​9 Easy Ways To Make A House A Home | Homify

Rooms Professionals Magazine DIY Become a Professional Premium Sign out Log in Become a Professional Log in ​9 easy ways to make a house a home Johannes van Graan 25 July, 2018 11:40 Created: 19 July, 2018 Loading admin actions …

Before we dish out our easy tips, first realise one thing: a house is not necessarily a home. Without getting too technical, a house refers to the actual, physical structure that provides shelter; a home can be any building, location or space which one imagines as the place where he/she lives and where they belong. The space which makes them feel safe and secure, and where they can live out their true selves.

That means that walking into a house you just bought is not necessarily your home. Not yet, anyways. 

And whether you’re renting a quaint little flat or own a spacious home in the suburbs, it can be quite tricky to turn your living quarters into a home which feels like yours – especially if painting or putting holes into walls are out of the question (renters, we hear you!). 

So, to help your living space flaunt a little more of your unique personality and style, have a go at these easy, non-permanent and budget-friendly ways on how to make a house a home.

Table of contents

1. How to make a house a home: Move your furniture
2. How to make a house a home: Choose a comforting colour palette
3. How to make a house a home: Go with organic style and raw materials
4. How to make a house a home: Use those old fabric swatches
5. How to make a house a home: Show off your favourite artworks
6. How to make a house a home: Bring nature inside
7. How to make a house a home: Display your wares
8. How to make a house a home: Put your unused fireplace to use
9. How to make a house a home: Create a cosy glow with lighting
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1. How to make a house a home: Move your furniture

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Think about it: your furniture (regardless of whether it’s the living room, dining room or bedroom) speaks of your style and personality. And the way in which you arrange it must also be practical and comfortable for you. 

So, if you feel that you’d rather turn your sofa around to admire the garden view instead of the fireplace, have at it! You can always switch it around again once it’s time to light a cosy fire, right? 

You’ll be amazed at how different that room will look once you move around a chair, a coffee table, side tables, bed, etc. It might even end up looking bigger than before.

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2. How to make a house a home: Choose a comforting colour palette

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We’re huge fans of bright colours here on homify, but there is something to be said for furniture and décor in soft palettes of creams, beiges, light greys, etc. They instantly make a room feel relaxed and inviting – and isn’t that what you want when walking into your home at the end of each day? 

So, choose a relaxing colour that can enhance your room and splash it onto the walls. A focal wall (where only the main wall of the space is painted) can also make a huge difference. 

And while you’re busy with colours, add some extra blankets and cushions in a similar neutral tone to help soften up the space.

3. How to make a house a home: Go with organic style and raw materials

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The minimalist- and industrial styles can be particularly complicated to warm up. Ensure cosy character for your living space by choosing furniture and fabrics inspired by organic or raw materials.

Think of examples like rattan chairs, a timber coffee table, a faux fur blanket, etc. These all add a strong dose of texture (i.e. character) to a room.

4. How to make a house a home: Use those old fabric swatches

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Speaking of texture and character, how about adding some good, old-fashioned pattern into your home’s look? Even the most barren of rooms can feel like a welcoming hug with layers of soft textures and familiar motifs. 

Dig up old fabric swatches in your house and put them to use. Cover pillows and bed linen, drape a throw over a chair, DIY some tea towels for your kitchen, etc.

5. How to make a house a home: Show off your favourite artworks

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Know what else can make a house a home? When walking into a room and immediately seeing familiar faces, places and/or symbols that remind you of happy memories. 

Thus, we recommend putting up photos of loved ones, cute symbols, or favourite quotes that add personality. And if you’re not allowed to drill holes into a wall, your next best option is wall decals or placing large-scale prints or posters in frames and simply leaning them against the wall.

6. How to make a house a home: Bring nature inside

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Don’t discount the style power of Mother Nature. She adds colour, texture, pattern and scent, so why would you not want to invite her into your house-turned-home? 

But there are so many other options apart from placing a bouquet of flowers on a table. Dried branches in a glass vase, river rocks in a beautiful bowl, sea shells in a wicker basket, pine cones in an eye-catching tray, etc. Place these organic wares strategically throughout your home and watch how they build character.

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7. How to make a house a home: Display your wares

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Why would you want to hide your lovely and unique items away behind closed cabinet doors and drawers? True, the cluttered look is never in, but that doesn’t mean you can’t show off some of your collectibles with pride. 

Bring out the decorative dishes, bowls, pitchers, etc. – they’ll add to your home’s character. Bring out those collectibles and display them on floating shelves and bookcases. 

And instead of having various candle holders scattered through your home, bring them together in one location and display them as one.

8. How to make a house a home: Put your unused fireplace to use

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There’s no reason why your fireplace has to get left behind in summer. Take advantage of it and let it become a natural focal point. 

Paint its insides a bright or bold colour. Place a pretty potted plant inside. Lay out a nice spread of candles. Put some of those collectibles of yours in there. Or stack some of your books in a large wicker basket in there for a classy, clever look.

9. How to make a house a home: Create a cosy glow with lighting

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A cosy and warm ambience goes a long way in turning any house into a home. But steer clear of blue-tinted- or bright white lights. Instead, opt for hues that add a soft glow. 

And take your cosy lighting one step further by arranging tealights and candles, or draping some fairy lights. Layered lighting is always a winner!

For every “do” there are also a few “don’ts” – have a look at these 11 interior design mistakes you're probably making.

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