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Moving into a new house often marks a new beginning in most people’s lives. As the old saying goes, when you change your place, you change your luck. Whether the living situation has any influence on one’s destiny or not is hard to tell, but it certainly has a significant impact on their emotional state and well-being. So, people don’t just need a place where they can come to after they finish work, to eat, bathe, sleep and repeat it all over again the next day.
What most of us crave is a home. A place that brings us comfort and makes us feel safe and content, no matter what’s going on in the world beyond its walls. However, turning a house into a home is not always a simple process. It’s a personal journey that looks different for everyone, so there are no clear guidelines on how to achieve this objective.
New properties can also feel a bit sterile and devoid of personality, and many homeowners don’t know where to begin when decorating them. But the great thing about moving into a house that’s completely untouched and still doesn’t have that lived-in feel is that it provides you with a blank canvas to work with, so you can style your interiors as you see fit and create your dream home from scratch.
So, if you’re looking to add character to your new residence and turn it into your personal oasis of comfort and peace, here are some ideas that might help you get started.
Focus on your needs
When it comes to interior design, functionality always comes first, so before you start thinking about trends, colour palettes and decorations, you have to focus on the practical aspects. An ideal home is one that responds to your personal needs and makes your life easier. That’s why trying to recreate a look you’ve seen in someone else’s home is not a good idea.
What works for some people might not work for others and you also have to understand that not all design ideas can be applied to your space. Instead of chasing trends and letting yourself be influenced by unrealistic home décor ideas, think about how you’re going to use the rooms in your house on a day-to-day basis and style the space in accordance with your lifestyle if you want to enjoy it to the fullest.
For example, if you’re a bookworm who likes nothing better than to spend the evening sipping hot tea while getting lost in a captivating read, then you definitely need to create your own reading nook with a cosy sofa or armchair, a nice side table, a bookshelf for your favourite volumes and good lighting. Or, if you’re a movie buff, setting up an entertainment centre in your living room should be on your list of priorities. Homes that allow you to pursue your passions are the kind of luxury anyone should be able to afford.
Decorate with items that carry meaning
With so many amazing design trends and ideas to choose from, the possibilities for decorating your home are virtually endless. This also means it’s easy to get carried away and pick all sorts of items that don’t bring any value to your home, or fall to the opposite extreme and start overthinking and analysing every option to the point you can’t decide what objects to decorate with.
There’s a simple solution for this dilemma: adoring your home with pieces that mean something to you and that you find aesthetically pleasing. You don’t need to follow any interior design rules if you don’t want to. It’s much more important to surround yourself with objects that bring you joy and evoke memories you’re fond of. It doesn’t matter if they don’t align with experts’ recommendations. As long as they make you feel happy, feel free to do as you please.
From objects that have been passed down for generations and have a story to tell, or gifts from family and friends to lovely photo prints from Made at number 7 that brighten up the space or vintage and antique items you’ve found while hunting for treasures at flea markets, it’s the little but meaningful trinkets and knick-knacks that lend a home character and make it feel unique.
It’s also important to let the process follow its course and decorate as you go. Houses don’t become homes overnight. They evolve and take shape in time, so there’s no need to rush things.
Showcase your personality
If you want to create a home that feels comfortable and welcoming, you need to make it reflect your personal style and preferences. So, everything from furnishings and fittings to accessories has to mirror your unique tastes and individuality. Don’t be afraid to use bold elements like bright colours, large statement pieces or mixing different styles. Home décor is a great way to express yourself in a creative way and breathe life into a space. For example, DIY projects and artwork can give your rooms a more intimate feel and help you create an inviting ambience.
Another type of accessory that is often overlooked in interior design is scents. Fragrances have the ability to conjure vivid memories and powerful emotions as they transport you to different times and places. That’s why filling your home with enticing aromas from a scented candle or the smell of freshly baked goods coming from the kitchen is a sure way to achieve that homey vibe you’re after.
Final thoughts
In the end, no one knows your needs, preferences and desires better than you, so it’s up to you to decide what makes your house a home. the one thing that you should keep in mind is to follow your instinct and let your creativity flow freely. With a bit of patience and perseverance, you can turn your new house into your forever home.
