collaborative post // As we all know, a house and a home are two very different things! A house could be reduced to a well-organised pile of bricks, but a home is what reflects us as individuals, perfectly aligned to our wants and needs so we always feel comfortable and cosy.
Creating this ultimate homey feel sometimes isn’t as easy as it sounds. Whilst some people might prefer the minimalist vibe and others a more traditional look, many of us find that our homes miss a certain something. Hopefully, the following suggestions will provide some inspiration and turn your house into a sanctuary from the outside world.
Give attention to each room
When it comes to decorating your house, each room matters. Because each room has a different function, you want the vibe to be slightly different when you walk into each one. Perhaps the kitchen is bright and airy to inspire productivity, the living room is texture-rich and cosy and your bedroom invites relaxation and rejuvenation with plenty of natural light and comfortable furniture.
How you design your bedroom impacts the quality of your sleep. Start with your bed which shouldn’t be done on the cheap. Invest in a quality mattress that you’ll treasure for years, then build up colours, textures, and artwork to reflect you as a person. Whether you’re aware of it or not, this will aid sleep and improve life quality.
Choose the right lighting
Lighting plays a huge role in the look and feel of your house and serves different functions in different areas. The kitchen would probably benefit from bright, focussed light whilst the living room and bedrooms would suit something softer. And with new technology comes rechargeable table lamps – super useful and versatile.
These cordless lamps can be taken anywhere in the house and serve a multitude of purposes. When choosing your lighting, think about how you want to feel when it’s switched on. Lighting affects our senses and inspires different reactions and feelings.
Play around with materials
Whether you want to create a soft or hard environment, materials also signal the function of a room. When it comes to a kitchen, hard materials like plastic and metal are durable and low maintenance, making cleaning and cooking easier. However, if it does look too harsh, soften it up by adding some furniture with soft cushions and throws.
As for rooms in which to relax, make it as comfortable and cosy as possible with fluffy rugs and fabrics. Invite your guests to put their feet up with a cushioned footstool or amongst some fuzzy throws on the sofa.
Then create contrast with wooden tables and cupboards so it doesn’t look too ‘squishy’. Just like in life, your home should be balanced, addressing our various needs through clever design.
