Furthermore, moving home can also stir up a lot of emotions, such as anxiety. This is because you may have formed an attachment to your home, making the idea of settling in a new space seem strange and uncomfortable. As a result, it can sometimes take a few months before you feel truly settled.
However, there are plenty of steps you can take to speed up this process, especially when it comes to renovation. With that in mind, here are some top tips that you can use to make a new house feel like home!
Paint the walls your favorite color.
While the majority of homeowners choose simple and understated color schemes for their homes, one way in which you can make the space feel more like your own is by painting the walls your favorite color(s) instead. This idea is inspired by
color psychology theories - which prove that our mood is often higher when we are surrounded by warm, bright colors or those that we like!
Get creative.
Expressing your creative flair when decorating your home is also a great way to make it feel more like your own. For example, if you cannot find any paint or wallpaper that matches your taste, why not use peel and stick shiplap wall planks to add that something special to your room? Not only will this give your home a creative edge, but it will also add texture and variation to the room, whether you hang it in your bedroom or hallway.
Make use of all the space available.
Another way in which you can ensure your home is well-tailored to your needs is by making use of all the space available to you. Renovating your basement or attic into ‘usable’ spaces (instead of storage units) will not only quickly improve the value of your home, but can also make your day-to-day life easier. For example, you could turn your attic into the perfect home office, which will make your time working from home more productive.
Hang family photographs.
While you may be a pro at finding the perfect wall art for your space, one of the easiest ways in which you can make your house feel like home is by hanging up your family photographs. This way, the walls of your home tell your story! Whether you create a gallery wall or print images onto canvases, this can also ensure that you don’t leave any ‘blank’ spaces in your home. Furthermore, studies have found that “displaying family portraits in your home can help your children develop healthy levels of self-esteem. It allows them to embrace the fact that they belong and that they have value.”
Display your memories proudly.
Dusting off your old photo album is not the only way to showcase your memories within your home. For example, you can also display items such as trophies, keepsakes, and mementos throughout your home to make it feel more like your own. Not only will this help when it comes to giving your home a facelift, it could also improve your mental well-being. This is because thinking about positive memories is a great way to relieve stress and anxiety, and seeing reminders of these moments around your home will serve the same purpose.
Get rid of the clutter.
Keeping your home clean and organized can make it a lot easier to kick back and relax - meaning that you’ll feel more at home in the space as a result. This is because “a cluttered home environment impedes your ability to focus. When we have a hard time focusing, our mental faculties get worn down and frustration ensues, causing stress.” As a result, moving house is a great excuse to declutter. Not only will it minimize the amount of time you spend cleaning, it can also save you money as you have fewer items to ship over to your new home.
Focus on lighting.
Many people feel at home in ‘cozy’ environments, because they provide us with a sense of comfort. As such, one way in which you can ensure your house feels like home is by using lighting to generate a sense of comfort and warmth. For example, you can swap bright, fluorescent lights with ‘warmer’ options. However, you should also ensure that you let natural light into your home. This is because exposure to natural light is associated with lowered levels of stress and anxiety - and even better sleep. For example, “one study of office workers found that those who had plenty of natural light exposure (vs. those who worked in windowless environments) were more likely to be physically active and get better sleep. A win-win.”
Stop following the crowd.
When redecorating your home, it's only natural to check out current interior design trends to see if any match your personal taste. However, while it's certainly easier to follow the latest trends when it comes to sourcing furniture and other materials, you do not have to adhere to these trends - especially if they don’t match your personal style. To put it simply, don’t be afraid to stand out from the crowd and inject your personality into your home. After all, it's your home - nobody else's. For example, instead of opting for muted color schemes, add as much color and vibrancy as possible!
Buy statement furniture.
If you are redecorating on a budget, you can still ensure your home reflects your personality by focusing on sourcing one piece of statement furniture for each room. For example, this could be a brightly colored couch or a unique coffee table. You can then source more basic (and therefore cheaper) furniture to complement this item. This way, your room remains unique and eye-catching, but you aren’t cutting too heavily into your budget.
Shop secondhand.
Renovating and redecorating your home can quickly get expensive - but that does not mean you cannot create the home of your dreams on a budget. You simply need to be a little more resourceful. For example, you can save hundreds of dollars by buying second-hand items, either online or at local thrift stores. You’d be surprised about how many hidden gems are hiding at these locations, just waiting to be discovered.
Upcycle.
Upcycling is the act of mending or altering old home furnishings in order to restore them to their former glory, or even change how they look entirely. While this requires you to test your DIY skills, it's a great way to renovate on a budget. Furthermore, it allows you to inject a little more of your personality into your home. For example, you could reupholster chairs using your favorite patterns of fabrics, or repaint shelves in a color that you simply love.
Don’t forget your garden.
When renovating, most people focus on improving their home's interior - whether you’re retiling your bathroom or shaking up your bedroom. However, this does not mean that you should forget about your outdoor spaces. For example, learning how to make the most of your garden can help a house feel more like home. After all, when your garden is thriving, you’ll be able to spend more time outdoors, which means you’ll get more fresh air while also enjoying the sunshine during the summer months.
No comments