The Stories Our Homes Tell: Designing with Meaning & Memory 🏠
How to Use Colour, Pattern & Personal Touches to Create a Home That Feels Like You
Walk into any home, and you’ll instantly get a feeling about the person who lives there. Some spaces feel warm and inviting, full of personality, while others feel more like a staged showroom—beautiful, but lacking soul.
What makes the difference? Storytelling.
Your home is more than just a collection of furniture and décor—it’s a reflection of who you are. The colours on the walls, the patterns in the fabrics, the little objects collected over time… they all have the power to tell your story. But the question is: Are you designing with meaning and memory in mind?
Why Your Home Should Reflect You
Your home isn’t just a place to eat and sleep—it’s an extension of your identity. It should spark joy, inspire creativity, and give you a sense of belonging. When you design with intention and incorporate personal stories, your home becomes:
A reminder of cherished memories
A source of daily inspiration
A space that feels comforting and familiar
A reflection of your unique journey
And here’s the best part—when your home truly reflects you, you never get bored of it. Instead of feeling the urge to constantly redecorate or chase trends, you’ll feel a deep emotional connection to your space.
Using Colour to Tell Your Story
Colour is one of the most powerful tools in home design. It’s not just about aesthetics—it can evoke emotions, spark nostalgia, and communicate your personality. Here’s how to use colour to tell your story:
1. Draw Inspiration from Your Memories
Think back to the places, people, and experiences that have shaped you. Maybe your childhood home had a bright yellow front door that always made you feel welcome. Maybe you fell in love with deep ocean blues on a trip to Greece. These colour memories can become an integral part of your home.
For me, one of the biggest influences in my life was my grandmother. She was a young doctor in the 1960s, a fierce advocate for women’s rights, and someone who always stood up for what she believed in.
That history inspires me, and I weave it into my home in meaningful ways—my living room is full of bold 1960s-inspired shapes, a gallery wall of feminist art, and vibrant colours that remind me of her era. These aren’t just design choices; they’re daily reminders of the women who shaped my life.
2. Let Colour Set Your Mood and Behaviour
Colour isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s emotional, personal, and rooted in your unique experiences. While conventional wisdom suggests that warm tones (reds, oranges, yellows) bring energy and cool tones (blues, greens, purples) create calm, the truth is that colour is entirely subjective. The way you feel in a space depends on your personal history, culture, and associations.
For example, some might find a red bedroom too stimulating, while others—like artist Sue Kreitzman—find red deeply comforting, even restful.
A rich mustard yellow might feel energising to one person and nostalgic to another. The key isn’t following colour rules but tuning into what resonates with you.
Colour combinations also play a huge role in setting the mood. A bold red alone might feel intense, but when paired with soft pink, it can create a warm, cocooning effect.
Deep forest green can feel moody and grounding, but add golden accents, and it becomes rich and luxurious. Rather than focusing on individual colours in isolation, think about how they interact and how they make you feel together.
Your home should be a reflection of your emotional landscape. Start by noticing which colours you’re naturally drawn to—whether in your wardrobe, your travels, or even your favourite artworks. Those are the hues that will make your space feel like home.
3. Use Patterns and Textures for Extra Depth
Patterns and textures can be just as meaningful as colour, adding another dimension to your home's story. Think of them as the fabric of your memories—quite literally! A vintage rug from a special trip isn’t just decor; it’s a piece of history beneath your feet. Wallpaper inspired by your grandmother’s favourite dress isn’t just a pattern; it’s a tribute to someone you love. A set of handwoven textiles from a culture you admire isn’t just fabric; it’s a connection to craftsmanship, tradition, and the places that inspire you.
Beyond their beauty, patterns and textures influence how a space feels—both emotionally and physically. A plush velvet sofa might remind you of cosy evenings at your parents’ home, while a rough, reclaimed wood table can bring warmth and character, making your space feel more lived-in. Even the smallest details—like embroidered pillows or a ceramic vase with an imperfect, handmade finish—can add layers of authenticity to your home. The key is to surround yourself with textures that not only look good but also evoke a sense of familiarity, comfort, and nostalgia.
4. Design with Layers of Meaning
Beyond colour and pattern, personalisation comes in the little details—the meaningful objects you choose to display, the way you arrange your space, and the stories embedded in everyday items. Maybe your bookshelf isn’t just filled with novels but also with souvenirs from your travels, childhood keepsakes, and gifts from loved ones. Maybe your kitchen is stocked with ceramics handmade by a local artist whose work you admire, or perhaps your walls feature art collected over time, each piece holding a special memory.
Your home should feel like a reflection of your unique journey. One way to approach this is to think of your space as a collage of experiences—each piece adding to the larger story of who you are. Consider how you can mix old and new, sentimental and functional, bold and understated. Layering different elements in this way creates a home that doesn’t just look curated—it feels deeply lived in and loved.
A few years ago, I visited Brazil for the first time, and I was completely mesmerised by the colours, nature, and street art I saw. The vibrancy and energy of the place stuck with me long after I returned home. Inspired by that trip, I decided to bring a piece of it into my own space—I collaborated with Molly Mural, a mural artist from Bristol, to create a hand-painted ceiling mural. Now, every time I look up, I’m reminded of that adventure, and it fills my home with that same sense of joy and creativity.
5. Give New Life to Pre-Loved Pieces
One of the best ways to tell a story in your home is through second-hand finds. Every vintage or thrifted piece has already lived a life, carrying history, character, and charm. When you bring these objects into your space, you’re not just decorating—you’re adding depth and uniqueness to your story.
I love thrifting for this reason! Some of my favourite pieces have come from charity shops, flea markets, and antique stores. I’ve even upcycled inexpensive homewares into unique pendant lights—an affordable and creative way to make a space feel truly personal.
Does Personalisation Hurt Resale Value? (Hint: No!)
A common concern is that too much personality will make it harder to sell a home later. But that’s simply not true!
As interior designer Jemima Spence said on my podcast, personalisation can increase a home's appeal because it gives the space soul—a connection that others can feel, even if the colours and décor aren’t their exact style.
So don’t be afraid to embrace your unique aesthetic. The goal is to create a home that feels right for you—and chances are, others will love it too.
Photos by Anthony Lycett
Designing with Intent: A Key to a Happier Home
When your home reflects your story, it becomes a space that feels authentically you. It’s not about following trends or impressing others—it’s about surrounding yourself with what truly brings you joy and comfort.
Did you know your wardrobe can inspire your home’s design? Just like the way we dress tells a story, our interiors can reflect our identity and personality. The colours, textures, and patterns you naturally gravitate towards in clothing can offer clues about how to style your space in a way that feels right.
In Module 5 of my course, Colour Your Home Happy, I guide you through a special exercise where you imagine your home as a person and "dress it up." It’s a fun and eye-opening way to uncover your personal design style and make choices that feel authentic to you. (But I won’t reveal too much here—you’ll have to join the course to experience it for yourself! 😉)
Create a Home That Feels Like You
When your home reflects your story, it becomes a place where you feel truly at home. And the best part? You don’t need to be an interior designer to get it right—you just need the right guidance.
That’s exactly what my course, Colour Your Home Happy, helps you do!
🌈 Through six comprehensive modules, you’ll learn how to confidently use colour, pattern, and design to create a space that feels uniquely yours.
You’ll also get access to:
🎨 Fun exercises to uncover your personal colour story
🛠️ DIY ideas to bring your vision to life
💡 Styling tips to create a cohesive, meaningful home
🌈 A supportive community of fellow colour-lovers
✨ Ready to design a home that tells your story? ✨