There’s something uniquely powerful about walking into a space that is unmistakably yours. Whether you have to share a flat, live in a one-room studio, or have a place where you can really stretch your legs, a home that speaks to you and for you is much more than just a “flex”. When done right, well-curated décor can lift your mood and make even the most temporary place feel like home.
In fact, interior styling has been repeatedly linked to improved mental health and a stronger sense of control over oneself. Curating your space in your own terms to tell your own story is an immensely powerful act, no matter how big your home or where you are in life. And when life shifts, as it does, a small collection of meaningful things can keep you mentally and emotionally grounded.
Whether you're planning a move or simply refreshing your home, don’t forget to think about your décor. Here are a few décor staples that are always worth keeping around.
- Framed Art Prints That Really Speak to You
The great things about art prints are that you can instantly personalise a space without overpowering it or committing too much space, like a large sculpture or installation might. Whether it’s a bold graphic design poster or one of DROOL’s vibrant typography prints, a framed artwork gives a sense of intentionality. Bonus points if it’s protected by clear UV-blocking acrylic that helps preserve the piece for many years and mounted in a frame that enhances rather than distracts from the art.
- A Statement Tapestry
Tapestries aren’t just for boho bedrooms or medieval art enthusiasts. Textile wall hangings can soften echoes that make small rooms feel oppressive and add a dash of texture to otherwise stark walls. They can be a bit of a commitment, so look for one that evokes a mood you won’t tire of seeing across different seasons and settings.
- Sculptural Pieces That Reflect Your Personality
Rather than strictly thinking in terms of typical sculptures, it may be more useful to consider “sculptural objects” as a whole. This way, ceramic gallery pieces, beautifully designed appliances, and even homemade curios can work together to add dimension and character to your space. These pieces help bridge your wall and art prints with the rest of your interiors, creating a more lived-in, cohesive look.
- An Elegant Lamp
Lamps are among the most useful and aesthetically impactful décor pieces you can own. A striking table lamp or a floor lamp can strongly anchor a room and give it the exact ambience you want. Forget cheap throwaways and opt for something with a strong sculptural quality or a silhouette that feels right to you. Don’t forget to use a bulb that can give the right colour temperatures to complement your space.
- Vases That Work Even Without Flowers
A good vase will bring your room forward, whether it's filled with fresh blooms, dried stems, or left bare to speak for itself. If you can spare the room and the counterspace, at least two or three in different shapes and heights can be especially impactful.
- A Macramé or Woven Wall Hanging
While they often function the same way as tapestries, macramé can offer a stronger three-dimensional texture that plays especially well with light. Lamps, mirrors, and windows are all good partners with macrame art, and you can often find pieces that will blend effortlessly into your preferred colour palettes.
- Trusty Decorative Trays
Trays can be more useful than you think. Small trays can help organise bits like keys, remotes, jewellery, and watches. You may as well get the nicest ones you can get, as you’re probably going to be using them every day. Keep one each at coffee tables, your bedside, and on your entryway consoles to provide a “home” for your odds and ends.
- An Heirloom Quilt or Throw Blanket
A well-loved quilt or textured throw makes any bedroom or living space feel a shade more inviting. Drape it over the end of a bed or the back of a sofa to make your space feel instantly like home. If you don’t have an heirloom piece, simply start a new tradition by committing to a piece that you like.
- A Full-Length Mirror with a Beautiful Frame
Anything that you will use daily deserves to be beautiful. This is especially true of something as useful as a full-length mirror. Not only are they handy for checking out your day’s outfit, they also bounce light around, create the illusion of space, and can serve as sculptural elements in their own right. All you really need is one versatile mirror with an outstanding or unexpected frame near your entrance or in your bedroom for checking your ensembles.
- Shelves or Surface to Curate
A nice display surface gives your space flexibility, allowing you to rotate smaller pieces, artwork, or sentimental items that don’t really fit with anything else in your space. Consider a mix of closed and open shelving so that you can archive out-of-rotation pieces sight unseen.
Investing in Personality Pieces That Travel with You
Great décor doesn’t have to be expensive. All it has to do is make you feel at home. When you’re filling out blank walls or creating vignettes that speak your mind, these staples will more than do the trick. For framed art prints that’ll still hold up five moves onward, explore DROOL’s new releases and pick out unique, artist-backed pieces to help tell your story.
