Just before the pandemic hit, I moved in with my mom.
It was supposed to be temporary—just for a year. A way for me to help her get through a tough time after losing my dad, and for me to save a little money after launching Daakor.
But then the world changed.
And as the pandemic ended, my mom was diagnosed with dementia. There was no question in my mind—I wasn’t going anywhere. This woman would walk through fire for me, and I want to be there for her now. To say we’re close is an understatement. She’s the most important person in my life. She’s shaped who I am in ways I’ll never be able to fully explain.
But… moms and daughters have complicated relationships. And ours is no different.
A lot of friends have said to me, “I can’t believe you moved in with your mom!” But honestly? Most of it hasn’t been that hard.
Except for one thing.
Images via Pinterest.
The hardest part has been living in a home that doesn’t feel like me.
My mom has amazing taste—she really does—but her style is not my style. And I can feel the difference. Even after all this time, I still don’t feel at home here.
When I moved in, I had to stuff a whole 1,200-square-foot life into one tiny bedroom and a small home office. There’s not enough storage. There’s not enough breathing room. And as someone who knows how deeply our environment impacts our emotions, I feel that disconnect every single day.
We’re working on a plan to make it better—for both of us.
But it got me thinking…
If I can feel this out of place in a beautiful home just because it doesn’t reflect me, what does that mean for everyone else?
So if you’ve ever looked around your home and thought, “It’s fine… but it just doesn’t feel like me,” this post is for you.
Let’s talk about why that happens—and how you can fix it fast.
Images via Pinterest.
1. You Never Really Defined Your Style
Life gets busy. When you move in, your top priorities are usually boxes, contractors, finding your toothbrush, and maybe painting a few walls. You make quick decisions. You fill space with things that are “neutral” or “safe” so it doesn’t look empty. And then… you stop.
But you never actually defined what your style is. What feels like you.
The Quick Fix:
Start gathering inspiration—Pinterest boards, Instagram saves, magazine tear-outs.
Then look for the common threads:
- Are the spaces bright or moody?
- Are the lines clean or more classic?
- Do you see a lot of texture? Pattern? Warmth?
And if you’re completely stuck, our Style Quiz is a great first step.
2. Your Space Is Too Neutral or Generic
Let me be clear—I love a good neutral. But when everything is beige, grey, or white, the space can feel more like a waiting room at the doctor’s office than a reflection of you.
Design should still feel like it has a pulse. A soul. A story.
The Quick Fix:
Infuse character through contrast and texture. Think:
- Warm woods against crisp whites
- Cozy textiles layered with bold artwork
- Unexpected accessories that show personality
You can keep the calm without making it cold.
Images via Pinterest.
3. You’re Holding Onto Furniture That Doesn’t Reflect You
Ugh…this is a big one. For me, it’s been hard to ask my mom to let go of furniture that she no longer needs to make space for new things that we both like.
That hand-me-down dresser, the dining table you bought in a rush, the bookshelf that’s been with you since college… Sometimes we hold onto things out of guilt, habit, or convenience.
But if the piece doesn’t reflect who you are or what you love, it can throw off the entire energy of a space.
The Quick Fix:
Take stock of what you have:
- What do you love and what do you just have?
- Would you buy this piece again if starting fresh?
Letting go of even one “not me” piece can shift everything.
4. You Bought Everything Too Fast (Or All at Once)
I get it. When you want a room to feel done, fast is tempting. But buying everything in one go often leads to mismatched pieces that don’t feel cohesive or personal.
It might be finished, but it doesn’t feel layered or lived-in.
The Quick Fix:
Instead of rushing to finish, slow down and be intentional. Start with a solid foundation:
- A well-planned layout
- A color palette you love
- A couple of anchor pieces
Then layer in over time—art, lighting, textures, unique finds.
P.S. This is exactly what our Design Ready package is made for.
5. You Haven’t Layered in the Personal Touches Yet
You can have a perfectly styled room that still feels hollow. That’s usually because it’s missing you.
It’s not about perfection. It’s about connection. Connection you have with your space.
The photos, books, art, travel souvenirs, and sentimental items are what turn a room into a reflection of who you are.
The Quick Fix:
Look around and ask:
- Does this space tell your story?
- Would a friend walk in and instantly say, “This is so you”?
If not, it’s time to bring in the personal layer.
Images via Pinterest.
Creating a Home That Feels Like You
Creating a home that feels like you doesn’t have to mean starting from scratch. Or spending a fortune. It starts with a few small but powerful steps:
- Define your style. Get clear on what you love and what feels right.
- Edit what no longer serves you. Let go of the things that don’t reflect who you are today.
- Plan intentionally. Focus on the big-picture foundation—your layout, your color palette, your vibe.
- Layer in personality. Add the photos, textures, art, and pieces that tell your story.
But if you’re staring at your space thinking, “I don’t even know where to begin,” I’ve got you.
That’s exactly why I created Room Rx.
It’s a quick, personalized design consultation that gives you a clear diagnosis of what’s not working in your room—along with specific, expert advice (delivered in a video report) on how to fix it. No fluff, no overwhelm, just honest insight and easy-to-follow recommendations.
If your home looks “fine” but doesn’t feel like you, this is your next step.
Because you deserve to live in a space that feels like home. Not just one that looks good on paper.
