Decorating A Home To Create An Encouraging + Personalized Atmosphere

I received free product in exchange for my review. All opinions are my own.

Have you ever visited someone's house and just gotten an immediate sense of welcome and calm? Or felt like their home was yours?

Growing up, I heard a lot of that from my friends. They loved the smell of my house, the look of my house, and they loved getting to visit with my family and eat dinner with us. 

That was all my mom. She decorated beautifully, kept candles going, and always had something yummy in the oven. She welcomed people in and made them feel at home. And sure, my friends mostly loved us (not our stuff),  but there is still something to be said for home decor that creates a peaceful, encouraging, and pleasant environment.

As the granddaughter of an interior designer, I have really come to appreciate the art of choosing home decor that radiates the vibe I want to put off in my home. For me, I want to choose things that are personal, that are close to my heart, and that encourage me in my faith each day.

So today, I'm sharing a few ways I like to make my house feel inviting, peaceful, and like a reflection of who I am.

Handmade Pieces From Others

Many of my closest friends and some family members are very creative. We often give each other handmade gifts for birthday's and Christmas, and I love that about us! This year I have received a hand-painted coffee sign made from reclaimed wood, a hand-painted, framed, hymn art piece, and a distressed, wrought-iron cross. All of these gifts are gorgeous and things that I love having in my home. Not only are they lovely, but they also add a smile to my day when I think about the person who took the time to create each piece.

My Own Handmade Pieces

I can't paint or draw by any stretch of the imagination (it's bad, you guys!), but I do well with other crafts like making wreathes and candles. I have made a wreath for my front door for every season, and I love switching them out as the seasons change.

I love having a wreath on the door because it gives off a homey vibe before people ever step foot into the house. It gives an added touch of beauty and care, and sets a good first-impression.

I also love handmade wreaths because they tell a story. They are unique and show off pieces of the maker's personality that wouldn't be seen if they hadn't made it themselves.

Personal Touches

One thing that really makes a house feel like a home is pictures of loved-ones scattered throughout. Not only does it add a personalized touch, but I also find it encouraging to be able to look around and see photos of the people who love me well and support me.

Scripture Reminders

Just as an FYI, we did not paint our house. The people who lived here before us did 😂

One thing that is really important to me is to have scripture and Christ-centered messages around my home. Seeing them throughout the day serves as a great reminder and helps me stay focused.

I love scripture art. Having bible verses around my home can be a huge encouragement. I also love old hymns. Sometimes the lyrics are just so encouraging and perfect reminders of God's love and my desire to live for him.
So, when I was contacted by Aimee of Aimee Weaver Designs, I was thrilled!

Aimee and her husband make handmade, hand painted signs out of reclaimed barn wood. They make personalized pieces based on the customers request, and they also have pre-made signs with scripture, hymn lyrics, and encouraging quotes.

"We are passionate about creating beauty from yesterday’s treasures, from pieces of the past lying by the wayside. Our desire to redeem and restore includes using antique hardware, rustic hinges and original nails. Most of our reclaimed wood is found in old barns around the Lancaster County countryside." -Aimee

When I received my sign in the mail, I was immediately impressed. The piece that I chose is huge, very solid, and absolutely gorgeous! The wood is perfectly stained and restored, while still holding onto some of it's original character, and the lettering is beautiful. Even Taylor talked about how much he liked it, and he rarely says anything about home decor.

We absolutely love our sign. It is the perfect statement piece for our living room!

If you are interested in a sign from Aimee, seriously check out her website! The signs she and her hubby make are totally customizable. You can choose your own wording, size, and colors, so it fits into your space perfectly!

I love adding personal touches to my home, and choosing the right pieces can really add an encouraging and calm atmosphere. I love looking around my house and seeing all the awesome pieces that I've made myself, that friends and family have made for me, and that have encouraging and motivational quotes on them. 

Do you agree? How do you decorate your home? Do you like adding a lot of personal touches, or do you prefer to go with more standard, premade pieces? Comment below!