Tips and Picks to Make a House a Home

Gray Malin living room inspiration

Cheesy title right? But it’s true! There’s a big difference between walking into someone’s place that feels sterile and unloved, versus walking into a home that has an instant feeling of warmth and comfort- the kind of place that makes people say “can I live here?”

Regardless if you own a home, live in a dorm or have an apartment with enough roommates to border on the edge of being a brothel, there are a few things you can invest in that instantly change the mood of your living space.

Candles: What’s better than stepping into a space that smells inviting. It’s one of the first things our senses pick up on, and can totally change the atmosphere of a space. I’m a sucker for a light and fresh sent like Diptyque’s Mimosa candle, but sometimes a soft vanilla or floral candle is great too.

Art: Need I say more? But really, the fastest and easiest way to add personality to any space is through art. I’m not talking about some posters you bought at the video store in the 10th grade (do video stores even exist anymore?), but actual art. In a frame.  Canvases can be great too. Really anything that adds a little flavor to your space that isn’t supported by thumb tacks or sticky dots. Ikea is a great resource for cheap art (and frames for that matter), as well as Society 6. Both have a ton of prints highlighting a wide range of subject matter at unbeatable prices.

Pillows and Throw Blankets: These two items add instant comfort. People respond well to layered designs and tossing on some pillows and a throw blanket adds dimension to a space that can feel otherwise bare. Not to mention it’s a great way to add your own personal flair.  Feelin’ feisty? Say it through a graphic pillow. More Boho? Mix in some tapestry-esque prints. I love the infinite possibilities of mixing and matching different pillows and blankets, and the best news is: they’re an easy thing to change through the seasons or update when your space needs a refresher.

Books: Not only are books great for reading, but they add color and again, dimension to a space. They can be great accents to coffee tables, lamps or propping up flowers. I’ve even seen some successful styling using books AS a table- now that’s inventive.

Flowers: I always love having fresh flowers in the house. Nothing adds life to a room better than some life itself. In the summer I like wandering down to the local farmer’s market and grabbing a little bouquet to brighten any room.

Nick Nacks: If you categorize yourself as a “minimalist,” hang in with me here on this one! I’m not talking about clutter- I can’t stand clutter, but the little nick-nacks and trinkets that you pick up along the way as you walk through life. I love seeing things that people bring home from trips, or gifts that still hold sentiment. Displaying these is an open invitation to tell your story and share memories with people you invite into your home, and at least for ME, I love hearing those stories. Show off that painted skull from south America, or woven tapestry from Spain. Frame that special card from your grandma, and showcase your pretty bowls. I love the textures and colors that these add to a space, and if you don’t have a ton that you love One King’s Lane and even Target have great accent décor you can add to your home.

House a Home

1. Coffee Table Books: Domino + Oh Joy! + American Style Icon

2. West Elm: Chunky Knit Throw Blanket

3. One King’s Lane: White Vase

4. Anthropologie: Pillows (here + here)

5. Diptyque: Mimosa Candle

/Photo/

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *