The more your home design suits your personality, the more at home you'll feel. But how to add personality to your interior design? It's easier than you think.

What Makes You Comfortable?

Probably the most important question to ask yourself when adding your personality to your interiors is what makes you comfortable. You have to live in these spaces; you should be comfortable.

You probably can't put a bed in the living room, but you could have a plush sectional. If you prefer to have a supportive couch that helps you maintain better posture, you might choose something a little more ergonomic for the living room.

On the flip side, don't forget to consider what makes you emotionally comfortable too. You may love the look of a tidy, modern living room but if you have small children, having to maintain a minimalist design might cause you stress.

1. Be Happy

An excellent way to achieve personality in your design is to make choices based on what makes you happy. If a particular cozy blanket brings you joy, give it a place of honor in your bedroom design. If that funky chandelier brings a smile to your face, bring it home and put it in the dining room.

Don't be afraid to let items guide your design. That chandelier we mentioned earlier? It might be the inspiration for the design for the entire room rather than just an accent you add in haphazardly. It's not unusual for a professional designer to work the same way. They may find an item that becomes the foundation for the design and guides every choice they make after that.

One word of caution: be careful how many “favorite things” you add to your space. Too many can start to make the space feel crowded or confused.

2. Details

They say a little black dress is a must-have in the wardrobe. All by itself, it can be kind of boring but the best part of the little black dress is how it can be transformed with details. Some fancy heels and jewelry and it's ready for a night on the town. A pair of nice sneakers and a jacket and it's perfect for a day of shopping.

Likewise, the basics of a room (like kitchen cabinets, floors, and walls) are foundational and should be more neutral in style. But after that, you can use the details to really make the space your own.

A patterned rug can set the tone of the space. An accent wall covered with tin ceiling tile is like jewelry that makes the outfit. A pop of color, interesting shapes or textures, or a prized collectable infuse your personality into your home.

3. Be Realistic

The interior design of your dreams looks spectacular on Instagram or Pinterest. But it's important to think about the reality of your life before undertaking a change that may not work with your daily living.

You may love to play hostess and wish for a beautiful formal dining room, but if no family lives nearby or you always end up traveling for the holidays, your dining room may be no more than a dust collector.

Your minimalistic personality may crave Scandinavian-style white couches for the living room. But if you have a pet or children in the house, it may be a better choice to wait on those couches. Or better yet, choose a more forgiving color.

Along with your dreaming make sure you have a healthy dose of reality. That doesn't mean that you have to deny your personality. You should, however, find a way to adapt so you can live comfortably in a design that makes you happy.

4. Find Your Style

Bringing your personality into your design is much easier if you can identify a style that suits you. Otherwise, you might end up with a confused collection of styles that have no connections.

Do some research on different style types and pay attention to the ones you are drawn toward. It's on trend lately to blend different styles. You can take a few elements you like from different styles and blend them tastefully.

It might help to pay attention to personality typing or even horoscopes to help you identify the right kinds of styles for you. If you still find you need more inspiration, try seeking out trends, look through image galleries, and consult with pro designers.

5. Vignettes, Collections, Prized Possessions

The stuff you use for your decor tells a story about you. It's a great way to add personality to your design. Dig your collectables out of the attic and display them!

Curate little groups of items together into a vignette that reminds you of a favorite vacation spot or special event. Find a creative way to tastefully show off the best pieces in your salt shaker collection. Hang a few vintage items on the wall that have special meaning to you.

Change out your vignettes occasionally so you can rotate through collections or add to a festive season.

6. Be Spare on the “Wow Factor”

Everyone knows there can only be one cook in the kitchen and one star in a movie. Same goes for your design.

Adding an item that draws a lot of attention to your design is an excellent way to add personality. However, practice balance with your “wow factor” items. Too many and your design will start to feel confused and cluttered.

The point of a “wow” piece is that it is the center of attention. You really should have one main center of attention and a handful of supporting players. The rest should be neutral.

7. Avoid Sets

When shopping for home decor, try to avoid packaged sets. Even if they match your style, a set is the enemy of individual personality.

Avoiding matching sets doesn't mean that you should have all random items in your design. Even though you don't want a matching sofa, loveseat, and recliner, find other ways to make connections between the furniture you do select.

Look to make connections in color, shape, pattern, and texture. A beige sofa alongside a patterned loveseat with a lot of beige will work well. The color connects them and keeps the continuity in the design.

8. Bring In Color, Pattern, Texture

Nothing transforms your spaces with personality better than color, shape, pattern, and texture. There are so many options; you're sure to find something that reflects your personality.

Love vintage? Try velvet textiles and tin tiles for texture. Can't get enough teal in your life? Look for patterns that include teal and supplement with art that uses teal. Want more chevron shapes in your design? Go for a chevron floor pattern or install a plank wall in a chevron.

Echo your favorite colors, shapes, patterns, and textures throughout the space by adding a splash of it here and there. You can also include variations on your favorite themes to keep the aesthetic going.

9. Well Lit

No space is complete without the right lighting. Light is functional but also can make a personal statement. Add a little personality in as you plan for your ambient, task, and accent lighting.

If you're fun loving, try lighting that can change color or be programmed to do different things (fade, blink, change color, etc.). If you love a formal feel, get dimmers on your lights so each moment can fit the event.

The light fixtures themselves are the perfect opportunity to introduce your personality into the design. A statement light fixture (chandelier or pendant light) can become the focal point of the space and one that immediately lets everyone know something about the people that live in this space.

The question of how to add personality to your interior design is one that you should definitely ask. The answer to that question is really about understanding who you are, what you like, and how that all translates into your design.

Still need inspiration? Take a look at these resources for home design.

Design Inspiration