So who are you designing your house for? Is it because you love the things you choose and you’re making your house a true home in just the way you want it – regardless of the tastes of the wider world? Or are you decorating and redesigning it to impress others?

Of course, you answered yes to the first question right? The house you’re spending so much time thinking about and getting just right is for yourself and yourself alone (or maybe your family too) yes?

Pretty much everyone thinks this is the case, but it isn’t really. The reality is that all home decoration is a compromise between the wants and needs of oneself and the immediate family – and the expectations and social norms of others.

We all do this – it’s as natural as the trees. But we should try to fight against it as much as possible.

I’m sure we all know people whose homes are quite clearly for the benefit primarily of others? These are people with super-expensive designer kitchens and all the works who eat out all the time as they don’t like cooking too much. This is clearly crazy. But let me ask you this – if you went to live in a completely different culture for while – do you think you’d start to try and fit in and design your home accordingly? I can answer for you; you would because everyone does – it’s simply part of the human condition to conform to the ways of the culture one finds oneself in.

So try to be as true to yourself as you possibly can when designing your house – and it will become a true home. And if you care that much – others will be able to feel that it’s a true home in a way that’s beyond words and completely natural.

So when picking out our furnishings and redecorating – try and go with things that feel right within you rather than those which look smart or chic etc. From bookcases to beds, sofas, TV cabinets, and wardrobes; whatever – try and be true to yourself and you will never regret your choices.

Good luck.