Moving into a new house is an incredibly exciting time. However, having such a blank canvas can make the place feel a little soulless. Tick off a handful of these 15 steps to truly make your new home your happy place.
- Make a picture wall
Bring your old life into your new one. Hang photographs of your loved ones for a daily reminder of their presence in your life. There are lots of different ways to make a picture wall quirky. Consider using all black and white photographs, or all sepia. Or, hang colored pictures in ornate, old-fashioned frames to create contrast.
- Buy a house plant
Not only do house plants offer a tonne of health benefits, but they also look amazing.
- Paint your front door
The entry to your home is often forgotten about, but it really shouldn’t be. You walk through this door every day. So do your friends and family. If you’re feeling bold, paint it a bright color, like yellow or duck-egg blue. Or, for a more classic look, a deep green or pillar box red will look just as striking.
- Install window boxes
You won’t believe the difference that a few well-cultivated window boxes can make. Make sure they are seasonal so they stay alive. Choose bright colors and make sure you water them well, especially in the drier months.
- Play music
Music is also one of the best ways to evoke old memories. By playing your favorite songs from years gone by, you’ll be bringing happy thoughts into the home. Invest in a good sound-system to hear the music clearly. You could even have speakers installed in each room, so you can keep listening wherever you go.
- Make the place smell amazing
Whether that’s by baking bread or cake, or just light a few candles, a nice smelling house is a nice smelling home.
- Add a pop of color
We all know that neutral colors are the holy grail of home decoration. But this doesn’t mean that a dash of color here and there is a bad thing. You just have to be wise. Rather than painting every wall a bright colour, just paint one. Or, if you’re prone to wanting to change things each season, just focus on your furnishings. Put out a couple of turquoise cushions, or a boldly colored lamp, for example.
- Host a housewarming party
If music brings you the old memories, a good old knees-up will make you new ones! It doesn’t have to be a huge affair. Invite only those that you can make space for comfortably. 6 close friends and a couple of bottles of wine will truly make the house feel more homely.
- Make friends with the neighbors
Whether you’re moving to Las Vegas (check out this website) or Laos (take a look here), there are sure to be friendly folk in your local area. Be brave and go and introduce yourself. You could well find a new close friend.
- Keep fresh flowers
Embrace your home and treat it to something that is always beautiful. Fresh flowers really lift a home. Think amazing smells, bright colors and equally attractive vases.
- Have a night in
Step away from the paintbrush! Spend sometime in the house that isn’t all about unpacking, tidying, cleaning or decorating! Make your favorite dinner, watch a movie and just enjoy relaxing in the house.
- Inject your personality into the decor
If you love to collect red ceramic cats or world maps, put them out on display. Your home should be a place where you can display your personality. If you don’t have at least one room furnished around your favorite color, what are you waiting for?
- Have guests to stay
Once you’ve unpacked and made up the guest room, put it to good use. Have a couple of friends or a family member to stay. You can enjoy a night-in together, and then share breakfast in the kitchen the next morning.
- Go on holiday
While this might seem a little counter-intuitive, there is some logic here. Have you ever been on a lovely holiday or trip, but at the end been kind of looking forward to going home? You might well be able to replicate this feeling if you take a break. Leave the second bathroom boxes and have a little trip. You’ll be excited to sleep in your own bed again in no time.
- Relax
Try to relax. The house will feel like home soon enough. Just give it time.
