At its most practical, a house is a physical structure where people (and pets!) can eat, sleep, and relax. But a home is so much more. It’s a place where memories are made, emotions are shared, and comfort is found. Being in a home is about more than just eating, sleeping, and relaxing; more than just walls and furniture – it reflects your personality, experiences, and those nearest and dearest to you.
Creating the “perfect” home also isn’t a one-size-fits-all situation. There’s no equation for how many of a certain type of object should be included or what color pallet to use. It heavily depends on the preferences and emotions of the people who live in the house.
That said, when you’re moving into a new house, there are some things you can do to help transform the house into a home.
Sentimental Décor
One of the quickest ways to create a cozy and personalized space is to infuse it with sentimental items that carry special meaning. Whether it’s an heirloom passed down through generations or a trinket from a favorite vacation – these pieces set the space apart and make it uniquely yours.
As you’re considering items to include, ask yourself the following questions:
- What are some objects that hold emotional significance for you and your family?
- How can you incorporate these items into your décor without overwhelming the space?
By thoughtfully placing these items around your home, you’re not just decorating but incorporating physical representations of your memories that make the space yours and tug at your emotions.
Family Photos
Family photos are windows into our lives, allowing us to relive and share memories in a concrete way. Displaying photographs of meaningful moments, important days, or exhilarating experiences throughout your home fills the space with familiar faces and serves as a reminder of the people who mean the most to you.
By creating a gallery wall with a mix of framed family photos or candid shots that capture genuine emotions and interactions, your home will always be filled with reminders of the people and places you love.
Cozy Fabrics and Textures
One of the best ways to make your house a home is to give it depth. Using – and layering – different textured materials gives your home a “cozy” feeling. For example, a leather couch may be practical, but it isn’t the most inviting place to sit. By layering it with soft throw blankets and oversized pillows, it figuratively and literally warms up the space and adds dimension. Similarly, curtains and drapes do the same for your windows and glass doors, allowing light to flow in while also adding a bit of interest and another layer of depth to the room. Soft fabrics also play into our sense of touch, reinforcing the idea that the space is one meant for being comfortable and feeling safe rather than an area where you should be stiff and on guard.
Scent and Ambiance
The sense of smell is the strongest sense that humans – and most animals – possess, so use that to your advantage as you set upon turning a space into your space. You don’t necessarily have to find a “signature” scent, but finding a scent that evokes a sense of comfort and relaxation will help you to feel more at ease in your new home. If it’s a scent you’ve used in previous homes or one that brings back happy memories, then all the better since our sense of smell is tightly connected to our memory center.
Functional Space
Another essential consideration in turning a house into a home is ensuring the space works for you. Spending your days in a building that isn’t quite what you need – either because it’s too small or the layout is all wrong – will always feel a bit uncomfortable, and you may never have that feeling of “home.”
If you’re ready to begin the search for the perfect house to turn into a home, the team at Wilson Associates is ready to help. Give us a call today!
