I would always encourage homeowners to step back and consider how other people might describe your home. Are the characteristics in sync?

For a house to truly become a home, our friend Linda Gottlieb, a Connecticut DecorDesigner with Decor&You says it must have a soul that mirrors the authenticity and individuality of the homeowner.

Typically Gottlieb sees people choosing their interior design based on current trends or affordability. But in order to truly create a fulfilling home, she says it's essential to make sure the space embodies its own, original self.

So here are some of her tips and ideas to help create a home that truly reflects your personality:

* Choose Your Hues: Choose interior colors and hues that correspond with your personality. For instance, a very calm and tranquil person may consider using watery colors; an energetic person may want to play with bright tones; while a dramatic, yet sophisticated person can opt for rich, deep shades such as an Eggplant purple or maroon. After you decide on the color schemes, it's key to take a moment and envision yourself living within the realms of those colors.

* Celebrate Your Prized Possessions: From family heirlooms to trophies, everyone has belongings with priceless personal value. To help reflect your history and achievements, utilize these items as focal points in the home. These pieces can set the foundation for a room's color schemes, furniture, and overall style.

* Echo Your Lifestyle: Comfortable seating, ottomans, dim lighting, and matching blankets help to ensure a relaxed attitude. For an extravagant and inviting room, go bold with intricate details. Statement pieces, like an elegant chandelier, make the room lively and stimulating. Slipcovers with varying patterns are also a great way to keep guests 'wowed' and allow you to alter a room to fit all occasions.

* Signature Scents: Scents have the potential to serve as a powerful memory trigger, so choose smells corresponding with enjoyable times. With so many different options available, the perfect scent could be the final step in embodying yourself within your home.

For more information about Decor&You, click on decorandyou.com.