July | charm + character
For July’s Monthly Musing, we’re diving into adding charm and character to your space. This spring, I moved into a sweet 1940s cottage FULL of charm. I’m exploring what it looks like to add touches of personalization to these spaces.
Adding character to your space is a revolving door of intuition and personalization. As I settle into this new space of mine, I’m finding the quirks of the home to be the most natural place to start with …blending the traditional features of the home with contrasting and funky elements that are more my personal style - those added touches of Hope-like things - is the move. The Art of the Blend is truly the element that brings charm and balance to any space.
I’m sharing five of my favorites ways to incorporate charm into your space. The goal is for your guests to experience your space with the reaction: “your home just feels like you.” The ULTIMATE compliment.
Designated Play:
Whether it’s a defined room or just a corner of your space, a really fun way to add a pop of personality is designating a space for your hobbies. My own children are trying to convince me to transform our living space into an arcade with a vintage Pac-Man machine. I’m honestly giving it thought. For now though, we have a storage-style coffee table in front of the couch filled with card games, a chess board, and puzzles. I’ve got a category of our favorites saved here. Maybe you’re more a creative type. A designated space, area, or drawer for art supplies is a great way to have a ready-to go space or area for creative play - especially if you have little ones. My new home has a sunroom that became my in-house office/art studio for the kids. The ability to pop in and sketch (me or the kids) or easily access a game of chess has kept our hobbies at arms reach.
DEETS: board game
Opposites Attract
It’s a theory for a reason - opposites attract. Think about the style of your home. Maybe it’s got an industrial or modern vibe to it. Try styling the space with opposite-styled furniture, like a Chesterfield roll arm tufted soft or a tall wing-backed patterned chair. If your space is more traditional, replace the more traditional lighting with a more modern fixture. Mixing styles is a compelling way to bring visual interest to a space. This article in Architectural Digest featuring Wyatt Cenac’s Historic Brooklyn home is a couple of years old but still a favorite of mine. It’s a perfect example of balancing the traditional trim and millwork features of the home with funky lighting and eclectic design choices.
Pattern Play
It’s no secret I’m a fan of pattern play. Here’s one of many reads about my take on it. Incorporating texture comes in layers. Think about the way rattan blinds might look instead of traditional painted wood blinds. Then, maybe layer on top of a set of blinds, and add a patterned set of drapes. Wallpaper (duh) provides a great deal of pattern opportunity and can become a bold statement piece in a room or provide subtle texture depending on the material or artwork.
Framed or Displayed Collections
There’s nothing I love more than framed mementos from trips, displayed artwork from little ones, or shelves full of themed books, trinkets, or wall displays of collections that scream “Oh this is SO like Hope to have a framed array of vintage stamps.” Maybe you collect seashells, or postcards from every trip. Maybe you collect vintage movie or concert posters. A wall collage of family photos makes an easy go-to personalization that adds PLENTY of charm and character. Think outside of the box. Are you a tennis player? Display a wall of vintage tennis rackets. Are you a music-lover? Display your favorite records. Whatever that is for you, pick a space to display your memorabilia. I’m sharing a few of my favorite display inspirations below - from shelving to collections and displayed items.
Heritage or Thrifted Finds
Heirloomed items to display - from art to collections - are instant charm-givers. Whether its a family story or someone else’s story you gathered from an antique shop, these old less than perfect pieces are full of character. A recent blog post will lend a list of thrifting tips and how to use sites like Facebook Marketplace to your advantage. Mixing in new pieces with old/vintage/antique/heirloomed pieces
A QUICK WHAT NOT TO DO: Don’t rush it. …and don’t curate your entire home from one vendor. You are not a display home for Target, West Elm, or any other store. I love Target. I love West Elm. I love local interior shops. However, the key to a well-curated space is just that - it’s curated from lots of different places and sources. The goal is to have someone walk through and experience your home and it just feels like you. Like I said, it’s the ultimate compliment.
by Hope Johnson | inspired by nostalgia and comfort
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