How to make your house feel like a HOME in 10 easy steps

Whether it's a simple photo frame or some personal bathroom accessories, these 10 tips will transform your home.

February 18, 2016

Zianne Leibrandt 2 minutes read

"Ageing with grace is the best gift we can give the elderly. They have and continue to contribute positively to the growth and development of their families and communities. "

No matter who you are or what you do, everyone can relate to the phrase, “There’s no place like home.”

Below is a 10 step guide to change your ‘boring house’ into your warm dream home, where you can express who you are without limits.

1. Scatter cushions

"Home is where our story begins." — “Home is where our story begins.”

If you have no pillows, or the pillows that came with your sofa, you’re depriving yourself of a valuable element. Go bold and think out the box. Choose your own colours and designs, and watch your pretty cushions bring your lounge to life.

2. Area rugs

"Home is the starting place of love, hope and dreams." — “Home is the starting place of love, hope and dreams.”

Big rooms especially feel more complete when an area rug is added, especially if you have hard floors. The advantage of a rug is it makes the room feel cosier, and for the winter, it helps keep your home a little warmer as well.

3. Decorate your walls

"Home is not a place, it's a feeling." — “Home is not a place, it’s a feeling.”

Whether you prefer quotes, butterflies or photographs, if they make you happy, put a frame on it! Hang them around your house and watch how they give your home character. If you don’t like hanging photos on the wall, then consider some beautiful works of art. Either way, it adds that certain “je ne sai quoi” factor.

4. Throws

"The best journey is the one that takes you home." — “The best journey is the one that takes you home.”

Sofas or beds automatically feel ten times comfier with a throw. And again you can experiment with this; different colours, textures and sizes are available for you to get your creative skills going.

5. Let candles and lamps bring light into your home

"It takes hands to build a house. But only hearts can build a home." — “It takes hands to build a house. But only hearts can build a home.”

Place a small, shaded lamp on each bedside table. Add a few floor lamps to other rooms, such as the lounge and dining room. Candles add that special warmth; scented candles usually go over best.

6. Bathroom accessories give a lift

"Home is where you are loved, no matter what." — “Home is where you are loved, no matter what.”

Add some soap dispensers and hand towels next to the sinks. Bring in a few ornaments, and even a colourful plastic flower. All these finishing touches will give your bathroom that much needed “face lift.”

7. Painting your walls

"Life takes you to unexpected places. Love brings you home." — “Life takes you to unexpected places. Love brings you home.”

Get rid of those boring white walls! Make your home seem cosier by painting them. Experiment with bright, lively colours until you find the colour that works best for you.

8. Become one with nature

"May your home know joy, every room hold laughter and every window open to great possibilities." — “May your home know joy, every room hold laughter and every window open to great possibilities.”

Don’t be afraid of bringing plants into your home. It adds that something special and gives it a fresh look. If you might be allergic to fresh plants, improvise by using plastic plants; they present just as beautifully.

9. Modernise your kitchen

"If you buy stuff you love, regardless of era or price, your home will be a true reflection of you." — “If you buy stuff you love, regardless of era or price, your home will be a true reflection of you.”

A kitchen is one of the places used most in your home. Liven up your cooking spot and enjoy your chef techniques in style and comfort.

10. Curtains

"May love be the heart of this home." — “May love be the heart of this home.”

Curtains may make or break a room. Can you believe something as simple as a curtain can create a magical feeling in your home? But choose wisely; make sure the curtains complement the furniture or walls, or else you’ll be left with a disaster.

And last but not least, even though the stores sell the basic material elements your home needs, a house is never quite a home if there’s no love,happiness or respect.

So, laugh as much as you can, and love unconditionally, and you’ll always have a place to call home.

February 18, 2016

Zianne Leibrandt 2 minutes read