Over the years my living room and home have featured heavily in shared images on Pinterest. My blog posts that talk about home decor inspiration are some of my highest read posts. With that in mind, I realise I haven’t quite updated any of my decor posts in ages with how my home looks now. The last time I wrote a blog post on my home decor was TWO WHOLE YEARS AGO.
It’s been awhile, which means we’re due a bit of an upgrade!
Clearly, I am not known for having a minimalist kind of space. My home is brimming with personality, unique decor choices and being a little bit extra. As you’ve probably seen on my Instagram, I am happy to dress my home up with all the things that make me exceptionally happy.
I’ve spent the last few years truly curating our living room to be ‘oh so perfectly me’ and that has taken a serious amount time and dedication. It is without a doubt, my favourite room in our home.
And I don’t want to keep all the secrets to myself. I’ve got seven incredibly simple ways that you can change up your space right now, even if you aren’t necessarily a maximalist like me. Check out the ultimate living room inspiration…
7 simple ways to add personality to your living room
Black Tapered Candles
OK your candles don’t actually have to be black, but try a variety of different shades other than white or cream. I think a dark forest green colour candle also looks magnificent. This transforms your living room space in a small but very impactful way. I personally like black candles as they make me feel like I’m a witch. Here is a selection of my favourite witchy home decor pieces.
Books, books, books
I’m always reading and am a huge fan of using books as a way to add small touches of decor and personality to your space. You’ll find romance and fantasy books all over our home (if you need book recommendations, I’ve got you here). I like my books littering my coffee table… as well as set up nicely on our shelves or bookcase. I think books strewn about the place always allows for something to talk about whether that’s sharing a snap of your space on your Instagram or when you have friends over to discuss what you’re currently reading or what is in your TBR pile. Alternatively, you can add books to your home without them overwhelming your space. One or two on your coffee table and books that show off your style can sit elegantly on bookshelves and cases too. Like I said, it doesn’t have to be quite as haphazard as mine.
Unique artwork in your living room
I am, of course, a self-proclaimed nerd. I love Harry Potter, films, books and all things fantasy. Once upon a time, I did not think I could decorate my house in the manner that I have. HOWEVER, times change! I now feel absolutely at home in my space and super cosy whenever I glance up at the photography hung up featuring the Glenfinnan Viaduct and the Jacobite Steam Train. The unique pieces in my home decor inspiration channel Hogwarts castle, it’s halls and the Hogwarts Express. I have so many castles on my walls and I’m not even one bit shy about it. I can’t tell you how much I love my home!
Try adding photos or art from places you’ve travelled to. Or nature if you enjoy hiking and wildlife. It’s all about finding what makes YOU the happiest to look at every single day. Don’t just pick up art because it’s on trend, pick something that makes you smile.
Trinkets that show off your personality
I LOVE a trinket. Don’t even talk to my husband about this because he definitely thinks these are “clutter” but we shall ignore him because I think trinkets are super cool.
From my tiny little Hogwarts to golden birdcages, mirrors and vintage suitcases… add pieces to your home that suit you. You might be kind of vintage maximalist like me. Or you might go for more modern stoneware vases. Or perhaps an antiques sewing box placed precisely around your home… and this is niche but I hope you are picturing the scene from Gilmore Girls when Emily notices immediately the missing item that Logan has taken from her home.
Trinkets that show off what you like and can elevate a living room from “boring” to “brimming with personality”, no matter what you might be into.
An interesting area rug
OK it doesn’t even need to be that interesting really, but you DO need to like it! An area rug can completely transform a space. I personally love rugs bright with colours and patterns (how shocking from me, I know). It can instantly pull a room together. Pick something contrasting to the rest of your space for a brilliant effect. I chose an orange rug in contrast to all the green, wood and dark tones in our living room.
Add Fairy Lights
Fairy lights are seriously such an easy way to transform a space. I know a lot of people save these for the holidays, but I keep them up year round as I think they add so much fun to our home. I keep them taped (literally, I used clear tape) to put them up on the TV, as well as surrounding that area. Add them wherever you like for a little pop of brightness and ambiance.
A bold statement sofa
Maybe this isn’t an “easy upgrade” for your living room…. and for that I am sorry. But having a statement sofa is one of the best ways to add personality to a space. I’ve never been a fan of grey, drab sofas, I love rich velvet tones. Plus this one is super comfy! Do beware though as velvet does fade in the sunlight. We had to store ours at our in-laws for a few months in their sunroom and it was definitely a mistake! Someday I’ll even upgrade this one.
And for more inspiration, follow along to my home account on Instagram @KellyIsHome or my main account @kellyprincewright if you like both travel AND lifestyle posts.
Kelly xoxo
