Guest Article: The Real Heart of the Home

By: Cheryl Luckett of Dwell by Cheryl

The idea of “home” has profound meaning. It’s the place where we relax, celebrate, mourn, and grow. Designing a home that truly reflects who you are creates a sense of comfort that goes beyond physical walls. When your space aligns with your values, lifestyle, and needs, it becomes a place you long to be in when you’re away.

Consider your daily life and those little details that make you and your family unique. Maybe you’re passionate about hosting, and a spacious, open kitchen is a must. Or perhaps family game nights are sacred, and a cozy living room with plenty of seating is non-negotiable. When these elements are prioritized, your home becomes more than just a series of rooms—it becomes an environment that tells your story.

It’s All About You

In an age where trends dominate and Pinterest boards abound, it’s easy to get caught up in popular interior design choices that seem to promise a perfectly “on-trend” modern home. But there’s something far more important than achieving an Instagrammable look, and that’s making sure your home is a true reflection of you, your family, and how you live.

One of the questions I ask clients during an initial consultation is, “How would you describe yourself and your family?” Essentially, I’m asking, “Who are you?” I’m always floored by the number of people who are completely stumped by this question. Either they have no idea how to answer, or what they say has no connection to what they’ve surrounded themselves with in their home. Once, a client told me that her family was musical. I responded, “Really?” because there wasn’t a single indication of that in their home.

Your home should reflect you, the things you love, and what you hold dear. It should tell the story of who you are, where you come from, and, in some cases, where you’re going.

Lifestyle Over Everything

In addition to being quintessentially you, your home should also support how you live. As one of the most significant financial investments many make in a lifetime, why not maximize that investment in every way possible? Trends are fleeting, but the way you live is timeless. Ask yourself: Are there certain activities or habits that you and your family enjoy? Does sitting in a room where sunlight streams in, making it feel warm and inviting, light you up from the inside out? Reflecting on these nuances will guide your design choices and help ensure that your home is tailored to you.

As an interior designer, one of my absolute favorite things is transforming underutilized spaces into those that best serve my clients. After being isolated for months during COVID with their two young kids, my clients realized that their home was missing a space for the adults to unwind. There was a small room just off the entry that had previously been an impromptu home office. We converted it into an adult lounge, perfect for letting off some steam at the end of a long day.

When you make your lifestyle the foundation of your home’s interior design, you naturally incorporate features that work for you, rather than forcing yourself to fit into a template. It’s these thoughtful decisions that create spaces where you can thrive and find inspiration, day in and day out.

Building a Home and a Legacy

Designing a home around who you are and how you live also helps build a legacy. The perfect upstairs reading nook or a kitchen design that incorporates a table passed down through generations carries stories. These meaningful details and spaces become the backdrop for family gatherings, holiday celebrations, and life’s moments, both big and small.

When a home is built with your family’s values and lifestyle at the center, it becomes a place that endures. I recall every detail of the space I called my own in my childhood home. I can still see the white French Provincial furniture, the sheer yellow ruffled curtains with matching valances and tiebacks, the yellow and white calico floral wallpaper, and the yellow floral bedspread from JCPenney. It wasn’t fancy, but it was mine. It inspired me daily and likely laid the groundwork for who I would become and the business I operate today.

Every carefully chosen element becomes part of the fabric of your family’s legacy, creating a meaningful connection that transcends aesthetics alone.

How to Start Creating a Home That Reflects You

Here are a few tips to keep in mind as you begin:

1. Reflect on What Matters Most: Begin by identifying your family’s core values and day-to-day needs. Make a list of activities or spaces that bring joy and a sense of ease. Is there a particular ritual, like morning coffee or family dinners, that deserves a dedicated space?
2. Let Go of Perfection: Embrace the idea that a home isn’t a museum; it’s a living, breathing space. It’s okay for it to have imperfections or quirks. Often, these are what give a home its charm and personality, and they may be the very things that put guests at ease.
3. Seek Quality Over Quantity: Select pieces and materials that resonate with you personally. This approach often leads to quality choices over trendy ones, creating a cohesive and timeless look that feels distinctly yours.
4. Work with a Designer Who Understands You: Finding an interior designer who prioritizes function over creating Instagram-worthy images can make all the difference. A designer who understands your vision and values will ensure that every aspect of your home aligns with who you are and how you want to live.

At the end of the day, a home designed around you and your family is not just beautiful—it’s fulfilling. It serves you in practical ways and reflects what you cherish most, helping you to live your very best life. So, when you make choices, remember trends come and go, but the things that make your home feel like “home” will last forever.