The Little Things that Turn your House into a Home
A house and a home are two very different things. A house describes the physical property itself – nothing more than a collection of carefully arranged bricks – but a home is much more than that, it represents your past, present and future.
Your home should embody safety, treasured memories and future happiness, but sometimes it can be a struggle to achieve the right feeling in your house, particularly when you’ve just moved in. However, there are a few things you can do to make your house feel more warm, personal and, of course, homely.
Put those precious moments on display
If a stranger was to walk into your home now, would your house look like it has been lived in or could they be walking into a hotel room? Your home should serve as a place to store all your proudest and more cherished moments and that means not having them tucked away in a dusty box in the attic.
Placing pictures of family and friends around the house is a great way of making your home feel more personal to you and they can also add to the appearance of your property. Photographs also make great conversation pieces when you have guests over and can be a great way of lifting your spirits if you’re feeling stressed or upset.
If you know anyone that’s just moved house, then a frame makes for a wonderful housewarming present as it encourages them to display the photo moments that mean the most to them.
Buy good quality furniture
Furnishing your home can be an expensive process. It seems like there are so many rooms to fill, there’s decorating to be finished and you’ve just had to pay all those administrative fees that accompany the house buying process. With all this going on, it can be tempting to cut corners here and there and buy cheaper, lower quality furniture.
The problem with this is that it often represents a false economy. Cheaper goods will usually need replacing sooner, which will leave you shelling out once more and having to deal with the hassle of moving sofas and beds in and out of the house. There’s nothing wrong with finding a bargain of course, but be wary of anything that seems too good to be true – it usually is.
Another problem with buying cheap furniture is that it can mean you have to compromise on your vision for your home’s interior. If you want your home to look a certain way, the furniture is a big part of that and so it’s worth spending a little more to create the look you’ve been dreaming of. There’s also the comfort factor to consider. If your sofa is stiff and unpleasant to sit on, then your house is never going to feel like a home no matter how long you live there.
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Iron-out the flaws
Another way of making a house feel like a home is to make sure that any unwanted quirks and problems are ironed out as soon as possible. If you have a door that has a mind of its own and keeps closing when it should stay open, then buy a few door stops. If you have a leaky tap that’s driving you mad, then tighten the fitting or give the plumber a call.
There always seems to be something that needs fixing in your home, but it’s important that you don’t let the little things niggle away at you. A draughty room here or a creaking floorboard there may not be much to worry about in the grand scheme of things, but collectively these issues can prevent you from enjoying your home to its fullest.
Make it open and inclusive
The exact setup of your home is entirely your decision, but if your property is a bit claustrophobic it won’t feel quite right, particularly if you have a family. Opting for an open and inclusive environment is the perfect way of making your home a child-friendly place. With the right lighting and room design, your home can provide the environment for work and play in equal measure.
An open-plan design is a great way for everyone in the home to spend time together whether it’s watching television, playing board games, or any other fun activity. You may also find that a more open layout simply creates more space, which is always appreciated.
In order to embrace your open-plan home, speak to a builder or structural engineer about which walls can be taken down to create larger living spaces. If you’re worried about an open-plan design taking something away from the coziness of your property, there are approaches you can take that aim to create the best of both worlds. Breakfast bars and mezzanine areas can be used to partition areas of rooms, for example, without cutting them off completely.
Light the way
The lighting in your home can play a very important role in creating the right atmosphere, so there’s a lot more to think about than what lampshade to purchase.
Having many different lights throughout a single room, for example, lets you manage the overall lighting more effectively and means that certain areas can be lit more brightly than others. Dimmer switches are also a great investment and work particularly well if you have young children and want to get them following a bedtime routine.
Also, don’t forget the importance of natural light. Try not to block windows that let in sunlight and if you have mirrors in your home, try to locate them so that they reflect the natural light around the living area. You may not realize it, but good lighting can have a significant impact on your mood and contribute to your appreciation of your home.
Create new memories
Although putting up photos of times gone by is a great way of decorating your house, it will only begin to truly feel like home when you’ve started creating new memories there. Open your home out to family and friends by having a barbecue, dinner party or hosting a birthday celebration and you’ll start to feel like you belong there.
Some people may feel as though there home is not “ready†in terms of its interior to have guests over, or maybe they think that their house is their own personal space and would rather meet friends at an external venue. That’s fine, but often the most happiness comes from sharing something that you’re passionate about with others – and this includes your home. Fill your house with chat and laughter and you’ll quickly learn to love having others over.
Get creative when it comes to storage
The amount of clutter that people accumulate over the years can be truly astounding. Whether it’s personal mementos or junk that you can’t bear to throw away, these items can get in the way if not dealt with properly. If you’ve got boxes or piles in the corners of your rooms then your house is not going to feel complete.
Fortunately, there are ways that you can get creative when it comes to home storage. Finding space where there seemingly is none can be challenge but it is definitely a rewarding one. Make the most of wall, floor, or even ceiling space to maximize your home’s storage capabilities. When everything is in its right place, you’ll start to feel more settled in your home.
Let everyone have their own space
Although you want your home to feel inclusive, it is important that everyone that you live with has a little section to call their own. This could be something small, like an armchair by the fire, or a larger area like an office or “man cave.†Whether you want to relax, or work on your own personal project, having your own space is an important part of sharing your home.
Don’t take your home too seriously
Despite all the tips mentioned above, the most important thing to remember about your home is to not take it too seriously. If you’re getting worked up about whether the carpet matches the wallpaper or whether your friends are going to like your décor then you’re never going to be able to relax. Your home is all about you and so if you want to have a traditional antique next to a 70s retro dining table then go for it! Don’t worry about whether it “works†or not. Make your house in your own image and you’ll quickly feel at home there.
Whether you’ve just moved into a new property or have been living somewhere for a while, turning a house into a home requires some work. The most important thing to remember is that loving your property is not about spending the most money or having impeccable style, it’s all about making your home feel right for you. When you achieve this, it’s a wonderful feeling and all your external stresses melt away as you come through the door. Displaying a personal touch in your house is definitely worth it, because there really is no place like home.
Tia, and TipsfromTia.com is trying to keep you looking good and
feeling good, from the inside out. If you’ve got a problem or a tip email me! Be sure to Like and share on Facebook or Follow on Twitter or Instagram.
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