Just because you live somewhere, that doesn’t make it home. You can stay in an apartment or a house for years before it actually starts to feel welcoming enough to call your home; conversely, it’s possible to walk into a room and know instantly that it’s where you want to spend the rest of your life. When your house doesn’t quite feel like a home yet, there are lots of things you can do to speed the process along. Here are 10 ways to make your house feel like home.
1. Customise it
One surefire way to make a house feel like it’s truly yours is to customise it. We’re talking about custom kitchens, bedrooms, and living rooms; not just minor furniture overhauls, but complete changes to the way your house looks and feels. You can use services like DIYHomeFit to help you, as they offer a range of bespoke furniture and room options to suit your needs, such as a Replacement Kitchen Doors service. Be sure to keep the theme of your home consistent across all of your rooms, though!
2. Add artwork or photos you’ve taken
Nothing says “personal” quite like putting up artwork you love. For that extra individual touch, get some photos you’ve taken – holiday snaps, for example, or family photoshoots – framed and add them around the house. You’d be amazed at what a difference this makes, and it’ll also create a great talking point when you have guests visiting. You can show off all your greatest and most cherished memories, and you can remind yourself of them every time you walk past them.
3. Install dimmer switches
When the light in your home is harsh and blazing at all times, you’re going to struggle to feel relaxed. That’s why dimmer switches are a good idea. You can adjust the level of the lighting based on what you’re feeling at any given time. At the very least, you should consider dimmer switches in your living room and your bedroom. This way, you can lower the level of artificial light when it’s time to go to bed, and raise it whenever you need a boost.
4. Add some plants
Plants are far more than just decoration. They also improve the air quality of a space, add to the ambience, and help to improve your mental health as well. We’d recommend plants in every major room in the house if you can stretch to it. Don’t worry if you can’t commit to caring for more difficult or demanding plants; there are many plants out there that don’t require much care at all. Cacti and other succulents are great options if you’re pressed for time.
5. Keep your fridge stocked
Whether you’ve just moved into your home or you’ve been there for a while, you’ll know there are few things more depressing than an empty fridge. Keep your fridge and cupboards stocked up and full of food. This way, when you want to reach for a snack or cook a gourmet meal, you won’t need to take a trip out, and you won’t grow to resent your kitchen or your cooking environment. Of course, keeping your kitchen stocked isn’t the only way this room can help your house to feel like home!
6. Cook more meals
Food is strongly associated with the creation of memories, so one way to make your house feel like home is to cook more often. We know it’s tempting to grab takeaway when you’ve had a long and trying day, but if you refrain, you’ll quickly begin to love your space more. Cooking healthy food not only helps to embed you further within your new home, but it’s also great for your physical and mental health, so there are myriad benefits to cooking.
7. Keep it tidy
If you’re in the process of moving into your new home, it can be hard to keep everything looking tidy. However, doing so can have tangible benefits, so we recommend making sure you keep on top of cleaning and organising your possessions. Set aside some time each day (or each week, if you can’t face doing it daily) to tidy up. If you don’t let it get on top of you, then you’ll be able to keep things orderly. It might not feel gratifying in the moment, but you’ll be glad you tidied up.
8. Add rugs
Rugs don’t just feel great underfoot, they’re also a great way to add aesthetic value and comforting style to a room. Whether you’re into big, fluffy rugs or more austere affairs, it’s a good idea to add rugs; they’ll keep your feet warm in winter, and they’ll complement the style of the room as well. One rug per room is generally a good idea, although this can vary based on the size of the room. Make sure you’re buying the right colour and style for your house!
9. Play music in the background
Just like food, music is powerfully and indelibly associated with memory. Playing music while you acclimatise to a new house can be a great way to make you feel like you’re at home, so this is definitely worth considering. Pick up a smart speaker (or, if you’re feeling particularly flush, a multi-room sound system) and set it up to play something calming and soothing at the end of your working day. When it’s the weekend, play something a little more vibrant; why not listen to the radio?
10. Go for walks
Spending time outdoors can be a good way to appreciate your indoor environment. Exercise triggers endorphins, which improve your mood, but it can also help you to learn your new surroundings (or your old ones, if you’re new to walking), thus letting you build up a mental geographical map of your area. When you’ve tired yourself out, returning home and relaxing will feel great, and those positive feelings will become associated with your house, making it feel more like home.