Our guide to making a house a home
Moving into a new house is a big step, full of potential and fresh starts. But a house is just bricks and mortar until you make it your own. Here we offer our top tips on how to make a house feel like home.
After many months of scrolling property portals, weeks of viewing houses, months of the legal process, you are finally ready to move into your new home. However, when a house has been lived in by someone else for many years, it can be difficult to make it feel like yours. We have pulled together some top things you can do to transform a new property into a welcoming home.
Freshen up
When you finally have the keys to your new home, you may walk in and find it feels bare and without that homely smell. Start by giving it a good clean and freshen up to wipe away the last touches of the previous occupants.
Personalise your space
It's tempting to rush and get everything done at once, but taking your time to add personal touches can make all the difference. Start by stamping your mark on the property. If you've moved into a new build or a property that feels neutral, begin personalising it right away, working room by room. Don't worry about what other people will think; it's your space, so fill it with things that make you happy.
- Adorn the walls: Hang art, photos, and other decorations that reflect your personality. Framed photos and art add interest and texture to your space.
- Introduce familiar scents: Using familiar fragrances can make a house feel homey. If your old place smelled like lavender or lemon, use essential oils and a diffuser. Alternatively, brew some coffee and let the aroma fill the air.
Create a cosy atmosphere
Ambiance is key to making a house feel like a home. Small touches can significantly impact how comfortable and inviting your space feels.
- Soft furnishings: Cushions and throws can make a house feel homelike. Drape soft blankets and hang curtains to give a simple space a more characterful and inviting feel. Layer sofas with different sizes of pillows and add cosy throws.
- Warm lighting: Lighting is everything. Use lamps with low brightness to create a warm, inviting atmosphere and opt for warm yellow light.
- Textiles: Rugs can make the places you spend the most time in your home feel more inviting and create zones within a room. Add texture with soft rugs and natural materials like wood to warm up a room.
Settle in and enjoy
Beyond decorating and personalising, settling into your new community and creating routines will help transform your house into a home.
- Unpack swiftly: The sooner those cardboard boxes are gone, the sooner the house will begin to feel like home.
- Get social: Get to know your neighbours, it is often the people around you that can make you feel at home.
- Make memories: Invite your friends and family in to celebrate your new home and start creating new memories.
- Add plants: Bring the outside in and add plants throughout your home to add colour and liven up your space.
Making a house a home is a personal journey and for everyone what feels like home can differ hugely. By adding your touches and scents,, creating a cosy atmosphere, and settling into the community, you'll transform your new property into a place you'll love for years.
If you are looking to sell your home or buy a new home, why not get in touch with By Design to see what we can do to help.
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