Align with Design by Jenni Ellsworth

What’s Your Sign?

We are truly unique creatures that strive to show our individuality any chance we can get. You may not yet have an online dating profile or author bio (wink wink), but you likely could uniquely describe yourself in a few distinct sentences. You might reference your zodiac sign, character traits, or favorite shows and movies (don’t get me started on the debate that these are the same! lol).

  • Photo by Clem Onojeghuo
  • Photo by Sarah Cervantes

For example… “I’m a Gemini with a knack for artistic expression through crafting and interior design. I enjoy hiking, watching sci-fi, reading HGTV mags, and eating artichokes. My shopping vice is Toms and Birkenstock shoes, and I love antiquing and finding unique functional pieces made of metal or worn wood.”

Fun fact: The zodiac signs most Western people know today were created by the ancient Greeks and are called the “tropical” zodiac signs.

I don’t think there’s anyone else that would describe themselves exactly the same as me! What is my point to all this you might ask? We generally know who we are, and we have to embrace our uniqueness.

Our loves, our fears, and all of our quirks are what tell our stories.

We tend to overcriticize aspects of ourselves we don’t see as idealistic. The truth is that we would be entirely disenchanted if everyone was alike. It’s much more exciting to be introduced to something unique, and honestly, our ideals are mostly a false portrayal, . Either way, you wouldn’t want to read a biography all about your complete doppelganger.

Similarly, I doubt you’d be enthused if a vacation travel took you somewhere that looked exactly the same as your own home. When visiting the coast, we embrace the nautical vibe and calm colors of a beach bungalow. In the mountains, it’s all about the cozy warmth of a cabin adorned with red and green plaid throws and natural wood furnishings. These environments are all part of the experience, and connect their inhabitants to the surroundings.

If you’ve had the chance to read the ‘In Living Color’ blog series, you would understand how color choices and atmosphere impact our emotional reactions to a space. These aspects are important, and generally considered first when designing. However, it’s the story that a space tells that is the true icing on the cake.

  • Phtoto by Sharon Chen

The most distinct restaurants are the ones with the old black and white photos on the wall from the building’s previous use, or those featuring a gallery wall of celebrities who’ve dined there. When reminiscing on buildings I used to frequent, one that comes to mind first is my old library. It had a blue bicycle bolted to the ceiling in memory of a past patron and donor.

Whether it’s getting a glimpse into the lives of the owners, or learning fun and exciting facts about the history of an area, the stories told through these spaces make for a truly unique and alluring experience. You may even find commonalities and build new connections with others by discovering and inquiring on these details.

Too many of us neglect to make our own spaces reflect our identities.

Instead of filling our homes with our personal touches and collections, we all too often strive to mimic that Ikea showroom or Target ad. Initially, we are awed by the dazzling design, lack of clutter, and genius organization (not taking into account anyone actually has to live there!). However, while the style is there, you won’t find any personality.

  • Photo by Francesca Tosolini

Don’t get me wrong, I frequent these stores and have many pieces I’ve picked up along the way. However, anyone can Pinterest their favorite farmhouse-style dining room or mid-century mod den and buy pieces to look the part. On the other hand, no one can make their space just like yours if it incorporates pieces of you.

So, put down the “Live, love, laugh” sign at HomeGoods. Think twice about the “Laundry” sign to go above your washer. These might be fun and inviting, but they tell nothing about the home or its occupants. Use these opportunities to decorate your home with something that speaks uniquely to you.

  • Photo by Vladimir Mokry

Is there a quote you could pull from your favorite poet? Song lyrics from your wedding? Maybe there’s a specific mantra that speaks to your hobbies or beliefs. You don’t have to be an accomplished artist to put together something of your own either.

We all have a budding creator inside us.

Consider writing your mantra on a store-bought chalkboard, or printing your favorite quote and framing it. If you want to get more creative, you could use fabric paint pens to customize a plain throw pillow with a family saying. You could even try adding chalk paint and lyrics to a worn out ukulele, and then hang it up on the wall. The opportunities are endless, and this is where Pinterest becomes your friend!

  • Photo by Cristofer Jeschke

Not only will you open your heart and home to others when you make a space your own; you will find more joy in your surroundings. Reminders of special moments, inspiring people, and uplifting excerpts are much more gratifying than getting that magazine look just right. They may be just what you need to get you through the day sometimes too.

“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

— Maya Angelou

CARPE DIEM CONNECTION~  
Grab a notebook and try writing down your own bio in a few sentences.
Take what you've written, then jot down a couple colors, symbols, and
words that play in with those traits.
If you're a gardener and history buff, you might think sepia tones,
floral prints, old-school overalls, and an inspirational Lincoln quote.
If you're an 80's guru who plays piano and loves running, you might
picture neon sneakers and the Springsteen lyrics "Born to Run".
When you've started to pull together some ideas, take a good look at
your walls. What would they say if they could talk?
What would you want them to say about your life?

Try trading out a few pieces with something differentiating from your
list and see how you feel.
You can frame just about anything too, so think beyond iconic signs
and gallery art. 
This is a great opportunity to showcase a special handed down recipe
from your family, a t-shirt from a memorable event, or some travel
memorabilia in a shadow box. You could even custom order maps or
prints of places you've traveled, lived, or celebrated special events. 
Take a moment and think outside the box (or just put something in it!).
Jenni Ellsworth
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