20 Rooms With Words to Inspire
Quotes, clever phrases and pick-me-ups celebrate home, love, kindness, creativity and resilience
Words can carry so much weight. And sometimes you just need a little visual pick-me-up to help motivate you or help frame your outlook for the day. Here are 20 inspirational phrases found on walls, nooks, doors and shelves in homes from around the world. Tell us which one is your favorite, and share a photo of any words that inspire or make you smile in your own home.
Photo by Mary Costa
2. “Where love lives.”
This 1960s high-rise condo in West Hollywood, California, was completely gutted for its artist homeowner. Interior designer Caitlin Murray of Black Lacquer Design gave the interior a makeover and painted this entry wall opposite the front door in a flat black to help the neon sign make a bright and bold statement. “I wanted to make sure we had enough contrast in the space,” Murray says. Below the sign is a vintage Maitland-Smith credenza.
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2. “Where love lives.”
This 1960s high-rise condo in West Hollywood, California, was completely gutted for its artist homeowner. Interior designer Caitlin Murray of Black Lacquer Design gave the interior a makeover and painted this entry wall opposite the front door in a flat black to help the neon sign make a bright and bold statement. “I wanted to make sure we had enough contrast in the space,” Murray says. Below the sign is a vintage Maitland-Smith credenza.
Read more about this home
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3. “You are amazing.”
Interior designers Konstantin and Julia Barbashin of Bellas Artes are behind the design of this contemporary-style bedroom in a home in Valencia, Spain. The mood-boosting words are a positive way to begin and end each day.
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Interior designers Konstantin and Julia Barbashin of Bellas Artes are behind the design of this contemporary-style bedroom in a home in Valencia, Spain. The mood-boosting words are a positive way to begin and end each day.
See more of this home
Photo by Kate Hansen
4. “Make yourself at home.”
Interior designer Jessica Viscarde of Eclectic Creative and Ryan Ward live in a two-bedroom townhouse rental in Melbourne, Australia. A lightbox marquee with interchangeable letters sends a friendly message to visitors or houseguests.
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Shop for novelty signs
4. “Make yourself at home.”
Interior designer Jessica Viscarde of Eclectic Creative and Ryan Ward live in a two-bedroom townhouse rental in Melbourne, Australia. A lightbox marquee with interchangeable letters sends a friendly message to visitors or houseguests.
Read more about this home
Shop for novelty signs
Photo by Faith Towers Provencher
5. “I’m not afraid of storms for I’m learning to sail my ship.”
Charlotte and Mark Smith of Southport, Connecticut, designed a creative sanctuary with books, toys and art supplies in their daughter’s bedroom. A framed quote by Louisa May Alcott hangs above the fireplace and is an encouraging message to overcome challenges.
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5. “I’m not afraid of storms for I’m learning to sail my ship.”
Charlotte and Mark Smith of Southport, Connecticut, designed a creative sanctuary with books, toys and art supplies in their daughter’s bedroom. A framed quote by Louisa May Alcott hangs above the fireplace and is an encouraging message to overcome challenges.
Read more about this home
Photo by Hado Photo
6. “Sorry about the mess but we are learning here.”
In their updated 1980s home in Fairfax, Virginia, Brian and Kate Dreyer converted their main-level formal living room into a playroom for their two kids. “We’re in here every day: The kids eat their breakfast at the table — and decorate the floor with Cheerios, but that’s another story. My daughter does craft projects at her desk, and we’re always doing a puzzle or playing superheroes or reading a book,” Kate says. These rainbow-colored positive words help set the tone for a space truly meant for play.
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6. “Sorry about the mess but we are learning here.”
In their updated 1980s home in Fairfax, Virginia, Brian and Kate Dreyer converted their main-level formal living room into a playroom for their two kids. “We’re in here every day: The kids eat their breakfast at the table — and decorate the floor with Cheerios, but that’s another story. My daughter does craft projects at her desk, and we’re always doing a puzzle or playing superheroes or reading a book,” Kate says. These rainbow-colored positive words help set the tone for a space truly meant for play.
Read more about this home
Photo by Alexandra Crafton
7. “Inspire.”
Travis and Amanda Hervey of Georgetown, Kentucky, turned a hall closet into a miniature office where Amanda could work, read and write for her blog, Our Storied Home. The singular uplifting word “Inspire” is a great way to frame Amanda’s mindset and think about the work produced while sitting in this spot.
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7. “Inspire.”
Travis and Amanda Hervey of Georgetown, Kentucky, turned a hall closet into a miniature office where Amanda could work, read and write for her blog, Our Storied Home. The singular uplifting word “Inspire” is a great way to frame Amanda’s mindset and think about the work produced while sitting in this spot.
Read more about this home
Photo by Margot Hartford
8. “It’s not a dumb idea.”
In artist Leo Bersamina’s 1950s home in Novato, California, his wood-burning fireplace showcases a number of art pieces, including a framed print from artist Susan O’Malley’s 2015 series Advice From My 80-Year-Old Self. Hanging above the fireplace is an original colorful wood wall sculpture by Bersamina, and inside the fire box are painted river rocks. Also displayed on the mantel are pieces by various artists including John Bucklin, Marie Van Elder and Donnalynn Chase, and a drawing by Bersamina’s daughter.
Read more about this home
8. “It’s not a dumb idea.”
In artist Leo Bersamina’s 1950s home in Novato, California, his wood-burning fireplace showcases a number of art pieces, including a framed print from artist Susan O’Malley’s 2015 series Advice From My 80-Year-Old Self. Hanging above the fireplace is an original colorful wood wall sculpture by Bersamina, and inside the fire box are painted river rocks. Also displayed on the mantel are pieces by various artists including John Bucklin, Marie Van Elder and Donnalynn Chase, and a drawing by Bersamina’s daughter.
Read more about this home
Photo by Ashley Grabham
9. “Just be rad.”
This three word poster hanging above an upright piano serves as a simple mood booster in the remodeled home of Evangeline Kunkle of design build firm G Family Construction. Kunkle converted an old schoolhouse for her family, transforming the interior into an open floor plan layout for her and her husband, five sons and their two dogs.
See more photos of this project
9. “Just be rad.”
This three word poster hanging above an upright piano serves as a simple mood booster in the remodeled home of Evangeline Kunkle of design build firm G Family Construction. Kunkle converted an old schoolhouse for her family, transforming the interior into an open floor plan layout for her and her husband, five sons and their two dogs.
See more photos of this project
Photo by Anya Campbell
10. “Work hard & be nice to people.”
Interior designer Alison Johnson of Otta Design lives in a remodeled Edwardian in West London with her husband and their two children. Johnson worked with architect Franklyn Nevard of Franklyn Nevard Associates to create this additional kids’ bathroom. Hanging above a wall-mounted toilet is a positive life mantra to take to heart.
Floor tiles: Topps Tiles
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10. “Work hard & be nice to people.”
Interior designer Alison Johnson of Otta Design lives in a remodeled Edwardian in West London with her husband and their two children. Johnson worked with architect Franklyn Nevard of Franklyn Nevard Associates to create this additional kids’ bathroom. Hanging above a wall-mounted toilet is a positive life mantra to take to heart.
Floor tiles: Topps Tiles
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Photo by Carina Skrobecki
11. “Just keep going.”
This bar cart area in a Seattle home designed by Emily Ruff of Cohesively Curated features a framed print that encourages perseverance.
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11. “Just keep going.”
This bar cart area in a Seattle home designed by Emily Ruff of Cohesively Curated features a framed print that encourages perseverance.
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Photo by Eve Wilson
12. “Where troubles melt like lemon drops.”
The reverse type on this round art piece featuring lyrics from the song “Over the Rainbow” adds a sweet touch to this home office in Daylesford, Australia, designed by Suzanne Cunningham of One Girl Interiors.
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12. “Where troubles melt like lemon drops.”
The reverse type on this round art piece featuring lyrics from the song “Over the Rainbow” adds a sweet touch to this home office in Daylesford, Australia, designed by Suzanne Cunningham of One Girl Interiors.
See more of this home
Photo by Justine Milton
13. “Let it go.”
This black-and-white fabric flag hangs in a condo dining room in Calgary designed by Lindsay Peters of Elle Peters Design. “Let it go” is a reminder to look forward and leave behind any range of burdens — emotional, mental or physical.
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13. “Let it go.”
This black-and-white fabric flag hangs in a condo dining room in Calgary designed by Lindsay Peters of Elle Peters Design. “Let it go” is a reminder to look forward and leave behind any range of burdens — emotional, mental or physical.
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Photo by Andrew Beasley
14. “Enjoy what you do.”
Interior designers Evros and Susie Agathou of Avocado Sweets Interior Design Studio designed their family’s North London home with bright and happy hues. “We don’t take ourselves too seriously,” Evros says. Above bifold doors that link the kitchen and dining area to the garden is a message that captures the lighthearted spirit the couple hoped to achieve with their design. A Lego wall adds an extra dose of fun.
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14. “Enjoy what you do.”
Interior designers Evros and Susie Agathou of Avocado Sweets Interior Design Studio designed their family’s North London home with bright and happy hues. “We don’t take ourselves too seriously,” Evros says. Above bifold doors that link the kitchen and dining area to the garden is a message that captures the lighthearted spirit the couple hoped to achieve with their design. A Lego wall adds an extra dose of fun.
Read more about this home
Photo by Alexandra Crafton
15. “Remember when you go into the world to keep your eyes and ears wide open. Take care of each other. Tell the truth. Always do your best. Listen to the big people and the little people. Explore new paths. Have fun. Know you are loved like crazy. Give thanks for all your blessings. Above all else love and you will do wonderful things in this world.”
Travis and Amanda Hervey of Georgetown, Kentucky, created a welcoming and meaningful vignette for their porch with these words. This leaning sign next to their front door provides a thoughtful pause to reflect and practice an open-minded approach to life.
Read more about this home
15. “Remember when you go into the world to keep your eyes and ears wide open. Take care of each other. Tell the truth. Always do your best. Listen to the big people and the little people. Explore new paths. Have fun. Know you are loved like crazy. Give thanks for all your blessings. Above all else love and you will do wonderful things in this world.”
Travis and Amanda Hervey of Georgetown, Kentucky, created a welcoming and meaningful vignette for their porch with these words. This leaning sign next to their front door provides a thoughtful pause to reflect and practice an open-minded approach to life.
Read more about this home
Photo by Emma Johansson
16. “Love always wins.”
Freelance photographer and writer Emma Johansson installed a picture ledge on top of the wainscoting in the living room of her family’s condo in southern Stockholm. The largest framed print leaning against the wall is a vivid pink print celebrating the power of love.
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16. “Love always wins.”
Freelance photographer and writer Emma Johansson installed a picture ledge on top of the wainscoting in the living room of her family’s condo in southern Stockholm. The largest framed print leaning against the wall is a vivid pink print celebrating the power of love.
Read more about this home
Photo by Lauren Pressey
17. “The one thing you have that nobody else has is you. Your voice, your mind, your story, your vision. So write and draw and build and play and dance and live as only you can.”
Lindsay Stokes Kennedy and Alexandra Cole of Three Salt Design Co. designed this family room in a Southern California home. The oversize wall print in a custom black frame is a tribute to staying true to oneself.
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17. “The one thing you have that nobody else has is you. Your voice, your mind, your story, your vision. So write and draw and build and play and dance and live as only you can.”
Lindsay Stokes Kennedy and Alexandra Cole of Three Salt Design Co. designed this family room in a Southern California home. The oversize wall print in a custom black frame is a tribute to staying true to oneself.
See more of this home
Photo by Thomas Kuoh
18. “More talent less ego.”
In a townhouse in Mountain View, California, interior designers Emily Ellis and Jemy Massie of Studio Revolution turned an empty niche into a home office. A clipboard displays an inspiring quote that the homeowners like, and the designers say it is also one of their credos. “It’s a good reminder to keep yourself a bit humble,” Massie says.
Read more about this home
18. “More talent less ego.”
In a townhouse in Mountain View, California, interior designers Emily Ellis and Jemy Massie of Studio Revolution turned an empty niche into a home office. A clipboard displays an inspiring quote that the homeowners like, and the designers say it is also one of their credos. “It’s a good reminder to keep yourself a bit humble,” Massie says.
Read more about this home
Photo by Jessica Cain
19. “Curiosity.”
Samantha Sullentrup lives in a 1916 home in the Brookside neighborhood of Kansas City, Missouri, with her husband, Tim, and their daughters. Samantha creates custom illustrations and portraits for her online shop, Public House Co., including this hand-scripted “Curiosity” print displayed on original built-in shelves next to the fireplace.
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19. “Curiosity.”
Samantha Sullentrup lives in a 1916 home in the Brookside neighborhood of Kansas City, Missouri, with her husband, Tim, and their daughters. Samantha creates custom illustrations and portraits for her online shop, Public House Co., including this hand-scripted “Curiosity” print displayed on original built-in shelves next to the fireplace.
Read more about this home
Photo by Lauren Donaldson
20. “Because when you stop & look around, this life is pretty amazing.”
A clothing hanger doubles as a creative way to display this red-and-white print. The simple sentence is a refreshing reminder to pause and practice gratitude.
Your turn: Do you have a particular quote or saying displayed in your home that inspires you? Share a photo and tell us about it in the Comments.
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20. “Because when you stop & look around, this life is pretty amazing.”
A clothing hanger doubles as a creative way to display this red-and-white print. The simple sentence is a refreshing reminder to pause and practice gratitude.
Your turn: Do you have a particular quote or saying displayed in your home that inspires you? Share a photo and tell us about it in the Comments.
More on Houzz
11 Ways to Have More Fun at Home
Find pros near you
Shop for home products
1. “What I love most about my home is who I share it with.”
Erin Madore and Josh Wilcox live in the Dorchester neighborhood of Boston. Madore, a yoga teacher and personal trainer, enjoys decorating with various mementos, and she displays this framed print on top of a living room console.
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