You’ve been scrolling through Pinterest, double-tapping dreamy interiors on Instagram, maybe even saving a few. But no matter how many inspo boards you build or candles you buy, your space still doesn’t feel quite right. It looks fine — even good — but it doesn’t feel like you.
There’s a reason for that. A beautiful room isn’t necessarily a soulful one. And if your space doesn’t reflect who you are, it’ll always feel a bit empty, no matter how on-trend it is.
Here’s the good news: giving your room soul doesn’t mean starting from scratch or spending a fortune. It’s about adding pieces of you — the stories, quirks, and quiet comforts that make you feel at home in your own skin, and your own space.
In this article, you’ll get a mix of tips and inspiration to help you add personality and meaning to your room — so it doesn’t just look good, it feels like yours.
1. Start with What Matters to You
Before you think about colour palettes or cushion covers, pause and ask yourself: What actually matters to me?
Not in a deep, philosophical way (unless you’re into that), but in a real life way. What are the things that make you feel grounded, inspired, joyful, nostalgic? What parts of your identity do you want your space to reflect — your heritage, your hobbies, your travels, your creativity?
This is the foundation of a room with soul. Because when you design around what matters to you — not just what looks good online — the result is naturally personal and authentic.
Here are a few prompts to help you tap into your “room personality”:
- What are your favourite memories? Maybe it’s a seaside holiday, a childhood bedroom, or late-night chats with friends in a cosy kitchen. Find ways to echo that feeling — a print, a scent, a colour.
- What do you love to do? If you’re always reading, create a nook for it. If you paint, hang your own art. If you cook, show off your spice jars or handwritten recipes.
- What do you always carry with you? Items that have moved from place to place with you — even if they’re small — are often the most meaningful.
By starting with you — not the trends — you’ll create a space that doesn’t just reflect your style, but your story.
2. Personal Items That Tell a Story
You don’t need a curated collection of designer objects to make your space feel special. Often, it’s the personal items — the ones with stories behind them — that bring the most character and warmth to a room.
These are the things that make people pause and ask, “Where’s that from?” or even better, “That’s so you.”
Here’s what to look for:
- Photos that actually mean something
Skip the stock-frame shots and go for personal moments. A candid photo from a trip, a childhood snap, or even a blurry Polaroid of your mates on a night out — if it makes you smile, it deserves a spot. - Art that speaks to you
This doesn’t have to be expensive. It could be a print from a local market, something you made, or even pages torn from an old magazine. The point is: it resonates with you. - Travel mementoes or cultural keepsakes
That little ceramic bowl from Lisbon. The woven wall hanging from a market stall in Morocco. A book in a language you can’t read, but bought anyway. These tell your story without words. - Heirlooms and hand-me-downs
Even one vintage piece from a family member — a mirror, a chair, a clock — can add a sense of continuity and grounding to your space. - Gifts from people you love
It might be a note someone left you, a birthday card with a meaningful message, or a piece of art made by a friend. These things bring emotional texture that no store-bought item can.
Think of your space like a visual diary — and these personal touches are the entries. Not every item needs to be meaningful, but the more of you that’s in your space, the more it starts to feel like home.
3. Make It With Your Hands
Nothing adds soul to a space quite like something you’ve made yourself. It doesn’t have to be perfect. In fact, the imperfections are part of what makes it personal — they’re the proof that you were here.
When you create something for your room, you’re not just decorating — you’re embedding a little piece of yourself into the space. And that brings an energy you can’t buy off a shelf.
Here are a few ways to get your hands involved:
- DIY art
You don’t have to be an artist to make something beautiful. Abstract brushstrokes, collage, or even text-based pieces using your favourite quote or lyric can be simple but striking. Bonus: it’s completely unique to you. - Handwritten elements
Write out a note to your future self, a poem, or a list of things you love. Frame it or pin it up — it’s a small thing that adds real presence. - Upcycled furniture
Got an old chair or a side table that’s seen better days? A lick of paint, new hardware, or even just a good clean and a styling refresh can bring it back to life — with your own spin. - Crafty touches
If you knit, sew, crochet, or are even just willing to give it a go, try making a throw pillow, wall hanging, or table runner. The point isn’t perfection. It’s about creating something that reflects your taste and effort. - Plant arrangements
Even the way you pot your plants can be personal. Choose pots that tell a story, paint your own, or group them in a way that feels intentional.
Handmade touches tell a quiet story of care — and that care is what gives a room warmth. It’s less about the result, more about the presence you bring to your space.
4. Showcase Your Style
Let’s get one thing straight: your style doesn’t have to be “defined” to be valid. You don’t need to label yourself as minimalist, boho, or Scandinavian to create a room that reflects you. But it is worth figuring out what makes you feel good — and using that as your compass.
Your room is your chance to curate, not copy. Instead of chasing trends, mix elements you genuinely love. Trust your taste — even if it doesn’t “match.”
Here’s how to showcase your style with confidence:
- Mix old with new
A modern lamp on a vintage table. A sleek shelf holding books from your childhood. That contrast? It brings layers and depth — the kind you can’t fake. - Lean into colour
What colours make you feel calm? Energised? Safe? Whether it’s soft neutrals or bold tones, use colour to create the feeling you want in your space — even if it’s just through accessories. - Play with texture
Texture adds instant personality. Think chunky knits, velvet cushions, raw wood, glossy ceramics. When your room feels good to the touch, it feels good to be in. - Let one item take the lead
Have a piece you love — a patterned rug, a bold artwork, a unique chair? Let it set the tone. Build around it instead of trying to make everything match. - Be okay with it evolving
Your style isn’t static. It’ll change, and your space can change with it. The best rooms grow over time — they’re layered, lived-in, and loved.
There’s no “right way” to style a space — there’s only your way. The key is to trust your instincts. If it makes you feel something, it belongs.
5. Create Moments, Not Just Rooms
It’s easy to get caught up in the big picture of a room — the furniture layout, the colour scheme, the statement pieces. But often, it’s the little moments that make a space feel alive. Those small, intentional pockets of personality that make you want to stay a little longer.
Think of your room as a collection of mini-scenes — each with its own mood, purpose, and story.
Here’s how to create those soulful moments:
- Design a ritual corner
Where do you go when you want to unwind? It could be a windowsill with a candle and a book. A chair with a cosy throw. A spot by your bed for journaling. Create a space where you can show up for yourself. - Curate your surfaces
Instead of cluttering shelves and tables, style them with meaning. A tray with your favourite perfume, a framed quote, a small plant — think of them like visual poetry. - Layer lighting
Overhead lights can feel sterile. Add a lamp here, some fairy lights there, maybe even a few candles. It’s about atmosphere — not brightness. - Use scent to shape mood
Incense, diffusers, or even just your favourite moisturiser left out on a nightstand — scent is personal and powerful. Let your space smell like you. - Give things their moment
That beautiful vase? Don’t hide it in a corner. That book you love? Keep it on your coffee table. Celebrate your things by giving them space to shine.
Creating moments is about intention, not expense. It’s not about filling your space — it’s about feeling your space. And when you design with emotion in mind, everything starts to click.
6. If You Rent: Smart, Non-Permanent Personalisation Ideas
Just because you don’t own your space doesn’t mean it can’t reflect you. Renting often comes with limits — no painting walls, no drilling holes, no “major changes” — but that doesn’t mean you’re stuck with bland.
There are plenty of ways to personalise a rented space without risking your deposit (or annoying your landlord).
Here’s how to leave your mark — without leaving a trace:
- Removable wall options
Peel-and-stick wallpaper or decals can transform a space without a single brushstroke. Want something more subtle? Try washi tape to create simple wall patterns or frames. - Layer with textiles
Think rugs, throws, curtains, and cushions. These are renter-friendly tools that bring in colour, texture, and warmth — and you can take them with you when you move. - Leaning art
No nails? No problem. Oversized prints and mirrors can lean stylishly against walls, or sit on top of dressers and shelves. It’s casual and chic. - Statement lighting
Swapping out a lampshade, adding a plug-in wall light, or investing in a statement floor lamp can completely shift the mood of a room — and all without needing an electrician. - Furniture with personality
Your furniture doesn’t have to be built-in to make an impact. A quirky chair, a secondhand table you’ve upcycled, or even a funky lamp can add serious style points. - Small-space styling
Even if your rented room is tiny, styling little zones (like your bedside, desk, or a corner nook) with personal items and intentional design goes a long way.
Renting is temporary — but your vibe doesn’t have to be. The trick is using what you can control to bring yourself into the space, and making it feel like home for however long you’re there.
7. Closing Encouragement – Personality > Perfection
At the end of the day, no one remembers if your room matched a trend or looked like it belonged in a magazine. What they do remember — and more importantly, what you feel — is whether it felt like you.
The goal isn’t perfection. It’s presence. A space that reflects your quirks, your memories, your taste, and the things that make you feel grounded.
Rooms with soul aren’t built in a day. They evolve. They’re layered with time, stories, and moments. So don’t stress about getting it all right straight away. Start small. Start personal. And trust that your space will grow with you.
The most meaningful rooms aren’t the ones filled with expensive things. They’re the ones filled with you.
Alex is the creator of Homely Haven, a space dedicated to simple, stylish ideas for interiors and gardens alike. With a passion for cozy living rooms, inviting outdoor spaces, and practical DIY solutions, Alex shares tips and guides that help turn any house into a true home.
From budget-friendly decorating hacks to weekend garden projects, the goal is always the same: to inspire you to create spaces that feel personal, beautiful, and welcoming. When not writing, Alex is usually rearranging furniture, sketching new garden layouts, or exploring design trends for the next project.
