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Decorate Your Home to Fit Your Lifestyle

To buy a house and move in is a wonderful thing. Your very own floor, ceiling and walls. But if those walls could talk, what would they say when you walked in the door? "Ahhhhh! Welcome home. We're so glad to see you. Rest your weary feet and leave your worries behind." Or would they let out a big sigh, followed by...nothing?! If your house seems in a bit of a depression, don't fret. All you need do is transform your home into a personal expression of you.

1) A good start: Look at your wardrobe. Do you tend to sport comfortable, casual wear as opposed to trendy, high-style? Do you own more straw tote bags than beaded evening bags? Then chances are you would be partial to the charming country cottage look. There are no rules here. Surround yourself with the things you love. Decorate with layers, display your collections. Let these quaint displays tell a story. What's the prominent color in your closet? If it's red, then splash your entryway wall with a vibrant shade of Candy Apple Red, place decorative pots filled with Geraniums on your front step, and place a bowl of bright, red pomegranates on the table. Make your home smile.

2) Does your home reflect your hobbies? What are your interests? If you like to entertain, does your home have enough seating for guests to be comfortable? Try adding a coffee table or an ottoman that can turn into extra seating when you need it. Are you an artist who craves good light and space to create? Then look at how well each room in your house is utilized. Is there a spare bedroom that looks picture perfect but gets little use? Purchase a daybed that can be used as a couch in the daytime and for guests at night when you need it, and turn the perfect little space into your studio. Result: Your home will feel much bigger and happier when all your space is utilized efficiently.

3) What's your profession? Try taking your home 180 degrees from there. Sometimes, the key to turning your house into your homea haven from the stress and hubbub of your busy lifeis to decorate the opposite of what you're surrounded with all day long. Are you an interior designer who works with lots of colors, textures, and patterns all day? Then you may want to pick a palette of neutrals for your home, maybe even make stark white the star of your design with black accents. Or if you work in the fast-paced world of high finance, wouldn't it feel good to come home to soothing earth tones and a nice, secluded tropical patio

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