How to Make Your House a Home

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

A house is more than just bricks, boards, and mortar; it’s a sanctuary that reflects the essence of those who inhabit it. Turning your house into a home involves more than just furnishing and decorating. It’s about creating an environment that nurtures positive emotions and creates cherished memories. Incorporating elements that evoke joy and warmth can transform your living space into a haven of happiness and there are several ways in which to make that happen. Read on!

Family Game Night

PERSONALIZE YOUR SPACE
One of the first steps in making a house feel like a home is infusing it with your personality. Personalization creates a connection between you and your living space:

  • Display family photos, artwork, or items that hold sentimental value.
  • Choose accessories that reflect your personality and personal preferences. A whimsical lamp, a piece of unique driftwood, anything that puts a smile on your face or helps you remember something nice.  Whatever it is, let it tell a story, remind you of a memory, or invoke curiosity from your visitors.
  • If you don’t know what your decorative personality is, you can find out in “How to Create a Cohesive Style with the Right Decor.”

Every glance at these personalized elements will trigger positive emotions and remind you of the love and joy surrounding you.

CREATE COMFORTABLE SPACES
Comfort is vital to feeling at home in your house. Invest in cozy, comfortable furniture and soft furnishings that invite relaxation. Consider adding throw pillows and blankets in warm, inviting colors to create a homey atmosphere. Plush rugs and cushions enhance physical comfort and contribute to the overall ambience of warmth and contentment. Variations in texture add an extra layer of coziness.

  • Display photos of family, friends, and vacation spots.
  • Adorn rooms with treasures that remind you of good times in the past.
  • Conspicuously place items in your rooms that suggest feelings of what you want to be.
  • Create a reading nook where you can escape for a while.

HARNESS THE POWER OF AROMATHERAPY
Scents have a powerful impact on our emotions and instantly transport us to pleasant memories. Incorporate aromatherapy into your home environment using scented candles, essential oils, or incense. Be sure to choose fragrances that evoke positive memories or those associated with relaxation, such as lavender or vanilla. A subtle aroma wafting through your home can create a soothing and comforting environment.

Keep in mind, however, that some of these scents can be overpowering if overdone. And if you have pets – especially dogs – be careful of how and where you use scents! Here is an article to help keep your pet free from problems from certain scents. If you choose to use aromatic oils, “7 Essential Oils That Are Safe for Dogs (And 14 That Aren’t)“ is another article on the topic.

USE COLORS TO CREATE AN ATMOSPHERE
Color has a profound impact on our emotions and can significantly influence the overall atmosphere of your home. Understanding and strategically implementing color psychology can enhance feelings of comfort, joy, and peace in different areas of your living space. For example, In communal spaces like the living room, consider using warm hues such as earthy tones, soft oranges, and muted reds. These colors promote a sense of warmth and coziness, making the space inviting and conducive to social interactions. Additionally, warm colors can stimulate lively conversations and create an atmosphere of joy.

Opt for calming shades like tranquil grays or soft blues and greens in the bedrooms. These colors promote relaxation and serenity, setting the perfect tone for a restful night’s sleep. Incorporate these hues into your bedding, wall colors, or decor to create a soothing sanctuary that promotes both physical and mental rejuvenation. Remember that other rooms may call for different colors. If you are unsure of which colors to choose for any room in your home, you can get some inspiration from “Paint Your Rooms Amazing with the Right Colors.”

CULTIVATE A GREEN OASIS
Bringing nature indoors can profoundly influence the overall mood of your home. Indoor plants add a touch of greenery, purify the air, and contribute to a sense of well-being. Choose low-maintenance plants that will thrive in your living space and arrange them strategically to create a harmonious balance between nature and design. This article from Better Homes & Gardens discusses which plants are best for indoors.

Grow some herbs! Not only will you have a little green in your home, but they can be used in your daily cooking. Some easy-to-grow-indoors herbs include:

  • Cilantro
  • Chives
  • Oregano
  • Rosemary

A few of them, such as rosemary, lavender and thyme, also impart fresh fragrances and scents in any room that you place them. You can read more in 16 Herbs That Grow Indoors All Year. And if you have a hard time remembering to water or you don’t know how much to water, these gadgets can help.

FOSTER A SENSE OF COMMUNITY
A home is not just a physical space but a place where relationships are nurtured. Create communal spaces that encourage interaction, such as a cozy living room or a welcoming dining area. Arrange furniture to facilitate conversations, and consider incorporating a communal focal point, like a fireplace, to gather around. Fostering a sense of community within your home strengthens the bonds with your loved ones.

CREATE TRADITIONS & EXPERIENCES TO REMEMBER
Experiences and memories are part of what makes a house a home. Try some of these suggestions below with friends and family to create some memories in your home:

  • Family Movie Night
  • Bedtime Routine (read a book, etc)
  • Homemade Christmas cookies
  • Family game night
  • Sunday brunches
  • Color Easter eggs at Easter time
  • Create a time capsule
  • Build a photo/scrapbook
  • Plant a tree or garden
  • Carve pumpkins for Halloween

CURATE A MEMORY WALL
Celebrate cherished memories by creating a dedicated space for them. Whether it’s a wall filled with framed photographs, travel souvenirs, or handcrafted items, curating and displaying a collection tells your life story when visitors come to your home. Each glance at this memory wall will evoke a flood of positive emotions, making your home a repository of joyous moments.


Turning a house into a home is a personal journey beyond mere aesthetics. It’s about cultivating an environment that resonates with positivity, comfort, and cherished memories. By incorporating personal touches, fostering communal spaces, and appealing to the senses, you can create a haven that reflects who you are and nurtures a sense of belonging and happiness. As you embark on this transformative journey, remember that a home is not just a place to live; it’s a sanctuary of love, joy, and cherished moments. And if that means you are ready to find another house to make it a home, I would be honored to be part of that journey!