What REALLY makes a house a home? Is it the furniture you have, your décor, favourite home accessories or the people and animals who you share your life with?
According to Oprah, the feeling of being at home isn’t something we can buy, but the relationship we have between our precious space and ourselves.
This article on Oprah.com describes that relationship beautifully. “Like other love affairs, this one shapes us just as we shape it. We lavish not only money but also our time and creativity on our homes, and in return, they give us comfort, pleasure and sanctuary.”
With this in mind, unleash your inner creativity and find those key elements that put your mind at ease in your home and your sanctuary. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
Objects evoke memories
Collect items for your home that you love because they provoke memories. This can include anything from artwork that reminds you of a dear friend to a sheepskin rug that reminds you of fond times in a warm chalet on holiday somewhere. If your belongings mean more to you that just ‘that looks pretty’ you’re also less likely to want to change them up regularly.
Bring nature inside
The amazing feeling you get from being outdoors for a short while isn’t just in your head. Trees and plants provide us with the air we breathe, so it’s no surprise that we feel healthier and happier around them. Bringing this feeling indoors will not only cleanse the air in your home but look really stylish too. Opt for a plant that provides as little care as possible, such as a spider plant – there’s nothing chic about a dead plant.
Awaken your senses
As striking as you make the interiors of your home, it might be missing that certain je ne sais quoi and that’s down to your senses. A home isn’t a home without a good homely smell. Your house will have certain smells already from what you’re cooking, washing clothes in and spritzing on each day. However, to build depth to this you can add diffusers, room sprays and candles into the mix and give yourself a signature scent that makes you deliriously happy.
Embrace Hygge
Pronounced ‘hoo-gah’, if you’ve not heard about Hygge, where have you been hiding? The Danish-coined phrase almost took over British bookshelves in 2016 and can be translated as ‘cosiness’ in English. It’s all about making your home cosy, indulgent, and most importantly, a relaxing place to settle. This can include everything from replacing cold blinds with warm and cosy ready made curtains to updating the throws and cushions on your sofa. Make your space personal and comfortable, even if it looks a bit messy!
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Completely agree with owning bits and bobs that evoke memories! A house should tell a story in my opinion otherwise it’s just another showroom that you live in!