Do you want to make your current house feel more like a home? Maybe you want to make a change but are concerned about overspending. Either way, it is more than possible for you to get everything you want without going over budget.
If you want to find out more, this is the guide for you.
9 Steps to Making your House Feel Like a Home
1. Create a Gallery Wall
You can’t make your house feel like a home overnight. That being said, there are ways to make quick changes. If your home is in very bad shape then it will probably take a lot to patch it up. If bare walls are your biggest issue then you can try and add some artwork.
One of the worst offenders for properties that lack hominess is empty walls. Stock up on prints if you want to make your home feel more pulled together. Your artwork has to be scaled so that it fits the size of the wall and you also need to make sure that it’s not hung too high as well.
Large pieces should be mixed with clusters of smaller pieces where possible, so you can make your home feel way more lived-in.
2. Add some Plants
Foliage is your friend. If you have a dark corner or if your home is lacking a bit of life then why not opt for some greenery? Plants help to purify the air and they also rid your home of toxins.
Choose your foliage according to the location and give some thought to the types of plants you are going for as well. Vast expanses will benefit from large potted plants, such as a fiddle leaf fig or a small palm plant. If you have a tabletop that is a little bare then fresh flowers may be the go-to option.
Some plants will need a lot of exposure to sunlight, and they will not do very well if you put them in an unlit basement. Those who favour cool conditions won’t do very well if you put them in a really hot part of the home. Growing foliage isn’t everyone’s forte, so if you want to avoid the hassle then one thing you can do is opt for a dried bloom. Eucalyptus, lavender and even hydrangea are all fantastic options.
3. Soften the Room with a Rug
If you feel as though your bland and ugly floor is sucking the life out of your home then now is the time for you to do something about it. Brighten up your space with a rug, or go for a more animated scheme.
Rugs can be an expensive investment but they do help to create a warm and cosy feeling. They also help with the acoustics in your home, if you have a lot of hard surfaces. Interesting designs can be found online too. If you want to reap the benefits then you need to choose a rug that is big enough for the space. It should ideally be halfway under your furniture, so be mindful of this if you can.
4. Clean and Declutter
A tidy home promotes a tidy mind. If you have countertops that are piled high with clutter or if you have unwashed laundry lying around for weeks then your home might not feel as comfortable as it could. Invest in some extra storage if required and also make sure that you keep your surfaces clear of any unpaid bills. If you can do this then you will be able to eliminate the feeling of discomfort that your home may be giving you.
5. Layer Lighting
Are you stuck with a space that you just can’t seem to make look great? If so then you need to consider changing out your lighting. One reason why you should do this is that layering light sources will help to change the entire mood of the room. It will also give you more room to control and transform the space. Fluorescent overhead lighting can trigger feelings of discomfort, which is the last thing you want to be going for.
If you want to do something about this then opt for some string lights or even candles that create a warm glow. With your living room, it is wise for you to add a floor lamp that comes with a base. If you do this then you can tuck it under your sofa to free up room, giving you the layered lighting you are going for without taking up too much room.
6. Invest in Home Improvements
Another thing you need to do is try and invest in home improvements where possible. Comfort is key if you want your home to be cosy, and having a couch that isn’t comfortable is the last thing you need. Day-to-day activities, such as washing, preparing meals and showering should feel easy. If your shower has bad water pressure won’t contribute to the cosy feel you are going for. You need to invest in your home and you also need to make sure that everything feels good.
It may be that you shop around for a style that suits your life the most, or that you end up hitting thrift stores so you can find something that suits your personality.
When the festive season rolls around, be sure to buy some decorations and go the extra mile to transform your home. You can also get personalised baubles online if you want to add a unique stamp to your decor.
7. Buy some More Throws
Nothing says comfort more than a good throw. Drape a soft blanket over the sofa or hang some nice chunky curtains. Things like this can help you to give your home much more character and it can also give you the inviting feel you are going for. Layer your sofa with two or three different pillows and ensure that they vary in texture, as well as pattern. If you can do this while adding a few throws then this will allow you to curl up and hide any unsightly or misshapen seats. Don’t be afraid to experiment here, and make sure that you are opting for a style that suits your personality and theme of the home.
8. Embrace a Cooling Palette
Some shades lend themselves very well to stress-free living. If you want to improve your home then make sure that you are opting for a wallpaper and paint combination that provides a feeling of calm. Colours that you might find in the great outdoors can be a very good place to start. Think about soft blues, pinks, neutrals and shades where possible. Neon, bright or dark shades tend to have the opposite effect, so make sure that you avoid them where possible.
9. Play some Music
If all of the above tips do not give you the feel you are going for and you feel as though something is missing, then buy a surround sound system. Music is great as it has the power to transform people.
With music, you can control the mood of your space and you can also make people feel more cheery or relaxed. Compile playlists of your top songs and also make sure that you are triggering positive feelings where possible. If you can do this then you will soon find that it is easier for you to have the best time and that you can make your home feel more like yours.
If you want, you can even hook up smart devices so you can have your music playing throughout the home without having to worry about endless wires. This is great for people who want to make their home feel more like theirs without ruining the general aesthetic of everything.
If you like this article then you’ll also love:
How to Freshen a Living Room with the Right Accessories
Jen is an interiors writer and blogger and has an insatiable love of home style and decor
Find me on: Web
