Creating the Decor You Want: How to Make Unique Items for Your Home
We all want the rooms in our homes to reflect our unique personalities and point of view, but that isn’t easy when you’re working with mass-market items.
But even carbon-copy furniture can appeal to your aesthetic if you apply a little DIY magic, like a fresh coat of paint or new lights.
How to Create Unique and Stunning Decor for Your Home
No one wants their house to look like a generic showroom model. Fortunately, you can improve the look and feel of your space by creating your own decor or adding small, unique touches.
Become an All-Purpose DIY Furniture Master
The problem with custom furniture is its price tag, but a DIY master can tackle most jobs without breaking the bank. Creativity also goes a long way, especially if you have a tiny budget. A savvy thrifter can find typically pricey items, like picture frames or vases, at a cost-effective price.
DIYers should know how to use caulking, a drill, a paintbrush, a spirit level, and a circular saw if they want to create custom items. Learning how to sew is also a good idea, as cushions and blankets can add spice to any room. Item layering is another key tool in a DIYers tool belt.
Try More Advanced Techniques, e.g., Injection Molding
If you plan on making detailed, custom furniture for your home, you’ll need to learn advanced woodworking, sewing, and painting techniques. These techniques also require specialized tools or industrial equipment. For example, an injection molding machine can mass-produce plastics.
To save on costs, consider purchasing used industrial injection molding machines at Revelation Machinery. Alternatively, you could invest in a 3D printer to create small items or parts. You could also rent a workshop if you only need a single tool for a day or a limited time.
Start With a Vintage Piece and Build From There
Vintage furniture already comes with character, usually because it’s from an era that isn’t in vogue. It’s also more likely to be made by hand. To find inexpensive but good-quality vintage pieces, shop around second-hand stores. See if you can paint it or reupholster the fabric.
You can instantly make a room unique by using vintage furniture in unexpected ways. For example, a vintage cabinet can work as a sink base in your kitchen renovation. Try mixing different styles and patterns together in the same room to create interesting contrasts.
Don’t Go Easy on the Paint or Decorative Wallpaper
Next time you go to the thrift shop, find an item you think is ugly or poorly made. If you can repaint it, there’s a chance it’ll fit perfectly in your home. Can’t paint it? Add wallpaper instead. You can apply decorative wallpaper on just about anything if you cut it and add some glue.
Unless you want to make your home look chaotic (which can look great with the right pieces), have one cohesive element for the entire house. This element could be a color or a pattern and should appear in every room. That way, there’s something that ties your aesthetic together.
Drape or Add Items to Plain Pieces, e.g., Blankets
No one said you had to throw away your modern decorations, even if you think they can’t be customized. Some people aren’t confident with upholstery, painting, or woodworking, but that doesn’t have to limit their creativity. If you can sew squares, you can add personality to anything.
For example, a sewed, well-worn rug can give a room a bohemian feel, whereas a few throw pillows in a unique pattern can add color to plain pieces. Accent pieces, like blue accent chairs, could benefit from a cushion or throw blanket, even if you’re just maximizing comfort.
