Sometimes people have trouble seeing the value in possessions. They believe they are better off with less - minimalists, the less is more people. And they aren't wrong. It's often preferable to have fewer belongings that mean something than several that don't. But we truly are the more is more type of people. And it's not for the sake of counting our possessions - what it actually is, is that they come to mean something to you. Sometimes because of the memories that you associate with them and sometimes because of how you made those particular 'things' your things.. because once they are yours - they truly are apart of you.

Most people ask us how you make those items feel like they belong to you or that they represent apart of you..and our answer is always the same! Personalize, personalize and personalize! Add your stamp throughout your space as many times as you can care to image.. because your home should scream your name in more ways than one.

Engraving is a wonder way to personalize pieces of jewelry and can also be a great add on to some home accessories pieces. For example, this vintage crystal bowl has a sterling silver lid that was itching for some value added services. When we think of engraving with a simple and classic personal touch, we often think to monogram the family's initials. It is a soft reminder of who occupies the space and can often make pieces come alive (instantly the item becomes more feminine or most interesting to look at) Hand engraving really is a dying art that should be leveraged in more than just pieces of jewelry.

Although hand engravers can be difficult to source locally now and more and more work is being done by machine engravers - it becomes important to look at what type of materials can be successfully machine engraved. Pewter is our go-to for machine engraving. The tray featured above is one of our favorites to gift for engagement parties or wedding celebrations. A single initial for the last name or the two single initials with an ampersand to represent the soon-to-be husband and wife can be engraved. We've always gotten rave reviews on this gift and we know the secret is in the personalization component of it. Gifts are always nice but when you have the ability to connect the emotion to the gift itself - that really is what makes your gift a home run!

Now, we wouldn't want to just limit you to metals (silver, gold, brass, pewter etc!) or to engraving! Customization has a wide range of options.. such as crystal etching. The above decanter is etched with a beautiful, handwritten initial. It again is a soft touch to personalize the item to our family while remaining understated and elegant.

Perhaps the best part of personalization is that it is often considered an 'add on' service to your purchase. Several retailers are willing to accommodate the cost of personalization of a new purchase (so get it done right away!) or charge a small fee to add your customization to your existing belongings.

Remember, design isn't always revolutionary. And most certainly, there are times when you are not re-inventing the wheel. You are adding small touches that add value to your belongings. They seek to make you feel warm and welcome, and to symbolize that you are at home. It is up to you where you choose to leave your stamp.. we just tend to recommend you do it with a free spirit and frequently! Because, as always, it's all in the details!!

Xox