How to make your home stand out with unique pieces.

Have you ever looked at your house and thought it needed an injection of character, something unique, a focal point that differentiated it from other houses, a piece that would wow your friends? Well good news, there are lots of opportunities to do exactly that if you follow a few simple steps:

1. De-clutter your home: you can't see your favourite new piece(s) if they are surrounded by too much stuff! So look for opportunities to de-clutter your space - remember one person's junk is another person's treasure so you might even be able to finance your new unique piece by selling those unwanted items on ebay, at a boot fair or a local vintage shop!

Wall mounted JuJu hats in a master bedroom

2. Buy pieces that inspire memories: a home should tell a story about who you are and what inspires you. Pick up pieces that remind you of a dream holiday you went on or a trip you shared with loved ones. Display items that were handed down by family and friends. Make features of things that hold special memories and sentimental value.

African wooden shields displayed on a sideboard

3. Be Adventurous, look to use pieces in different ways: whether you are buying a number of colourful woven baskets to hang on your walls, a variety of random eclectic modern and old pictures to group together, wooden paddles to display in a seaside cottage hallway or some taxidermy to display under a glass dome on a console table, be brave, think outside the box and do not be limited by your imagination.

4. Embrace Older Pieces: If you haven't found that perfect piece while on holiday why not take a day trip to a vintage furniture shop or auction? You will find many hidden gems that can't be found in your usual "go to" places. While you will find that pieces here can come in a variety of different conditions, don't be put off by this, instead either embrace the beauty of that vintage piece or take the opportunity to renovate it by adding a lick of your favourite Farrow and Ball paint or re-upholstering in your favourite Designer's Guild fabric.

5. Dare to be Different: don't be afraid! Show off your personality with sophisticated and quirky pieces. Add a pop of colour or compliment the colour scheme already in your home. Mix modern, rustic or traditional interiors with the pieces that you find by playing with new shapes, colours, textures and materials to add contrast, interest and unique design.

Papa New Ginea Tribal Neckless Mounted

6. Make that unique piece perfect for your space; If you decide to buy an ornament rather than a piece of furniture consider making it a stand out piece by having it mounted on either a wood or perspex plinth, you could even decide to display it in a glass case or under a glass dome on a side table. If you find a painting you love think about framing it in a dramatic frame so that it stands out. Then find the perfect place to display your item for everyone to admire and see!.

Go on have a go! You will surprise yourself how much fun it is to create a home that reflects who you are and looks beautiful!