Dare to be Different | Home

How to Create Home Interiors as Unique as You Are

Words by Erin Hackett / Photography by Hackett House Studio / Layout by Bryce Patterson

When I think about what “home” means, I think about words like love, comfort, and safety. These are at the core of what every home should be. But our homes are also extensions of ourselves - a chance to outwardly express the sense of style and the uniqueness of our characters. Just like no two people are the same, no two homes should be the same, either.

Creating a home that is uniquely yours should be a joyous process and involve a bit of self-discovery:

• First, consider your lifestyle by prioritizing the elements that resonate with your true sense of “home.” If you have a formal living room, but don't entertain frequently, try turning that room into a Morning Room; an ultra-relaxing, spa-like space where you can perform a peaceful morning routine for a harmonious start to your day.

• Next, donate any superfluous decor items replacing them with sentimental items that elicit warm feelings. For me, it’s a toy car model meticulously crafted by my dad, which now adorns my bookshelves and never fails to bring a smile to my face whenever I see it.

• Enhancing your home with artistic elements, such as sculptures or new light fixtures, can leave a lasting impression. Consider adding vintage Turkish pots for texture and visual appeal. Opt for custom pieces from local artists to make a bold statement.

Creating unique, never-been-done spaces comes with its own set of challenges; it requires time and patience. You must be willing to explore new ideas and be open to discovering new materials and methods of application.

This approach to interior design is addicting: once you open your mind to the world of possibilities in your home, your biggest problem will be having enough space to implement them all. Things like hand-painted tile become a gateway drug to the world of statement stone slabs, and the discovery of bespoke textiles opens the irresistible urge to refinish the vintage, heirloom furniture that has been sitting in your grandparents' garage for ages.

As a Columbus native, I pride myself on collaborating with local vendors who share my passion for embracing the extraordinary:

Classico Tile has hand-painted and zellige tiles that aren't in big box stores.

OHM International is a great visit for those looking for unique, hard-to-find stone slabs.

In-Home Concepts is my go-to source for striking cabinetry hardware.

Textile designer Virginia Kraft Textiles creates gorgeous fabrics for adding those soft finishes that make a home feel warm and inviting.

That beautiful kitchen or living room you fell in love with on Pinterest will be even more beautiful when you put your unique touches on it, and creating that space can be equally as enchanting. Whatever your project or home update you're working on, I implore you this: dare to be different.