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The best houses are those that tell the story of those who live there. If you’re constantly being told that you’re such an old soul, you probably have at least a few of these decor pieces somewhere in your home.

When someone says that you’re an old soul, what they usually mean is that you seem to possess wisdom, sophistication, and understanding beyond your years. This can be reflected in the way you speak, the way you treat others, and the way you conduct yourself in difficult situations, but I like to think it shows up in the choices you make when decorating your home as well. Home is a place that should be comforting, interesting, and welcoming, and we all strive to choose home decor options that are functional and make us feel great. While some people choose to follow the latest fads because it makes them feel good to have what everyone else has, old souls tend to make choices that show they understand what really matters and will serve them well in the long term, not just for this year. Here are some items you’ll typically find in their cozy, well-thought-out spaces.
Old Soul Books

People who are described as ” old souls ” often have a calm and reflective nature. They understand the importance of slowing down and considering things deeply. Physical books are not only beautiful when displayed on shelves; they also invite us to stop for a moment, learn something new, and consider a different perspective in a way that no electronic device or screen can ever replace.
Read next: Bookshelf Wealth is the Trend That Needs to Not Be Just a Trend
Antique Furniture

Antiques are the ultimate wise choice when it comes to furnishing your home. They’re usually higher quality pieces with better construction, made from high-quality materials, and have already stood the test of time when they come to you. Not only that, but antiques will never go out of style and give your space a sense of lived-in comfort and ease like nothing else can. Insightful people who are able to think long-term realize how much money, time, and discomfort they can save themselves by investing in beautiful antique pieces that they’ll never have to replace.
Hunt for antiques with me: The Dusty Loft in Amhurstberg, Ontario
Framed Photos

An old soul will realize what a powerful effect framed photos around their home can have on their daily mental well-being. Regularly remembering happy times and seeing the faces of those they love can provide a moment of joy when they most need a reminder of all that’s good in the world. Photos in beautiful picture frames are also a classic decorating idea that will never go out of style, and if you choose black and white prints, they can fit seamlessly into any decor style.
An Old Soul Will Appreciate Humor

In today’s high-stress world, we tend to take things a little too seriously, and that might even apply to our room decorating ideas as well. Trying to make everything picture-perfect and magazine-worth all the time can create an environment that’s the opposite of comforting and restful. Adding one or two humourous (hopefully non-offensive) items to a space can add a little levity to a space and show maturity and a comprehension of what really matters in life.
More unexpected home decorating inspiration: How to Paint a Lampshade
Sentimental Items

While some of us who consider ourselves home decor enthusiasts might look down on silly, treasured mementos from vacations, past pets, and memorable holidays, these are really the things that can make home feel like home for so many people. Surrounding yourself with items that remind you of cherished memories helps to tell the story of who you are and what your life is all about. Sentimental items don’t need to be tacky tourist items, and the average visitor might not even know that these items are sentimental souvenirs, but you’ll know, and that’s what’s important.
In our home, we have a framed trail map from a national park that we found on a path while we were staying there many years ago, as well as an antler we found on a family hike one spring. Neither of these items really look like souvenirs, but they have meaning for all of us who were there when they were found.
Plants and Natural Elements

Every space needs a little life. While some might rely on all faux plants for no-maintenance greenery in their home, old souls know that there’s nothing like taking a moment to slow down and care for your houseplants and the reward you get while watching them grow. If you need a natural element with a little less commitment, try foraging outside in your garden or local parks for dried stems and blooms. You can connect with nature while searching for the perfect natural items to complement your decor without the long-term duties involved in keeping a fresh plant alive.
Houseplant care advice: How to Grow a Silver Satin Pothos
Time-Worn Pieces With Personality

Old souls often have a special affinity for things that are, well, old. Pieces with a few years behind them have a magical quality because they come with a story, whether you know exactly where it came from or whether you’re left to imagine where it might have been in its previous life before coming to you. There’s something so special about a piece that you know if uniquely yours and not something that you can find in every other house in your town.
Room decorating ideas for a comforting space: 5 Essential Layers Every Cozy Home Needs
Clocks
Real timepieces, the kind with hands that tell the time, are something that you don’t see often, but there’s a wisdom to having them around the house. Not only are they beautiful pieces that remind you of years past, but they also serve a very practical purpose. Being able to tell the time without having to look at your phone or stare into blinking lights can have a calming effect and lead to fewer distractions throughout the day, leading to a more enjoyable, more productive experience. I’ve been keeping an eye out for the perfect mantel clock to add to our home for just this reason.
Read next: How to Properly Group Items Together for Shelf Decor
Courtenay Hartford is the author of creeklinehouse.com, a blog based on her adventures renovating a 120-year-old farmhouse in rural Ontario, Canada. On her blog, Courtenay shares interior design tips based on her own farmhouse and her work as founder and stylist of the interior photography firm Art & Spaces. She also writes about her farmhouse garden, plant-based recipes, family travel, and homekeeping best practices. Courtenay is the author of the book The Cleaning Ninja and has been featured in numerous magazines including Country Sampler Farmhouse Style, Better Homes and Gardens, Parents Magazine, Real Simple, and Our Homes.
