Since we moved to Chicago, I have been seeking “home”. Away from my extended family, I have realized how much a house is more than just a structure made of bricks and mortar. It is a place where we feel safe and comfortable, and where we can be ourselves. In this blog post, I want to share 10 tips on how to make a house feel like home.
I haven’t quite found that familiarity here in Chicago; just moving into a new house doesn’t necessarily mean that it feels like home. It takes time, effort, and a personal touch to make a house feel like home. In my quest to build a home atmosphere in a very small space we’re renovating, I have dealt with anxiety, impatience, stress, budget-busting estimates from contractors, and disappointments. But there’s also been wonderful surprises, lessons, dreams, and gratitude . . . all things that are necessary in a home. So, let’s dig into ways I’ve learned to make your house feel like home, even in the midst of a renovation, a major move, or everyday stress of life.
Personalize Your Space
One of the easiest ways to make a house feel like home is to personalize it. Adding personal touches to your space will make it feel more welcoming and comfortable. Start by adding family photos, artwork, and other decor that reflects your personality and style. You can also hang curtains, lay down rugs, and add decorative pillows and throws to make the space feel cozy and inviting.
One of the most effective ways to make a place feel truly unique is to add one-of-a kind pieces from vintage and thrift stores. I recently watched a few videos showcasing Chicago homes from Network NextGen (Hustlers at Home) on YouTube. Each one of these tours had personal touches, and many were found at thrift stores in the city! My favorite tour is above.
Create a Comfortable Atmosphere
Creating a comfortable atmosphere is key to making a house feel like home. You can achieve this by using warm lighting, adding scented candles, and playing soft music in the background. These simple additions can help to create a relaxing and comfortable environment that you will enjoy spending time in.
I once heard a great podcast about how we can use our 5 senses to help guide our decorating choices to make a comfortable atmosphere in our home. For example, think about what smells make you feel at home and comfortable. Maybe homecooked soup on the stove, or your favorite perfume? What are the sounds that make you feel like you’ve arrived at home? Maybe the soft audio of your favorite show streaming in the background or the melodies of your favorite record? There are many ways to use our senses to guide our small choices in creating a comfortable atmosphere.
Invest in Quality Furniture
Investing in quality furniture is essential for making a house feel like home. High-quality furniture will not only look better but will also be more comfortable and durable. When choosing furniture, make sure to pick pieces that are functional and comfortable, and that match your personal style.
Investing doesn’t look the same for everyone. For some, a few hundred dollars is an investment, while others consider several thousand an investment. Fortunately, there are markets for each kind of budget and investment. I sometimes can’t believe my eyes at the steals on Facebook Marketplace or the Next Door app. If you’re fortunate to live near a major city, you will find a lot of quality retail items for resale at a fraction of the original cost.
Use Color
Using color and texture is a great way to add warmth and personality to your space. You can do this by using colorful throw pillows, adding a colorful rug, or hanging artwork with vibrant colors.
Organize and Declutter
Organizing and decluttering your space is an important step in making a house feel like home. A cluttered space can make you feel stressed and overwhelmed, while an organized space can make you feel calm and relaxed. Start by decluttering your space and getting rid of things that you no longer need or use. Then, organize your remaining items in a way that makes sense to you.
If you haven’t yet read my post about Spring Cleaning with Natural Ingredients, I highly recommend to check it out. Not only can it help you declutter, but it is also a way to add aromas to your home!
Display Sentimental Items
Displaying sentimental items is a great way to make a house feel like home. These items could be anything from family heirlooms to travel souvenirs. By displaying these items, you will be surrounded by things that hold personal meaning to you and that bring back happy memories.
My husband and I are big believers about the importance of sentimental items in a home. We still have the same wooden stool that we used as part of our wedding ceremony in our living room. We also have a few items passed down from my great grandmother. There are also plenty of homemade art pieces that are daughters have made over the years on display.
Add Plants and Flowers
Adding plants and flowers to your space is a great way to bring life and nature indoors. Plants not only add a pop of color to your space but also help to purify the air and reduce stress. Whether you prefer large potted plants or small succulents, adding greenery to your space can help to create a calming and relaxing environment.
If you don’t have much light inside your space, you can still add plants that grow well in low-light. Check out my post about that HERE.
Create a Cozy Reading Nook
Creating a cozy reading nook is a great way to make a house feel like home. Find a quiet corner of your home and add a comfortable chair, a soft blanket, and a side table with your favorite books. You can also add a floor lamp or a string of fairy lights to create a cozy and inviting space where you can relax and unwind.
Add Soft Textures
Adding soft textures is a great way to make a space feel cozy and inviting. You can do this by adding a plush rug, a soft throw blanket, or a pile of fluffy pillows. These simple additions can make a room feel more comfortable and welcoming.
Make Memories
Finally, the most important way to make a house feel like home is to make memories in it. Spend time with your loved ones, host dinner parties, and create traditions. One new tradition that we’ve started since moving to Chicago is visiting an apple orchard during fall and a Christmas tree farm after Thanksgiving. We bring these special finds home and we bake, decorate, and celebrate.
Making a home takes time, and it happens in the everyday moments. But now it is time for me to throw some laundry in the dryer with a lavender scented reusable dryer sachet. Maybe it will fill my home with soothing scents.