When moving into a new house it may take a little time to feel at home. It takes a while to unpack all those boxes and fill the fridge with treats and food that your family enjoy which helps to make it feel comfortable.
Even when this is done it may still feel very new and not quite as comfortable as you would wish. You may find yourself spending less time there initially, and choose instead to focus on other activities. You may like playing for a
Fair Go casino bonus or doing other activities which take you outside of the house as you’re not quite comfortable being there. This feeling can continue for quite a while, sometimes weeks or even months. Sometimes that feeling never quite diminishes.
A place where you feel you just come to sleep or eat or use the bathroom facilities is very different from a place that you call home. This can be true for rental accommodation. It can be difficult to put your stamp on somewhere where you know that it is only a temporary dwelling and that you may only be there for a year or maybe two. It may be a place that doesn’t represent your style or taste.
However, this is not necessarily the case. Creating a sense of home is really about perception. It is actually possible to create a space that feels warm and inviting and has your personality no matter what or where it is.
In the US, the Danish term “Hygge” (hoo-ga) has become very popular. The term expresses the idea of warmth, coziness and comfort. A home is a place where you feel comfortable. It has a cozy feeling, a bit like a cocoon. Everyone is different and we all have different things that make us feel warm and safe and cozy. Figuring out what these are for you, is the first step in creating a sense of home. Below are a few ideas.
Hanging artwork
Hanging artwork is usually the last thing people get around to doing when moving into a new place. Sometimes it takes literally years until artwork finds its place on the wall. Interestingly, there are some real advantages to hanging your artwork fairly quickly after moving into your space.
Studies have found that just looking at art has the ability to reduce stress and anxiety. You will feel happier. Notwithstanding the fact that it is very nice to look at beautiful things, by incorporating your own individual art pieces you are personalizing your space. The more personal things you have around you, the more you will create that feeling of home we all crave.
Displaying objects that remind you of home
Where we spent our formative years is, for most of us, what we consider as home. It is where we felt safe and secure. It is not really possible to completely recreate what you had but you can certainly incorporate things into your home which remind you of it.
Certain pieces of artwork or pieces of furniture which are associated with the warm energy of that time and place. By having these childhood pieces around to look at and to use will add to that sense of homeliness.
Keeping your home clean and organized
Clutter and disorganization will make you feel uncomfortable. Your first priority when trying to create a warm and comfortable home is to make sure it is clean and uncluttered. If you want to feel relaxed, physically and emotionally, your space needs to be a place where you feel like you can cozy up and feel the warmth.
Try to get into the habit of always putting things away so that it doesn’t become cluttered and make sure that floors are clean. It is important to always make up the beds and regularly change the sheets. How inviting is it to get into freshly laundered sheets.
Get a pet
Pets definitely add an extra feeling of love to your home. A Dog or a cat will give that feeling of companionship and support. Caring for an animal is known to lower stress and blood pressure. Obviously taking care of a pet is a huge responsibility but there are rewards. A pet will make your house feel more homely and inviting. Being greeted at the door by someone so excited to see you is truly heartwarming.
Invest in some soft furnishings
Having some super soft blankets and throws around is a must. It doesn’t need to be cold to cuddle up with a cozy blanket on the couch. A home feels warm and inviting with these soft additions and these are items you can find at any budget.
If you are someone who gets anxious or stressed out, a weighted blanket may be helpful. These blankets add just a little pressure to your body and snuggling under one will help to make you feel relaxed and cozy.
Add some green
Plants and flowers have the ability to make us feel good. Looking and smelling them can really impact your mood. Bringing
nature into your home will add to that sense of “hygge”. There are many plants that are very easy to take care of. You don’t have to be a garden expert to take care of, say a ficus plant or a spider plant.
Having a line of potted herbs on your window is a nice addition and if the budget allows, buying some fresh flowers to adorn your kitchen table works a treat. Having some greenery and even fresh flowers certainly adds a warm and inviting feel to your home.
Have Sufficient lighting
The lighting in your home is so important. The right light helps to create that warm inviting feeling. Too much or too little will make the home feel less inviting. Fluorescent lighting, except maybe in a bathroom, should not be used.
Light fixtures should be fitted, warm or yellow shades which create a more relaxed atmosphere. Adding lamps in certain spots can create a cozy vibe. It is also possible to add dimmer switches so you have the control of when to reduce or add more light to the space depending on the need. The use of candles will also give a warm ambiance.
Be inspired by the spa
A spa is designed to be a warm, inviting and soothing space. You can use some of the same things to make your space feel that way. You can invest in
aromatherapy diffusers and scented candles or have some kind of water feature which has a calming sound. All these will bring the spa to your home.
We all want our homes to feel warm and inviting. No matter where you live. No matter if you are in student dorm or living in rental accommodation you should make sure that you have around you things that make you feel good. Incorporating some of the ideas above will help to make your space a home and instill in it that feeling of “hygge” that we all desire.
