Buyers decide whether or not they want to make an offer on a home within the first ten seconds of entering, states Fortune Builders. Far too many sellers also make the mistake of trying to create a blank canvas for potential buyers. Unless your buyer is an interior decorator, he or she probably needs an example to get an idea of the home’s livability. You don’t have to over decorate the house you are selling, but a few homemade and artistic touches can add some personality without overwhelming your core aesthetic. Consider some of the following themes and design ideas:

Go Natural

Infuse simple, handmade décor into any room by choosing a natural motif. Place branches and twigs in a handmade pot in a corner of the living room or behind a family room sofa. Stick with the nature theme with a refinished tree stump for a coffee table or footstool. Or, add some character by making a centerpiece out of dark or colored pebbles. Choose minimalistic furniture to complement your natural accents.

Create a Centerpiece

A handmade centerpiece is a fun way to add a fresh, personalized flavor to a home. Although a bouquet of flowers is always a legitimate choice, it isn’t your only option. Add vibrantly-colored fruit to an oversized vase with water to capture the light in the room. Or, add different sized and colored candles to tables and shelves to create a warm atmosphere. Then, complement these centerpieces with other decor like picture frames, a chandelier and linens.

Balance Your Decor

Create balance in your home’s style by choosing complementary colors. Use natural shades for a sofa or oversized chair to balance an off-white wall. Complement furniture and large pieces with splashes of bold color in pillows or rugs to add personality to the space. Beyond the colors in your room, balance the weight and textures of your furniture and accent pieces. For example, floor-length grommet drapery can add a soft dimension to a room with a lot of natural elements like wood or stone.

Take It Outside

Create curb appeal with a well-manicured yard. Make a fun and lively statement with a garden full of branches, mismatched pots, hallowed gourds and a hand-painted sign. Hang colored glass with votive candles for an intimate dining area outdoors. Or, bring a few of your handmade items to a sunroom or kitchen windowsill to anchor the style to your home. A contemporary manicured landscape or garden area can attract potential buyers and complement your interior design.

Blend Styles

Don’t be afraid to mix and blend styles together. If done well, an eclectic mix of homemade and contemporary or classic and modern can make a big impact on your home’s style. Mixing up style and furniture also can make your home feel less like a showroom and more like a personalized space. As long as the rooms are balanced, uncluttered and blended well, the mix of styles can make a home feel more realistic and homey.