Why we need to make room for the sentimental in our spaces

We don’t just live in our homes – we collect our lives in them.

The worn armchair, favourite book, artwork you found from house clearance shop near you… they hold something deeper: memories, milestones, a sense of who you are.

When I design, I always make room for the sentimental.
Not in a “keep everything forever” way, but in a curated, intentional way that lets your story breathe.

Sentimental vs. Clutter: There’s a Difference

Do you avoid displaying sentimental things because you’re worried about clutter.
The truth is: it’s not the sentimental pieces that create chaos – it’s the lack of editing.

• Clutter is when everything is out at once, fighting for attention.

• Curation is when the important pieces are chosen, given space and allowed to shine.

You simply need:

• the right pieces,

• in the right place,

• framed by the right textures, colours and lighting.

When we make room for the sentimental, a few powerful things happen:

1. Your space starts telling your story
Styles come and go, but your story doesn’t. By giving a place to the objects that mean something, you create a home that feels grounded in you, not in trends.

2. You feel more at ease in your own space
A room that reflects your life – not just the latest look – feels instantly more comforting. It’s like being surrounded by a gentle, visual reminder of what you value.

3. You connect more deeply with your surroundings
Your home becomes a living, evolving backdrop to your everyday life: coffee in that mug, your favourite read within reach, that throw knitted by your mom over the armchair.

Everyday Examples: What Sentimental Can Look Like

Sentimental doesn’t have to mean grand heirlooms, it can be incredibly simple and personal:

• Your favourite read
  A well-loved book on a side table, paired with a lamp and a soft throw, can become the heart of a reading nook.

• Soft textures that feel like home
  A cushion cover you made, a rug from a special trip – these add emotional warmth as much as physical comfort.

• Small travel mementos
  A stone from a beach, a poster from a gallery visit, a handmade mug from a market. Displayed thoughtfully, they become beautiful reminders rather than “souvenirs gathering dust.”

• Inherited pieces
  An old mirror, a side table, a piece of art. Sometimes they need a new context – fresh wall colour, updated lighting, new layout in the room or pairing with more modern pieces – to feel intentional and at home in your space.

How I Love to Work With Sentimental Pieces

I’m always listening for the stories hiding behind objects.

When I work with you I ask a simple question:
“What would you really miss if it disappeared?”

From there, my role is to:

• Edit the noise
  Not everything has to stay. We choose a few meaningful items and let go of the rest, or store them safely.

• Give sentimental objects a clear “stage”
  A styled shelf, a vignette on a console, a dedicated reading corner – these create little pauses in a room where the eye can rest.

• Support them with the right design decisions
  Colours, textures, lighting and layout all work quietly in the background so those meaningful pieces feel naturally at home, not forced.

This is where design and emotion meet: a space that feels considered, calm and deeply personal.

Simple Ways You can Start at Home

You don’t have to redesign your entire home to make more space for the sentimental. Here are a few steps you can take this week:

1. Choose 3–5 pieces that truly matter
   Not “nice to have”, but genuinely meaningful. A photo, a book, a piece of art, an object from your travels.

2. Create one small “story corner”
   This could be:

   • a bedside table with your favourite book, a candle and a framed photo

   • a shelf with a stack of books, a small artwork and a plant

   • a sideboard with a lamp, a vase and one special object

3. Let them breathe
   Give these pieces enough space around them. Don’t overfill the surface. Negative space is what makes the sentimental feel intentional rather than cluttered.

4. Notice how it feels
   See how you respond when you walk past that little area in your home. Do you pause? Do you smile? Do you feel a little more like yourself in your space?

If the answer is yes, that’s the power of sentiment, curated well.

Want Help Telling Your Story Through Your Home?

If you’re sitting with boxes of memories, shelves that feel busy, or rooms that don’t quite feel “you” yet, you’re not alone.

This is exactly the kind of work I love to do:
editing the noise, choosing the meaningful pieces, and designing a space that quietly tells your story.

I offer interior design and styling from my studio in Loughton, as well as online design services if you’re further away.

If you’d like support turning your sentimental pieces into a calm, cohesive, soulful home:

• explore my services page, or

• get in touch to book a discovery call.

Your home already holds your story – it may just need a little help bringing it into focus.