly create a space that others might see as embarrassingly out of step with what’s “in,” what’s “perfect,” or what meets the ever-changing standards of design beauty.

But here’s the thing—sometimes, perfection is forgettable. Personality is what makes a space memorable. A home filled with unexpected details, quirky treasures, and bold design choices that make you go, Wow, this is so them.

That’s the goal.

Adding Personality Doesn’t Mean Maximalism

When people hear personality, they often think of bold, layered, maximalist spaces—walls covered in art, books stacked high, statement colors everywhere. And yes, those spaces ooze personality.

But even the most minimalist home can feel special. Personality is not about how much you add—it’s about what you add and why.

First, Who Are You?

Before you can design a home that reflects you, you need to know who you are—or at least, who you want to be.

At the end of the day, your home should support how you want to feel. Cozy. Sensual. Grounded. Inspired. Whatever.

Take a moment. Think about:

What do you absolutely love?
What energizes you?
What are you naturally drawn to?
What are five (positive) words that describe you?
What are five words you want your home to feel like?

I'll go first—

Hi, I’m Debbie.
Five words to describe me? Grounded, easygoing, silly, tuned in, and thoughtful.
Five words for my home? Balanced, cozy, clean, unique, and elevated.

How could these feelings and ideas translate into my space?

A "squish your toes in" rug to create a cozy, grounding foundation.
A comfy, sink-into-me chair with super soft fabric.
A secondhand antique table, full of character and craftsmanship.
Art that makes me laugh or think—because why not?
Objects collected from my travels—little reminders of the world beyond my front door.
A bold color choice—because sometimes, a little risk makes a space sing.

Now It’s Your Turn

Yeah, go ahead—I’ll wait…

Take a moment to write down your five words. How do you want your home to feel? How do you want you to feel when you’re in it?

Then think about all those things you love and are drawn to.

Are you fun? Mysterious? A little cheeky? Maybe you’re a die-hard Anglophile or obsessed with the African culture. Lean into that!

Now, this is not an invitation to turn your home into a theme park. If you love sailboats, that doesn’t mean your entire space should look like a nautical museum—anchors on every wall, boat-shaped bookshelves, and blue-and-white everything.

Sure, you could add some of that, but your space will usually be more successful if you think in layers, not in literal translations.

Let the things you love inspire your space, rather than dictate it. Maybe it’s a rich, deep navy on the walls, some textured linen accents that remind you of the sails, or an antique brass light fixture that gives a subtle nod to maritime style. Then, maybe you can sprinkle in some of that fun, kooky stuff.

It’s about infusing your personality, not drowning in it.

Once you have your personal list, start thinking about how you can weave those beautiful, specific, weirdly you elements into your space. What design choices, decor, or little details will reflect the energy you want to create?

When you approach your home with intention, you’ll start noticing things—pieces, colors, textures—that speak to you in a way they never have before. You’ll begin curating a space that isn’t just beautiful but deeply personal—one that tells your story, supports your energy, and feels like you.

And if you don’t live alone (like most of us)?

Of course, you’ll want to make sure your home reflects everyone who lives there. That’s a whole conversation in itself- let me know if you want a deep dive on that one day!

The Power of Pattern, Texture & Color

When in doubt, start with three things: Pattern, texture, color.

Find an old chair on Craigslist and reupholster it in a funky pattern.
Add textured vases, rugs, or pillows for depth and warmth.
Paint your ceiling aubergine (because who said ceilings have to be white?).

Engage All the Senses

A home with personality doesn’t just look good—it feels good, smells good, and even sounds good.

Scent matters. Light a candle, burn incense, or diffuse essential oils that bring back memories or instantly shift your mood.
Sound transforms energy. Play music that matches the vibe you want—soft jazz for an intimate dinner, lo-fi beats for a cozy afternoon, nature sounds for relaxation.
Layer textures that invite touch. Think plush velvet cushions, a smooth marble tray, or a chunky knit throw.

Personality with Purpose

*Credit: Liselotte Watkins- Domino Magazine*

Here’s the thing—adding personality doesn’t mean throwing random stuff into a space just for the sake of it. Even the most eclectic, "fun and funky" spaces need balance and intention.

There’s a philosophy that says, if you truly love something, it will work in your home. I mostly agree—but with a little nuance. Keep things like scale, symmetry, balance, and harmony in mind.

That said, don’t overthink it. Your home is a playground. A creative space. A place to experiment, evolve, and—most importantly—feel good in. Somewhere along the way, we’ve forgotten that.

Let’s bring it back.

Quick Ways to Add Personality to Your Home Today:

✅ Add meaningful items – Display objects that tell your story.
✅ Layer textures – Cozy rugs, soft linens, mixed materials.
✅ Engage those senses – Light a candle, turn on a playlist, feel the energy.
✅ Take a risk – A bold color, a quirky art piece, something unexpected.
✅ Do it for you – Not Instagram, not your guests—you.

Final Thought: How Will You Bring Personality Into Your Space?

Close your eyes and picture your home. What’s missing? What tiny shift could make it feel more you? Maybe it’s a color you’ve been afraid to use, a quirky vintage find, or a scent that brings you back to your happiest memories.

Whatever it is—go for it.

Your home deserves personality. You deserve a home that feels like you.

Now tell me—how are you adding personality to your home?

The Magic of Home: Giving You Space Personality