Thoughts on decorating a meaningful home

Something that has always been important to me is making things meaningful. I love stories/memories tied with objects. In our first apartment, I filled it with all sorts of projects and thrifted finds but later felt that it lacked the depth that I desired and it felt rushed.

So with our home I have worked to be intentional about our decorations and tried to scatter some meaningful things around the home.

Here are some of my "meaningful" staples in my home today:

1. Photos
I love having photos up around the home. I follow the quality over quantity rule with my photos. I have found that a few really meaningful, special photos in a room stand out more than an entire room filled with photos. Don't get me wrong though....a gallery wall is still one of my favorite things, but I enjoy a mix of photos in with art and other fun objects. Do you have any rules with photos? I once read that some follow rules such as: no pictures in the family room, only wedding pictures in the bedroom, etc. I think that sounds strange to me.

2. Family Heirlooms
I have a very close family and I also have felt a great deal of loss in regards to some family members. Anything and everything that was my father's or my step-father's is incredibly special to me. I also love anything from my grandparents. Carpentry to embroidery, I love it all.

made for my dad 

A jade tree from my grandmother (this reminds me so much of her home)

A tiny bike that was my dads

Made by my step-father last Christmas

3. Souvenirs

Over the past few years I have had numerous travel opportunities and have brought back some pretty special pieces. I love finding one or two meaningful/useful items that I can put in my house instead of loading down my suitcase with shirts and shot glasses. Although I am known to have a rather large collection of t-shirts :)

From Cancun, Mexico

From Russia

4. Type Art
I am always encouraged by writing my favorite quotes and Bible verses on paper...why not make it pretty? One of my favorite things to search on Pinterest (Here is my board where I collect beautiful words) are quotes and bible verses paired with beautiful type or art.

5. Real Art
My house doesn't have much of this yet, but I really desire to start investing in the art that I have around the house. Making the switch from buying my artwork in Hobby Lobby or Pier 1 to buying straight from an artist would make a huge impact. Some of my favorite artists:

Michelle Armas

Yangyang Pan