A resource for those seeking information on organizing and transforming spaces.
How to Turn Your Home into a Haven
No matter if you’re an introvert or an extrovert, you inevitably spend the majority of your time at home. It’s the place we’re happy to return to after a long day at work. It’s where we go to escape from the hustle and bustle of life, relax, and center ourselves. However, this is only possible if our homes are set up to create such an atmosphere.
No matter if you’re an introvert or an extrovert, you inevitably spend the majority of your time at home. It’s the place we’re happy to return to after a long day at work. It’s where we go to escape from the hustle and bustle of life, relax, and center ourselves. However, this is only possible if our homes are set up to create such an atmosphere.
The reality is that promoting relaxation and tranquility in your home requires intentionality and effort. It’ll be worth it, though, for what a peaceful home can do for your well-being.
Let’s explore tips for turning your home into a haven.
Choose Colors That Promote Comfort
Colors are more than just aesthetic preferences. They can influence us through our emotions, moods, and behaviors — enough that it has warranted an entire field of study dedicated to the subject of color psychology. You can use specific colors throughout your home to help you feel comfortable and serene.
For example, relaxing color palettes made of soft blues, grays, and whites can ignite a feeling of instant calmness. Shades of green can create a relaxing atmosphere that helps put you at ease. Pinks can also promote tranquility.
Which colors you choose to include depends on your personal taste and your mood preference. Whatever makes you feel serene, distribute those colors throughout your home.
Bring Nature Inside
One of the biggest people leave their homes is to immerse themselves in the healing properties of nature and have fun in other outdoor activities. Studies suggest that being in nature can decrease stress, relieve attention fatigue, and increase happiness and creativity.
Unfortunately, a lot of people don’t have the luxury of spending time outdoors regularly. But that doesn’t mean they have to miss out on the benefits of being immersed in nature. You can bring nature indoors to support your well-being and create a haven at home.
Start with houseplants. Be sure to only get as many as you can take good care of. Spread them throughout your home so that there’s a touch of greenery in as many places as possible. Look for local nurseries if you need guidance on which houseplants to incorporate and how to properly care for them.
Make Your Backyard an Oasis
You can’t forget about your backyard when turning your home into a sanctuary. When you need a break from being inside and don’t want to leave home, your backyard is a go-to. You get to interact with nature and enjoy refreshing yourself mentally and physically.
A relaxing outdoor space can also be great if you like to invite your friends and family over for entertainment. If this is the case for you, consider how your backyard can suit your entertainment desires. Say you want something casual such as a BYOB party — all you need to provide is the food and the space and everyone will bring the rest. But you’ll certainly need the space and areas where people can sit or tables where they can eat. If you have a smaller space, you may be more comfortable hosting small get-togethers and dinner parties.
No matter how large of an outdoor space you have though, there are certain decorations you should carry over in any space. Consider using string lights to give your backyard a warm, intimate feeling. Spend time on landscaping, incorporating gorgeous flowers and plants. Adding other calming accessories, like a waterfall and comfortable seating can be helpful as well.
Create Dedicated Spaces for Relaxation
Most people think every room should serve a purpose. But not that many people think of the purpose of relaxing. Relaxing may look different for everyone. If you relax through your hobbies, use the extra space in your home for a hobby room. You can fill the room with all the tools you need to carry out projects. If you relax through exercise, you can change the space into your own gym or yoga/meditation studio.
No matter the purpose of the room, declutter your space first so that you have a clean, organized foundation to work with. Document exactly what you want to do with the room and what it will take to see the vision into fruition. Then, you can tackle your project timeline one task at a time.
Making Outside Your Home as Comfy as Inside
As any homeowner knows, making sure your home is comfortable both inside and out is important. But sometimes, the outside can seem a little neglected in favor of the inside. After all, who wants to spend their time outside when it's cold or hot? However, there are ways to make your home exterior more comfortable, and today we're going to discuss a few of them. So whether you're looking to add a little bit of comfort to your outdoor space or you want to make it a true extension of your indoor living area, read on for some tips.
As any homeowner knows, making sure your home is comfortable both inside and out is important. But sometimes, the outside can seem a little neglected in favor of the inside. After all, who wants to spend their time outside when it's cold or hot? However, there are ways to make your home exterior more comfortable, and today we're going to discuss a few of them. So whether you're looking to add a little bit of comfort to your outdoor space or you want to make it a true extension of your indoor living area, read on for some tips.
Pick the right plants for your climate that will also attract bees, birds, and other animals
As you plan the perfect outdoor oasis, don't forget to add elements that not only look great and will fit your climate, but also provide environmental benefits. Incorporating plants into your home exterior is the perfect way to make everyone happy - from you and your family to the local bees, birds, and other animals. While bees especially can seem intimidating, the majority of bee species are quite friendly! It's important to pick plants that are native to your area and attract beneficial wildlife, as well as ones that require minimal maintenance. Plus, adding these details can help cut down on greenhouse gas emissions by reducing energy use in cooling and heating your house. Make sure you do some research beforehand though so you know which species will be compatible with your environment!
Design and build a patio or awning to spend time under
Creating a comfortable space outdoors doesn't have to be complicated! By adding a patio or awning to your home, you can enjoy the great outdoors in the comfort of your backyard. Design and build the perfect place to sit back and relax – add some furniture, some plants, or even some outdoor games. If you want to get really fancy, consider getting a retractable awning, so you can have sunshine or shade depending on how your fancy strikes that day. Whether you are looking for a shady area to escape the sun or just want to spend time outside with friends and family, having an outdoor structure will open up lots of possibilities. With the right design and construction plan, you can create an outdoor oasis that everyone will love!
Install a fire pit for gathering around in the evenings
If you want to create an inviting atmosphere outside your home, installing a fire pit is a great idea. Gather with friends and family around the warmth of the flames and enjoy some quality time together in the comfort of your own backyard! With the proper planning and installation, a fire pit can provide you with years of good memories, providing comfortable evenings no matter how chill outside temperatures may get. If you want to go a little more low-key, you can also purchase a small basin-style fire pit that you can take with you on trips as well. Don't forget to bring out the s'mores for an added bit of fun on cool summer nights!
Put up some string lights to make your outdoor space more inviting
To add a cozy and inviting atmosphere to your outdoor space, consider putting up some string lights. Not only are they beautiful and romantic, but they can also create a warm and inviting look to any outdoor area. String lights come in many styles to match any home décor – from modern whites to colorful twinkles – allowing you to really customize the look of your exterior space. After that, all that’s left for you to do is sit back and enjoy!
Get an outdoor rug to define the space and make it more comfortable underfoot
Sprucing up your home's exterior is a great way to make it inviting, but don't forget the details either. One of the easiest and most impactful tactics for improving comfort outdoors is to invest in a quality outdoor rug. Not only will this help define an otherwise undefined space, but an outdoor rug underfoot helps in making sure that you won't have to walk on cold hard surfaces (especially important when temps drop). So, if you're looking for an easy fix to improve your home's exterior ambiance, it's worth considering investing in an outdoor rug!
By following these simple tips, you can make your home exterior more comfortable and inviting for you, your family, and your guests. You’ll enjoy spending more time outdoors while also boosting your home’s curb appeal. So take the time and consider the comfortable future that awaits for your home's outside!
Guest Post - Just Bought a Home? Here are 12 Things You Need to Make it More Inviting
Why is it that, no matter the potential, a new home often feels cold and uninviting? To warm it up, it takes life—people, excitement, conversation, dinners! And to achieve all of these things, your home has to be a place where your friends and family want to congregate. Luckily, we’ve got a great list of brilliant ideas, all of which say “come on in and stay awhile” without saying anything at all.
Why is it that, no matter the potential, a new home often feels cold and uninviting? To warm it up, it takes life—people, excitement, conversation, dinners! And to achieve all of these things, your home has to be a place where your friends and family want to congregate. Luckily, we’ve got a great list of brilliant ideas, all of which say “come on in and stay awhile” without saying anything at all.
A Well-Stocked Bar Cart—One of the things that makes guests feel welcome in any home is a beverage. Having a well-stocked bar cart—complete with lots of wine, of course—signifies to them that you’re happy to whip up a special drink to make them feel welcome. You don’t have to invest in anything too expensive, just make sure you have the basics, like vodka, gin, tequila, rum and whiskey plus a few good mixers.
A Personalized Welcome Sign—What better way to literally make your home more inviting than to hang a sign that says, “Come on in!” right at the door? Whether with a personalized address sign or front door plaque with your name on it, this is an awesome way to add some personalized pizzazz to the casa so everyone feels warmly welcomed.
Great-Smelling Candles—We don’t know the exact science behind it, but there’s something really real about the way certain smells make you feel. For whatever reason, lighting candles or burning aromatic oils can immediately elicit strong feelings of comfort and coziness. Go for spicy, sweet and seasonal scents—anything that warms you to the core! Clean smells of cotton and linen can also encourage a fresh start.
Some Kind of Fire Element—In the way that candles warm you up psychologically, fires do so physically. You don’t have to have a raging wood-burning fireplace to achieve that delightful fireside feel. You can recreate it with the help of a tabletop electronic fireplace (yes, these are real and they are actually amazing) or, if you’re looking for something easy and free, play a full HD fireplace YouTube video on the TV.
Lots of Cozy Blankets—The last thing you’d want is for your guests to enter your home and be overcome with a stiff, cold or formal vibe. Peppering some super-soft wool blankets around the living area is an awesome way to encourage guests to kick their shoes off, get comfy and hang out. This one is crucial if you plan on hosting any binge-watching get-togethers.
A Nice Set of Drinkware—We’re not saying you have to roll out the red carpet for your guests, but there is something sweet about serving them with some nice glasses and dishes. We hate to say it, but it may be time to upgrade from your mismatched glasses from college and invest in some pieces that actually go together. Don’t worry though, you don’t need to spend an arm and a leg on fancy new glassware and dishes. You can get some really nice stuff on sale or second hand at the thrift store or flea market.
A Personalized Cheese Tray or Cutting Board—There’s something so sweet about kitchen decor that is practical and meaningful. Take the personalized cheese tray or cutting board, for example. These accouterments add a personalized touch to the kitchen while setting you up to create amazing charcuteries and appetizer spreads for your grazing guests. Give one as a housewarming gift to yourself!
Plush Rugs and Furniture—As crazy as we are about minimalist, modern and industrial design styles, they just don’t scream comfy. You can still get the ultra-chic and mod vibe if you go with upholstered furniture featuring contemporary silhouettes and soft, shag rugs with a high pile. If you’ve got the room, select oversized, overstuffed furniture in soft materials. Few things are more welcoming than a big, comfy couch!
Music That Sets a Chill Vibe—One of the first things you’re going to want to do when you move into your new home is to set up those Bluetooth speakers in all the primary living areas. Make sure you’ve got one anywhere guests tend to congregate, including the living room and kitchen. Just make sure to choose tunes that are relaxing and welcoming, and play them at a lower volume. Jazz and lo-fi hip-hop are two of the best options.
Lots of Personal Photos and Knickknacks—You know how they say to de-personalize the house when you’re selling it? Now’s the time to re-personalize it with your most cherished photos and mementos. Get creative about hanging your favorite photos. Consider having those photos printed on home décor items like throw blankets and pillows or spend an afternoon designing and creating a show-stopping gallery wall.
A Stash of Snacks—Don’t ever let your guests go hungry! Make sure to keep some easy snacks and finger foods on hand at all times to ensure that you’ve got something to offer whoever comes through the door. Create a snack basket that you can bust out anytime you or your guests feel their bellies rumbling. Stock it with crackers, nuts, dips and a few sweet treats.
Good Lighting—Do not overlook the power of good lighting! Nothing makes a space feel colder or more sterile than too-bright lights. Make sure to swap out all those old, energy-hogging incandescents for warm-toned (2,500 to 3,000 Kelvins) LED bulbs. If you’re making any upgrades, consider installing dimmers on your lights so you can control light levels at all times and create warm, cozy or romantic environments on-demand.
Bonus: Friends and Family
The most important thing you need to warm up your new place is loved ones to share it with! Whether you host a big housewarming party, invite your closest friends over for game night or go all-out with a meticulously themed dinner party, it’s the love and joy from those around you that will make the space feel special and warm. Happy hosting!
Author Bio: Ashley Peterson is the Director of Marketing at GiftsForYouNow. Her favorite part of her job is connecting others with sentimental and personalized gifts that foster lifelong memories. Ashley is also a mother of 2 and enjoys spending time with her family exploring the outdoors.
Guest Post - 6 Designer Tips for a Comfortable and Cozy Home
Having a home where you can relax and not have to worry about a thing is something many home dwellers have strived to achieve.
Regardless of the size of your house, a slight change in the décor of your home can greatly influence your emotions. Which means that giving your home a makeover, with items that are appealing and soothing for one’s eyes, can enhance the positive feelings of anyone being surrounded by that ambience.
If you too wish to have the best comforts provided by your house, let us assist you. Below we have written some of the tips that can help you create a home where comfort and coziness are in full bloom.
Having a home where you can relax and not have to worry about a thing is something many home dwellers have strived to achieve.
Regardless of the size of your house, a slight change in the décor of your home can greatly influence your emotions. Which means that giving your home a makeover, with items that are appealing and soothing for one’s eyes, can enhance the positive feelings of anyone being surrounded by that ambience.
If you too wish to have the best comforts provided by your house, let us assist you. Below we have written some of the tips that can help you create a home where comfort and coziness are in full bloom.
Get Creative with Shelves
Shelves can be counted as ideal storage places. They help in creating more space around the room, and they keep your collected items in plain sight for you to take them out or put them back in whenever you want. And it wouldn’t hurt if you're going to add a touch of creativity to it.
Having a shelf, occupying at least one side of the wall, will not look overbearing- well as long as the shelf isn’t filled to the brim with overflowing items. One of the best aspects of a shelf is that it is not limited to only storing books in it.
And even if you do have a lot of books to keep on the shelves, you can always change their positions by placing some books vertically and some horizontally. You can also add a few showpieces of your choice or potted plants next to the books.
Add Warm Lighting
Warm blankets, soft pillows with warm lights, illuminating the room, is the perfect combination to get yourself a pleasant and comfortable atmosphere.
You can recreate that look in any or every room depending on which one you are most likely to go to, and relax at. You can put up some fairy lights around the ceilings or have them hanging on the walls. If you feel like emphasizing the warmth even more in a room with bland colors, you can add variety in the lighting such as using candles, bulbs, fairy lights, etc. in one place for more illumination.
Also leave the cushions, blankets, and pillows in a clutter. This way, it can make people feel like they can sit and relax wherever they want amidst the warm and cozy environment.
Get Creative on the Walls
The walls of your home are the canvas of your personality. You can go all out in decorating this space based on the things you love and the things you want your guests to see.
There is a variety of things you can experiment with, on your walls. If you are an artist, you can start up your personalized art gallery. You are free to choose whether you want to frame your artworks and hook them on the walls or simply stick them on as they already are.
You can even place your family photos or hang ornaments with unusual appearances to give that unique vibe and dynamic quality which looks extraordinary yet soothing to the eyes.
Update the Textures
Texture partnered home decoration pieces give more than just comfort. Pillows, rugs, and wall hanging with textured patterns provide a three-dimensional aspect and more depth to your room.
With the right combinations, you can instantly change the look of your home for the better. Fabric textures such as cashmere and velvet work well with animal prints, winter-themed patterns and even bold and bright color tones.
An example can be by keeping your coffee table as a focal point by opting for a wood-based material. You can further add a table runner and placemats- preferably of neutral texture. Choosing linen napkins for the table set can also increase the appeal of its appearance.
A Touch of Green
One of the best ways to bring back life into the house is by giving way to Mother Nature and let the plants take root in your home.
Plants can be kept anywhere in the house whether it be your kitchen, your room, or even your bathroom. And what’s even better is that you can customize the pots according to your tastes. You can choose warm shades such as terracotta or brass tones. You can also choose to have them in a basket made of seagrass for a more natural effect.
You don’t have to worry about bugs either. Many plants ward off bugs, and if you want to place plants near your bedside, you will find that there are several home remedies for bed bugs that you can use to stay clear of any bug infestation.
If you aren’t good at taking care of plants or have to travel away from home for days, then you can also opt for fake plants. They can look just as good as a real plant, and you don’t have to worry about watering them now and then either.
Don’t Forget The Rugs!
For the ideal relaxing home makeover décor, having a few rugs around the house is an absolute must. These luscious pieces of fabrics practically scream warmth and comfort. A wooden or tile floor can be great investments, but they can get real icy during the winter season.
Having rugs around the house increases the warmth and comfort of the place. You can easily swap places from sitting on the sofa to sitting on the floor. Your comfort is therefore not comprised, and you can quickly wrap them back up and store them in closets when the weather becomes warmer.
Closing Note
Comfort should always be the topmost priority. And the benefits of a comfortable home are not only pleasing to the guest but to you, the owner, as well. The above tips are just some of the ways you can live in your ideal home where stress and sadness are the last things on your minds.
