Whether you buy a property, new build or choose to build yourself, once you have your house, the next step is to make the house a home. But where do you start? What makes a house a home?
The word ‘home’ ignites a different idea for everyone, some people will think a home is filled with family photos and personal belongings. Others might be more focused on the décor, and some people might think it’s a pet or children that make a house a home. What you do to settle into your new home is very personal to you, however, to help you, here are some tips on ways you can make your new house a home.
Decorating
Decorating your new house can help you to make it your own and feel like it is your own home. This is true whether you buy a property that’s already been lived in and decorated to someone else’s tastes. It is also true of new homes which tend to be painted a standard white, allowing you to design it how you feel. Before you start decorating, you need to think about what tone you want to set and therefore, what colour schemes you want to use.
To make this decision, take into account the space you have to work with. If your new house is small, or dark, you might want to choose lighter colours to a feel or space and to lighten the home. Also, think about what colours you like and how you can inject this into your living space.
Spring Clean
Even if your home is brand new and has just been built for you, you’ll still want to give it a good clean before you move in. The act of cleaning the house and preparing it for all your belongings helps to make the house feel like a home and is a necessary part of moving.
De-clutter
When you move from one house to another, it is a good idea to use this as a chance to de-clutter. Get rid of anything old, broken, or that needs replacing. Then, when you move all of your things into your new house, it will immediately feel like a home and a well-planned home too.
Add accessories
We all have standard items in our homes, such as the sofa and a bed, but there are lots of other things you can add to your house to make it feel like a home. Homely additions for your new property include things like rugs, mirrors, cushions, etc.
Start creating memories
A house becomes a home once you have lived in it and have started to create memories there. This is easy to do, even if you have just moved in. why not consider throwing a house party, or hosting a meal for some close friends? Start using and enjoying the house and it quickly starts to feel like home.
As well as changes you can make to the property, other things make. Such as:
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Sleeping in your bed
Whether you are buying a new bed for your new home, or bringing your bed with you, you should make sure the bed is one of the first things you add. Sleeping in your bed is one of life’s simple comforts that we all look forward to.
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Family photos
Adding family photos and personal possessions (such as ornaments, clocks etc.) can help you to make a space your own.
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A fridge full of food
When you move into a new house one of the last things you do is go food shopping. You might have moved some things from your old house with you. Most people will use the move as a chance to go through the food, get rid of old tins etc, and start fresh. It might not seem like much. Having a fridge full of food will help your house to feel like a home. So as soon as your fridge/freezer is installed, go food shopping.
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A bookshelf
Something simple like adding a bookcase and filling it with your books can make a difference. This is especially true if you had a bookcase at home and you’re used to seeing all your favourite books on display.
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Natural light
Don’t underestimate the power of natural lighting. Welcoming a natural light into your home, and perhaps using mirrors to reflect the light, is a great (but simple) way to make the house feel like a home.
These are just some of the many ways you can make a new house feel like your home. If you have any other ideas, we’d love to hear them, leave us a comment.
