Personality Decorating’ Is the 1960s Home Decor Advice We’re Still Using Today

Learn how to transform your space with the personality-driven decor trend we first introduced in 1966.

The idea of ‘personality decorating’—A.K.A. decorating the way you like, regardless of current trends—is a concept Better Homes & Gardens first introduced in 1966. “This is the surefire way to revive a home that’s smothering in sameness,” we wrote then.

The idea we introduced was fairly simple: plan your home’s decorating to fit the way your family lives, then infuse the entire space with your individual personality. Still, today, this idea holds. In a world dominated by social media and inspiration boards, it’s easy to fall into decorating ideas and trends that might not necessarily fit your personal style.

If you’ve found yourself in a rut of just doing what’s popular, we’re sharing our best ideas to style-up your home in a way that’s as unique and individual as you are. Revive your space with these bold, creative personality-packed decorating ideas that mix color, style, and history for a space that truly reflects you.

1. Incorporate Bold Colors

Vibrant colors and combinations (like yellow and orange or blue and red) can instantly wake up a room. Unexpected or bold color relationships create a touch of visual tension while infusing a space with energy. Just like we said in 1966, “Color is a power in personality decorating because it makes a positives statement about your attitude as well as your individual taste.”

This applies to bright, saturated colors like teal, pink, and green as much as it applies to neutrals like whites and creams with deep browns and blacks. To keep in palatable and comfortable, pair bold hues with more muted ones for balance.

2. Mix Old and New

Take advantage of the slow decorating trend by mixing pieces old and new to create a curated, collected feel that’s immediately unique. Display heirlooms, items from your travels, thrifted finds, or art festival pieces on open shelves or walls. Framed fabrics, ceramics, and books also make easy, personality-packed decor. Not only do collections like these help your space feel more personal, they can also help create a fully decorated, styled space on the cheap.

3. Incorporate Funky Fabrics

Never underestimate the power of fabric. Affordable yardage from fabric (and even thrift) stores can be an easy, renter-friendly way to dress up a space. Tack them up on the walls, frame remnants of vintage quilts, or use a couple extra hours to re-upholster old chair seats for a big punch of personality and energy. When shopping for fabrics, look for patterns that you react to: ones that make you feel happy, nostalgic, or calm. On the flip side, using burlap on the walls can be an easy, affordable way to create a textured effect. Tapping into emotion is one of the biggest goals of personality decorating.

4. Find Opportunities for Pops of Red

The Unexpected Red Theory (the idea that adding something red to a space can instantly help it feel more grounded and sophisticated) had a big moment on social media awhile back, and the idea still holds. As we said in 1966, “Red echoes an old-world elegance and lets you know that tradition is treasured.”

If you’re skeptical, start small. Try out a small red object like a decorative box or small throw pillow. If you like the way it feels, go a little bigger by bringing in a red lampshade or footstool. The adaptability of red itself might surprise you.

5. Look for Good Lighting

Swapping out a light fixture is a fast and easy way to amp up your personal style. Try a new chandelier over a table, or simply install a statement plug-in wall sconce. Unique light fixtures, especially ones with sculptural forms, unique shapes, or interesting finishes act like functional art for the room. Lighting is also an excellent way to play with mixed materials. For example, a modern plaster chandelier paired with an antiqued brass wall sconce is another way to create that curated, layered feel. This look is all about layers, so avoid incorporating pairing or incorporating pieces that feel too matchy-matchy.

6. Don’t Forget the Bathroom

Transitional spaces—the ones you don’t spend a ton of time in, like hallways, bathrooms, or entryways—are some of the best places for bold decorating. Since you’re only in them temporarily, you’re less likely to become overwhelmed by bold patterns or colors. Think of the bath or powder room as a jewel-box moment: a colorful surprise hiding within your home. Feel free to go a little crazy. Try a bright, patterned wallpaper, color-drench the walls and ceiling, try a or try out a dark paint color. Finish the space with an antiqued statement mirror for impact.