I came across a page from Marni Jameson’s book House of Havoc: How to Make and Keep a Beautiful Home, and it really got me interested. The page listed five decorating mantras to live by – simple, and surprisingly meaningful. They felt like little reminders to make our spaces more intentional, comfortable, and really our own. Nothing too fancy, just thoughtful ways to create a home that feels good.
After reading those 5 mantras, I couldn’t resist adding a few of my own. These aren’t about creating the “perfect” space – they’re about making your home feel like you. A place that’s cozy, authentic, and full of personality. I’m hoping you’ll love them as much as I did.
So, if you are ready to shake up your space a little, let’s begin!
1. The closer something is to your body, the better it should be. This argues for fine sheets and cheap drapes.
2. Surround yourself with quality and not clutter. Buy it once, buy it right.
3. Honor the acts of daily living. If it’s a habit, make it beautiful.
You might remember when I wrote about Bedtime Hygge Sleep Rituals and Hygge Morning Rituals for starting and ending the day cozy – it flows nicely in here!
4. Every room needs something living: flowers, goldfish, a pet.

5. Life should sparkle. Every house needs bling.
6. Mix high and low – splurge on what matters, save where it doesn’t. A vintage table with budget chairs? Perfect.
7. Let your home tell your story. Fill it with objects that mean something, not just things that match.
If decorating feels a little overwhelming, take a deep breath – I’ve got a cheat sheet! My post on perfect accessorizing lays out nine simple rules to make styling way easier. Start there, and soon you’ll be accessorizing like a decorator (or at least looking like you meant to do that).
8. Style should be effortless, not forced. If it feels staged, rethink it.
9. Embrace imperfection. A little wear, a little history – these are signs of a life well-lived.
10. Lighting is everything. Use mirrors, candles, and soft lighting to set the mood and tone.

Via: fredericmagazine
If this speaks to you, then you’ll definitely want to check out my Cozy Kitchen Lighting post. And because I take cozy seriously around here, I even sprinkled in some holiday string lighting ideas – because nothing says “festive” like a little twinkle magic!
11. Every home needs a signature scent. Whether it’s fresh flowers, candles, or baking bread, make it memorable.
Remember when I shared how to make your home smell like fall? This ties in neatly too- because what’s a cozy space without that just-baked-pie aroma? If you need some inspiration, be sure to check it out!
12. Edit ruthlessly. If it’s not beautiful, useful, or sentimental, let it go.
I actually put my money where my mouth is, tried it firsthand, and even wrote about the experience – check out 12 Life Lessons from Decluttering Like Marie Kondo [here].
13. Texture is just as important as color. Mix soft, rough, glossy, and matte for a more nuanced space.
14. Display books, always. They add soul, character, and endless inspiration.

Via: hattiekolp
I can’t say I’ve done much on decorating with books – note to self, add that to the list! But I did put together the complete guide to styling a beautiful bookshelf, so there’s definitely something there. Check it out!
15. Furniture should be lived in, not admired from a distance. If a chair is too pristine to sit in, it’s a prop, not a piece.
16. Curtains should kiss the floor, not hover above it. Properly hung drapes add instant elegance and sophistication.
17. Don’t overlook the ceiling – it’s your room’s fifth wall. A bold light fixture, painted ceiling, or wood beams can take a space from ordinary to striking.
I couldn’t agree more with this mantra! I even shared my thoughts on statement ceilings as a classic home decor trend [here] – and fun fact, the wallpapered ceiling image was my most-loved one too!
18.The best homes feel collected, not decorated. Rooms should look like they came together over time, not from a showroom.
19. Your home should evolve. It’s a reflection of you – let it grow and change over time.

Via: Pinterest
20. Invest in a good dining table. It’s where life happens – meals, conversations, celebrations.
Speaking of dining tables, I shared some thoughts on adding character to your dining room in an older post [here]. But why stop there? I also wrote about how dining chair slipcovers can instantly update your space – because sometimes, the easiest way to redecorate is just to cover it up!
21. Every room needs a touch of black. Just as it needs at least one thrifted piece.
22. Color is your home’s mood ring. Don’t be afraid to experiment – paint is the quickest way to change a vibe, so go bold or go home.
Yep, it’s a big topic around here – I couldn’t stop at just a few! I put together a list of the best neutral colors of all time, and, well… it got so long I had to split it into Part 1 [here] and Part 2 [here]. But I know some of you like to go bolder, so I also rounded up the best paint colors for your home – ones that homeowners and designers swear by. Check it out [here]!

Via: Pinterest
23. Matchy-matchy is boring. Contrast is what makes a space interesting – mix colors, eras, and textures.
Remember when I talked about mixing modern and vintage decor for a timeless look? Check it out [here]
24. Let furniture breathe. Don’t push everything against the walls – floating pieces create better flow.
25. Nothing should be too precious to use. The good china, the fancy candle, the luxe throw – enjoy them daily.
26. A well-set table makes even the simplest meal feel special. Invest in beautiful plates, cloth napkins, and candlelight.

Via: Pinterest
Table setting is something we take seriously on this blog – you’ll find a post for just about every occasion! From setting a table for one to creating an indulgent breakfast spread (because why shouldn’t your morning coffee feel a little fancy?), we’ve got it covered. If you missed it, be sure to check them out.
And if you’re looking for seasonal inspiration, my latest post on Easter centerpiece ideas is a great place to start!
27. A room without personal touches is just a space. Family heirlooms, travel finds, and handmade pieces give a home soul.
You know that satisfying feeling when your decor truly reflects you – even if it feels a little all over the place? The trick is bringing it all together in a way that just works. I did a post on how to style your home with panache, because when it comes to personality in decor, more is more. So go ahead, bring it on!
28. Walls should have personality. If you’re not hanging art, put up a shelf or hang a plant – blank walls are a missed opportunity.
If this perks you up, I went into more detail in How to Make Your Walls Look Like an Art Gallery – it’s turned out to be one of my most popular posts!

Via: youtube.com/@aniemor
29. Mix moods, not just styles. A room should feel both alive and cozy – pair bold statements with soft, snug layers.
30. Your entryway is your home’s first impression – make it count. Light it well, ground it with a great rug, and add something that tells your story.
Speaking of entryways – been there, done that, and wrote the posts! You’ll find all kinds of inspiration, from sunny yellow entryways to spring entryways, feng shui entryways, and even clever ways to fake an entryway when your front door rudely opens straight into the living room.
31. The kitchen is the heart of the home – treat it that way. Keep it functional, beautiful, and always ready for gathering.
Especially around Christmas, when the kitchen turns into the headquarters for all things yummy, it deserves a little extra love. Well, I’ve got you covered with Christmas Kitchen Decor Ideas to bring some holiday cheer home – because if you’re going to spend half the season in there, it might as well look festive!
32. One should never be the oldest thing in one’s house. Let the antiques do the aging, and you do the living.

33. Your bedroom should whisper, not shout. Keep it calm, cozy, and the kind of comfy that makes you want to nap all day.
There’s plenty of inspiration right here – cozy bedrooms, neutral bedrooms, and even bedroom feng shui tips to get the energy just right. If this doesn’t set you up for eight hours of beauty sleep, at least your room will look well-rested!

34. Mixing metal finishes is a power move. Gold, silver, brass – when you get it right, it’s a bold anthem for your space.
35. Indulgence is a must – your home should have a little luxury in every corner. Whether it’s a plush throw or a velvet chair, make everyday feel like a treat.
36. Embrace the power of negative space. A little breathing room in your decor makes everything else shine – because sometimes, the best statement is knowing when to stop talking.
37. Your home is for you, not just guests. Make sure it’s a place you love to be, every single day.
I really enjoyed adding my own spin to these decorating mantras – it was a fun way to reflect on what makes a home truly feel like home.
Isn’t it amazing how small, thoughtful actions can make such a big difference in how we experience our spaces? I’ll definitely keep revisiting and updating these ideas as I discover new ways to live more intentionally in my home.
Thanks for tagging along! I hope these mantras spark a little inspiration for your own space – because, really, who doesn’t want their home to feel like them?
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