When it comes to my home I like to make it personal. While I take inspiration from what is on trend or from people I admire, I want my home to be one of a kind. I do not want it to fit into a cookie cutter mold.
Creating a unique and personal home comes down to two areas for me.
1. What I buy or make for my home.
2. What I fill in frames.
I like to collect things from many of my favorite places to shop. From the thrift store to higher end splurges, I desire a collected feel that is neither pretentious nor cheap. But instead a combination of who I am -- a frugal girl who loves a few luxuries in life.
click here for towel | click here for cheese board
Having quirky one of a kind items are conversation starters. Plus knowing I have something that everyone else does not have makes me appreciate my finds a little more. As I look at these photos of what I call an amazing afternoon snack, I can count the five different places each of these pieces were found.
And my newest most favorite thing ever? This ampersand cracker board! So fun, functional, and super photogenic! An entertainer's dream!
Plus when the board is not being in use, it makes a great piece of kitchen art. Win-win and most definitely one of a kind!
The second area I focus on in my home is what I put in frames. It is no secret I am a huge fan of a good gallery wall or that I like to use art in my home that is personalized in telling a story of our life and where we have been.
I have been wanting a map to hang up in our home for awhile to document our travels but just had not found the right one yet. I was just too indecisive for the perfect travel documented map.
Click here for scratch map
So I waited. I have learned that rushing into creating my home lacks a lot of personality. I am so glad I was patient, because I finally stumbled upon this scratch map which is exactly what I was looking for. It is pretty and looks good framed but I love that it is different. Plus scratching off each place that we visit feels a little like opening those chocolate advent calendars as a kid. I am so giddy to see what will appear!
Plus the different countries come in a variety of colors. What color will come next? Only another trip will tell!
I am not a huge geography nut but there was something about mapping out all the places we have been that helped me to really grasp this giant world we live in.
Here is the map after it started to display some color.
It may have even ignited my desire to travel a little bit more. To add some color (and really to dream a little) I used post it's to mark my top places I want to visit someday.
I may not make it to all of these places but I am reminded how important it is to dream. It focuses my attention and serves as a reminder to re-prioritize spending habits and the things I value in life if I really want travel to be a bigger part of it.
So wall art that is both meaningful, inspiring, and puts my dreams in check?! That is one worth framing!
Just like my map of Paris, I found an inexpensive large frame at the thrift store for this map. Because I hope to continue to scratch destinations off, I taped it on the outside of the glass.
Our homes can tell a story to the guests we invite in but also remind us of the life we have lived and the dreams we have yet to embark on. I want to be inspired before I even walk out the door of my own home and so creating a unique and personal place for my family does that.
// Today, I have partnered with UncommonGoods to share a few of their products that inspire me in creating a one of a kind home. They have a beautiful selection of unique items for the home as well as fun gifts for women and men!
This is a sponsored post on behalf of UncommonGoods. All opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands who help support this blog.
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