Add the missing ingredients

Readers offer suggestions on how to bring a homely feel to a space

Do you ever wonder how you could make your space better — what you could subtract to make it feel fresh, balanced and new? It can be hard to decipher the missing piece to the puzzle, the one thing that’s stopping our space from looking and feeling just right.

Is the sofa too small? What should I add to that wall? Why does my place feel sterile? If you’ve asked yourself these types of questions, you’re not alone.

We asked readers to tell us what most homes are missing. Everyone had an opinion, but surprisingly, the most common answers had nothing to do with particular objects, but rather characteristics that make a space extra special. After reading hundreds of answers, we boiled the answers down to seven key things your home might be missing:

Originality

“We’re so often dazzled by a [Pinterest or Instagram item] that we try to literally create someone else’s space in our own homes,” one Instagram follower wrote.

“That never works. Get to know your house, work on defining your style, note how you use your space. and then refer to social media for inspiration, not iteration.”

Another agreed: “Some homes don’t truly reflect everyone who lives there. To me, a home should tell a story rather than simply follow a trend.”

What to try for originality: Colour, pattern and textures you love. Don’t be limited by trends.

Scale

For other readers, most homes are missing scale, more specifically “furniture that has a good scale and is really comfortable.”

Readers pointed out that sofas and rugs are most commonly the wrong scale. If you’re unsure whether your pieces are the right scale, ask for external feedback, suggests one reader: “It’s always easier to justify your own design. The power of a professionally inspired cull is amazing It could be via an agent, designer, or a very honest friend. Honesty is the best policy.”

What to try for scale: Larger rugs and furniture pieces that fill the space.

Fearlessness

Dramatic flair, fearlessness — call it what you will, but your home probably doesn’t have enough of it.

“Most homes are missing dramatic flair,” one reader said. “You need one piece or feature that sets your home apart, that is uniquely you and sets the tone for your home. People seem too afraid to really go all out.”

“Most homes are missing a focal point,” another reader wrote on Instagram. “You don’t need a bunch of cool items. Just one or two unique items in a room can make a statement.”

What to try for fearlessness: Bold art — something almost everyone agreed is missing in most homes.

Thoughtful design

Almost unanimously, readers talked about design details that made a home livable: “A lot of condos and apartments today are built as if you own just five shirts,” one reader joked.

“Most homes are missing enough built-in storage and space for managing the home,” another said. The most common storage issues that were reported included inconspicuous TV solutions, walk-in closets and built-in bookcases.

What to try for thoughtful design: Storage pieces that serve a purpose. If you can’t build it in, add your organizational system in another way.

History

“Most homes today are missing one or two pre-loved luxuries,” one reader said. “Things that remind us of our past and where we came from — little pops of nostalgia in our beautiful modern environments.”

Several readers chimed in to talk about heirlooms and souvenirs, such as this one: “Most homes are missing something personal or passed down — be it framed artwork made by a loved one or a special piece of furniture that has been passed from one generation to another.”

Another way to add a sense of history to your space is through collections — porcelains, art, or anything that interests you — a reader suggested.

What to try for history: Vintage pieces, souvenirs and heirlooms. Don’t be too quick to throw away your hand-me-downs.

Personality

“Most homes miss personality,” one Instagram follower wrote. This was to become a theme for most comments we received. “Rooms are too perfectly done, as if no one really lives in them.”

“So many homes are filled with what people think is safe and not what represents them and their passions authentically,” another said.

“People are quick to buy a cheap piece of art, rather than taking their time looking for a one of kind piece,” a reader suggested. “Replace those stock prints with pictures of your travels, family or things that actually mean something to you.”

What to try for personality: Finishing touches — rugs, window treatments, and pillows that reflect your tastes.

Harmony

What creates a harmonious home? “Harmony comes with the understanding of feng shui,” one reader said. “Sourcing beautiful objects bring into the home good vibes. Ultimately, every home needs those good vibes arranged in harmony with each other.”

Most readers also agreed that homes lack greenery: “I’d love to see more personal touches, like freshly cut herbs or flowers from the garden. It doesn’t cost much to enjoy the simpler things around the home or neighborhood.” Another reader chimed in: “Rooms look so much better with flowers, plants and greenery of some kind.”

What to try for harmony: Greenery and natural light — anything to lift your spirits and make you feel at ease.