The difference between a #LKRB and a grandmillennial can be summarized in one word: authenticity. If you want your home to exude an old money aesthetic, you’ll need to anchor your interior with one-of-kind objets rather than blanketing your entire home with dated pieces.

No one cares how much money you spent on your decor. In fact, the most luxurious items you’ll ever own will probably be free or extremely low-cost to acquire or make. What gives an objet authenticity is a true story that’s personal to you and your family.

The drawing in the photo is both unique and inherited. My great-great-grandmother, Mary McGerrow, kept numerous illustrations of her travels in the United Kingdom. This picture was the only colour illustration she ever drew, making it very special.

There are two options for sourcing the one-of-a-kind pieces that will make your home yours and not anyone else’s. You can either acquire or make.

Acquiring one-of-a-kind objets

• Inherited decor – If you didn’t inherit expensive artwork or dishes, you might think you didn’t inherit anything to decorate with. Chances are you did and in later posts I’ll help you find the things that you can transform into keepsakes for your own children.

• Purchased decor – Your best bet is to peruse open air markets and secondhand shops when you travel. Over the years you’ll accumulate objets that have meaningful stories to you that you can share with your guests when you entertain.

Making one-of-a-kind objets

• Custom-made decor – You can make (or have someone else make) beautiful, custom pieces that demonstrate your personal taste. When you make things yourself, you can splurge on designer fabric and expensive trim that a lot of manufacturers won’t use due to the cost and difficulty of working with the materials.

• Personalized decor – It’s often a good idea to personalize anything that’s mass produced. Some basic furniture modifications that everyone should know how to do include reupholstering and upgrading hardware.

Why is authenticity so important? Your friends want to know the “real you”. If your grandparents were impoverished immigrants who used to work in a factory, then integrating mementos from their factory days into your decor will both enrich your life story and delight visitors to your home.

The feeling of timelessness you experience when you walk into a classic interior comes from the stories and history behind the home. You can’t copy someone else’s story.

Find more resources for customized and personalized decor here.