Great homes don’t just happen. They begin with great design and superb craftsmanship. That’s why it’s so important to select a floor plan that matches your family’s lifestyle and personality.  Of course, a good design is only one step in the process. You need skilled craftsmen with the experience and ability to actually turn those plans into reality. 

Even when your home is finished, however, as the homeowner you’re the one who adds the personal touches that turn that beautiful house into a warm and welcoming home. What are some of those “custom” touches that will put your personal stamp on your home? 

Here are a few areas in which you can express your unique personality to create an environment that is exclusively “you.” 

Window Coverings

While the trend in design today is to let in lots of natural light, some rooms just look naked without some kind of window coverings. Privacy can be an issue too. You have lots of options when it comes to both shades and draperies, and customizing your drapes (in rooms where it’s appropriate) can give your living or dining room a touch of elegance. And what you choose can be dramatically different from what your neighbors choose. 

Area Rugs

One of the challenges homeowners face with today’s open plan designs is defining specific spaces within an open area. Because wood floors are extremely popular (and attractive), area rugs can help differentiate between different spaces—and they present an opportunity to demonstrate some flair. Some homeowners use different colors to create specific areas. Others treat area rugs almost like paintings to create a unique look in a room. 

Unique Pieces of Furniture

If you want to make a powder room stand out (and have a little bit of flair) you might want to consider installing a salvaged vanity. Your vanity could be an old table or cabinet that’s been refinished and fitted with a new countertop or sink. That marriage of old and new can be striking. Or you might consider a one-of-a-kind table for your dining room. Of course you’ll want this table to fit the overall feel of your dining room. If your room is more formal, you may want to go with a more conservative design. But if the room is more casual, you might even try something edgy or abstract. 

Artwork

The art that you hang on your walls can be the most personal touch of all. It can also be the most challenging to pull off. Just because you really like a piece of art doesn’t mean it can necessarily become the focal point of your family room or living room. One thing to consider when choosing art for the different rooms of your home is whether or not it fits the basic design of the room (again, it’s the idea of more formal versus more casual). Another thing to keep in mind is that you probably want to create a bit of a theme (without going too far). Can you design around the artwork with other things that complement it and set a tone for the room? 

What are the things that you feel add that personal touch to your home? Leave us a comment below and let us know what you think!