Drawing inspiration from the world around you, certain settings or situations will make your home a special place filled with familiar and warming experiences.

When is the last time you took a hike in the woods? Did you enjoy the smells of freshly fallen leaves, crisp flowing water and rich earth? You can bring memories of that into your home by using natural grained wood and earthy colors. If you have a set of cheap bunk beds in your room (Yes, I suggest adult bunk beds. Get over it.) the wood grain will make you think of the trees among the forest.

I have enjoyed many trips through Canada and every time I spent a few days in old town Quebec. It is one of my favorite places in the world. Then I went to France and enjoyed wandering the streets of old Paris. The architecture and general style of these two places, though distinct, has become a part of my life. Every time I look at the intricate scrawling on an antique French style armoire I am reminded of coffee shops and pain au chocolate in the morning.

My grandfather was a simple man who lived a life of great complexity. He was a naval mechanic and the ships stayed with him until the end. It was subtle but you could see the influence in the items he kept around him. Nautical themed trinkets and souvenirs from his days in the fleet. Without really looking you may not even notice the theme at all. This is the proper way to do a motif in your home. A hunter does not need to have a room filled with guns and mounted heads to be seen as a hunter and to express their love of the hunt in their surroundings. I’m just using that as an example by the way. I think mounted heads are tacky and creepy.

There are countless things you can draw inspiration from. Whether it’s a ship in a bottle or a set of bunk beds with stairs made of rich, dark, natural wood; you can add elements into your home in a classy way to remind you of happy times and amazing experiences or great loves.