I've always loved this picture of my brother and I riding camels on the beach in Kenya.

Once you have lived or been to Africa, it always stays with you! I have wonderful memories of doing fun, crazy things that I look back at now and think "Wow" that was awesome and I had no idea how blessed I was to get to experience such a cool childhood.

I truly realize now and can't wait to travel more with my kids.

Anyway, I found this cool camel's saddle at an estate sale and it sits beautifully in my living room. It has significance to me because of my memories riding camels on our holiday in Mombasa, Kenya. It's worn and tired but it has incredible character and makes for a great conversation.

When looking for items for your home, find things that have meaning to you. We personalize so many things these days, our Facebook page, our Google profile, our cell phone ring tone, our Instagram photo's, our laptop screen saver. I've been thinking a lot about it and started to wonder if people really put that much energy into their personal spaces where they spend most of their time.

Do you personalize your home?

I try to collect pieces of driftwood. I've collected them from all over and have scattered them throughout my home.

I love their texture and they makes me think of the simplicity of life. Nature does that to me. Brings me back to the basics of life. Having a bit of nature in my home constantly reminds me to keep things simple and reminds me to enjoy all things beautiful.

Seashells and corral also makes me think of my visits to different beaches. The beach is what makes me relax and there is something about the smell of the air that makes me feel peaceful. I instantly feel "chilled out" when sitting on the beach and feeling the breeze.

Here are a few tips for you to help you personalize your home.

Surround yourself with things you LOVE or items that trigger memories of your travels.

Re purpose old antiques or heirlooms. Add your special touch and style by displaying them in unique ways.

Find one of a kind artwork, rugs or accessories that says something about who are or what you have done.

Use your own signature scent for your home.

Throw splashes of your favorite color around. Layer those colors with different sizes, styles and shapes.

Incorporate your heritage and place vintage and family photos on your bookshelves along with your favorite collections.

Incorporate architectural elements. They add so much interest to any corner or wall.

Add a few interesting imported pieces of furniture. This is also a great way to add color!

Scatter your child's artwork in different places. They love seeing their creations on display! Date the bottom of them so you know what year they did them. They will want them for their home one day.

Baskets add loads of personality and interest! Hang them on your walls for all to enjoy. I full wall of woven beauties has just as much impact as a full wall of mirrors because it makes a statement!

Make the first thing your guests see when they ring the doorbell have a splash of YOU.

If you haven't personalized your home, I challenge you to do so. If you have kids, it means a lot to them too. My girls love to see their history and memories all over our home.

Tell your story by personalizing your home today!

P.S. - I am not a good writer and my punctuation may not always be perfect. I just love what I do and like to express it on this blog. I'm apologizing now for anything that you see in my grammar, etc. that isn't right :) I try, but I'm far from perfect.

Visit my website DecRenew Interiors to see my design portfolio. I can help you personalize your home and make you "house proud" as Nate would say :)

Two of my favorite elements to decorate with are architectural pieces and urns. I think they make the grandest statement to any room. They both add extreme character and interest to any space.

I think what I love about them is their scale. Usually large and take up lots of wall space, allowing you to be free from lots of nick nacks and clutter. Simplicity is beautiful.

Here are a few Architectural Elements that inspired me!

Jann Jaffe - Designer

Traditional Home Magazine - 2004

This headboard has always been my absolute favorite architectural piece. Originally installed in the Vanderbilt estate in Newport, Rhode Island, the carved arch makes a dramatic headboard.

Jann Jaffe - Designer

Traditional Home Magazine - 2004

Don't these columns add so much interest to this doorway? Columns found at a flea market make the house look older than it really is and adds amazing character, dressing up this doorway with such style and sophistication.

These columns are definitely a statement in this entryway.

The fact that they are painted an "old world" distressed color that is different than the walls makes them feel like artwork in the room. Of course this mirror is incredible with the lamps accompanying it. Notice how it goes right to the ceiling!

Adding these old shutters to the window is a great idea. The best part is that they can slide shut for privacy.

Traditional Home Magazine

A wooden piece on the mantel is a nice fit for outside. The rounded shape adds incredible interest to this outside patio.

Makes me ready for summer.

Traditional Home Magazine

Statues are a great piece of architectural art too!

Love these old plaster urns with the tropical greenery. Can't you just hear the sound of water flowing in this room? There is probably some kind of water fountain or pool.

Garden statues used indoors is an amazing way to decorate a space.

Traditional Home Magazine

Candlesticks make a great architectural piece. Who says they HAVE to have a candle in them.

Elegant Homes Magazine

An old mirror on a mantel that looks like it use to belong in an old church. The candlesticks look like they were made from staircase banister pieces.

Elegant Homes Magazine

This master bedroom's headboard, an Italian altarpiece found in a Houston antique shop, blends with the rustic architecture. I'm crazy about this piece!

DecRenew Interiors - Ruthie Staalsen

This was an old mirror that I found. The mirror was broken so I took it out and made it into a headboard for my client that lives on a ranch.

URNS that inspired me!

Traditional Home Magazine

These black urns on each side of the fireplace speak volumes flanked on each side of this fireplace. The black makes a bold statement.

Traditional Home Magazine

Welcome - that's what these urns say! The floral arrangement is simply stunning. Large scale items make the best statement!!!!

Elegant Homes Magazine

Old urns on pedastools is a great way to make an entry feel even grander than it is.

Elegant Homes Magazine

This live greenery speaks volumes to this room in this old antique urn. It says "this room is alive and well."

Traditional Homes Magazine

The above room has 3 urns behind the couch. The best part of this design is that the urns are black. This traditional room has a very monochromatic color scheme. Adding the black urns really adds a punch to the room and has created an amazing focal point in front of the decorative antique mirror. The one in the middle rests your eye and the fact that it's a different size and shape is perfect.

The simplicity of adding fruit to a small urn is wonderful. Who said your entry table has to be FULL of accessories?

The architectural columns give height to these old rustic urns filled with gourds. These urns would be fun to fill for each season.

This room is beautiful and so ecclectic with the different seating around the table too.

Traditional Home Magazine

This dining room has a formal traditional touch to it. By adding this rustic urn to the table it has made this room feel more inviting and casual. Simple additions like this can change up a room immediately.

As you have heard me say before, you want your rooms to be used. If they are too formal, it creates a unwelcome, stiff, intimidating feel to the room.

A close up of this rustic urn allows you to see what a great base it makes for the arrangement. I love it when objects that would usually be outside are brought indoors to add a relaxed feel to the room.

Architectural Elements & Urns that I've incorporated in my home.

I purchased plain shutters and had a faux artist paint them for me (I showed her a picture of exactly what I wanted). I added hardware to the doors and we are enjoying them at the top of our stairs. My installer's had a hay day hanging them!