There’s a difference between where you live and where you feel at home. You might live in a posh mansion with world-class amenities and state-of-the-art design. A house can be stunning on paper but still feel distant or cold in reality. If it does not feel like where you belong, it might be time for a change.
And change does not always mean a full-blown reno where you burn hundreds of thousands of dollars to remodel your house to your exact liking. You don’t even need an interior designer or a complete chaotic repaint. Subtle changes can make a huge difference. Additionally, if you are a renter, there are certain constraints to keep in mind as well. Whatever your living situation, there are some easy (and effective) ways to inject some you into your accommodation:
1. Curate your own wall art
Art can really transform the whole vibe of a place. It can add some colour and magic to a drab living space. You can choose anything that aligns with your taste in art. Vintage oil paintings, abstract canvas wall art or even some sketches of your own, if you’re the creative type. What you choose to hang says a lot about you, and the layout you create will be unlike anyone else’s. You don’t have to commit to nails in the wall either. You could go for alternatives like removable hooks and art ledges.
2. Change the mood with lighting
Relying only on the pre-installed overhead lighting could quickly turn boring. Moving away from the standard white lights could be the first step. Be open to new ideas and experiment a little. Look for fairy lights, warm lamps or even portable sconces. You could even pick up a statement floor lamp that doubles as a design piece for the aesthetics. If you are after a quick fix, just replace your overhead light bulbs with warmer ones. It’s surprising how much difference even such small changes can make in the overall feel of the place.
3. Style your surfaces
From dining tables to kitchen counters, surfaces are omnipresent across the house. Take this opportunity to spice things up with quick and economical hacks. Place a funky fruit bowl on the kitchen counter. Look for linen or jute cloths to cover your dining table. Try to match it with the overall interior design. Look for candles and decorative pieces to your taste. Adding some books to the living room can also start some great conversations. Levelling up your surfaces is a low-hanging fruit and a very easy way to make a place unmistakably yours.
4. Add some greenery
Plants are the MVP of homey vibes. Apart from the feels, they have a tangible positive impact on your well-being as well. They literally breathe life into a room, improve air quality and make surfaces pop out. If you’re a busy person and a bit of a greenhorn in matters of plant care, opt for the low-maintenance options like a peace lily, a cactus or an aloe. Think about placements too. A mini herb garden on the windowsill can liven up a place. If you are a forgetful plant parent, trying out faux plants could be better than no greenery at all.
5. Swap out soft furnishings
Soft furnishings are another easy target for a makeover. They don’t meddle with any permanent fixtures and are portable. So even if you are not staying for the long term, they can be a great asset. Cushions, pillow covers, carpets, rugs and blankets can all be changed easily. Try to stick to a tone to make things uniform. Either go for vibrant colours that pop out or softer undertones that blend with the surroundings. If you’re running on a tight budget, hunt for good deals at Kmart and Target. They have a decent collection at reasonable prices.
6. Be more personal
The best way to feel at home? Fill it with things that matter to you. Don’t underestimate the power of sentimental objects. Having a fridge magnet from that trip to Bali can bring back good memories. A framed family photo would also work wonders. You could also look for other souvenir items like personalised mugs, custom welcome mats, and designer key holders can also elicit good vibes. You could either bring everything together in one corner of the house or scatter them all around.
7. Use scents you love
We all have our own peculiar preferences. Some prefer the gentle sea breeze, whereas others go for a punchy fruity fragrance. Whatever the choice, try to get that in your house. Imagine walking in after a tiring day and being greeted by your favourite smell. Scented candles, oil diffusers or even incense sticks are classic and trusted options that do the job. If you want something flameless, reed diffusers, plug-in scent pods, and candle warmers are also gaining popularity. You could even rotate them around as per the seasons, if you get tired of the same fragrance.
You don’t need to spend a fortune to make a house feel like home. Small, subtle changes can make all the difference in the world. Look for art you like that adds some personality to the walls. Revamp the lighting a bit and add some warmth (literally). Style your surfaces with little things that can elevate the space. Don’t forget to have some greenery. Indoor plants are great for the aesthetics as well as overall well-being. Swiftly swap out the soft furnishings to add some colour. Try to make space for things that hold sentimental value and are close to your heart. Finally, use scents that you like. As you can see, you don’t need to move mountains to convert a plain space into a personal sanctuary.
