Our house should be our refuge and sanctuary. We should feel relaxed and at ease here with the time and space to think clearly. But in reality, this can be difficult to achieve. In the busy modern world, our competing commitments to work, family, and a social life can mean there is little time to invest in our house. Things can quickly become cluttered and overgrown or unloved. Once the process starts, it seems to spread to every room. Before we know it, we are too tired or overwhelmed to invest our free time in our home. It becomes a space where we simply eat and sleep, but doesn’t have much of an effect on our lives or mindset. But this is a waste opportunity. Your home can provide a space to re-energize and rejuvenate on a daily basis. It can be a source of pride and self-expression. Not merely a roof over our head. However long you have occupied the space, if you feel that your house is yet to become a home there may be many reasons. Browse our list below for inspiration and your house will soon become your own piece of paradise.
Image byDIY and CustomisationThe perfect way to begin making your own mark on a space is by adding things that you have made yourself. Cushions, curtains and quilts all making stunning DIY and craft projects as well as serving a purpose. If you are new to the process then simply start small. A cross-stitch or embroidery piece can be a beautiful and relaxing hobby. It also results in something you can put on your wall or on the mantlepiece. If you’re willing to invest in your skill level then some reliable equipment can be a great start. Be sure to get clued-up and explore your options on sites like www.quiltersreview.com. If you don’t feel confident enough to start from scratch, simply add details to an existing piece. Reupholstering a favourite chair or cushion can be fun. A homemade draught excluder or soft toy also adds personality to a room. Add beads or tassels to a favourite rug or throw to create a laidback and bohemian vibe.
A Gallery Wall
Gallery walls have become a popular addition to modern homes. They can be tailored to suit the style of your home whether classical or contemporary, formal or playful. It can be a wonderful way to personalise your home by including photographs of family and relatives. The more historic the better! This can make for a wonderful conversation starter and also gives the house a sense of history and roots. Gallery walls can include a variety of frame sizes and styles or a singular theme. Pinterest has many wonderful examples. You can be as creative as you like and even include postcards, motivational sayings, fabric or fridge magnets! Why not extend your gallery wall all the way up the stairs? Or have a gallery wall in your bathroom that guests can study while they freshen up?
Creating Exhibitions
Many of us own ornaments, souvenirs or special pieces of decor that we like to return to. But how well do we display them? Ornaments and decorative pieces can often have an interesting story behind them or remind us of a particular time in our lives. They should be on display so that we can remember and discuss them regularly. Guests and friends will often ask about them so it is a great way to keep the conversation flowing. Consider rotating them according to the month or season. Perhaps in the Summer you can display pieces and trinkets from previous holidays. And in the Winter you can include natural, rustic objects and favorite gifts. Get creative and your displays can be a wonderful way to express yourself and give your home individuality.
Have A HeartThe heart of the home should be somewhere that you feel you spend a lot of time. It should be the area you gravitate towards when you want to feel happy and relaxed. If you live alone, it can be anywhere in the house. But when sharing with friends or living with a family, the heart of the home tends to be the kitchen or living room/lounge area. Invest some time and energy into this space. Add beautiful lighting that can be altered to fit a fun or intimate mood, for example. Have multiple throws, blankets, and comfy seating for a sumptuous, inviting atmosphere. Coffee tables and additional surfaces also make it easier to bring drinks and reading materials through to relax in the evening. If you are investing a lot of time here, then it makes sense to create a space that feels positive to you. Some people might prefer neutral and uncluttered spaces to relax in. Others feel safer in a snug, vibrant space. Listen to your own instincts and try to create a space that generates positive feelings. Fresh flowers or room fragrances can also help create a relaxing atmosphere or sense of home. It can be a wonderful feeling to walk through the door and breathe in your favourite scent. It gives your body a subtle cue that it is safe and time to relax.
Don’t Neglect The Garden
It is surprisingly common when investing time in a home to completely forget the garden! Whether we have a small, crowded garden or a sprawling spacious one, there are still ways we can improve the look and feel of the area. First of all, ensure you haven’t got into the bad habit of treating the garden as an oversized storage area. Bicycles, tools, and other equipment shouldn’t simply be piled outdoors. Not only is it a waste of money to leave them vulnerable to theft and damage, but it also spoils the look of the garden overall. If you’re struggling to get things to grow then buy pot plants and hanging baskets instead. If you have time, energy and space, then why not plant something eye-catching like a shrub or fruit tree! The budget might not stretch to heavy renovations or a water feature, for example. But working with what we have got will always suffice. An uncluttering, well-kept space can be a wonderful new venue for get-togethers with family and friends, whatever the season.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
[…] it at night. This, however, is very counterproductive. Yes, you can stay up late to finish tidying your house, or do that work project. But by doing so, you are only making yourself more tired for the next day. […]