Many of us grew up with the dream of having our very own house. While the American dream of owning a place of residence is possible for almost everyone, living in a home is an entirely different story. In essence, a house is something that’s physical — it can be made from concrete, wood, or stone.
So, what exactly makes a home? Does it depend on the material? Does it mean owning a spacious property? Or perhaps having the trendiest pieces of furniture? The answer lies in how intentionally you live at home.
A Home Built on Intention
Whether it’s accomplishing many tasks at work or attending to small emergencies here and there, it goes without saying that life can feel rather hectic during the day. Thankfully, there is a space that lets you escape from the noise of the outside world and nurture your peace of mind — and that is your home. But if this doesn’t ring true to you, it’s important to take a good look at how you’ve designed your house.
While focusing on the design aspect may sound counterintuitive to intentional living, the environment that surrounds you can greatly affect your energy, mood, and ultimately, your growth. True enough, the Washington Post reports that a study found that the simple installation of a serene landscape mural significantly decreased stress levels of employees in a high-stress workplace. Additionally, another study discovered that when hospital patients had views of nature from their beds, it led to a reduced need for medication and a significant improvement in their well-being.
Of course, just like workplaces and hospitals in the studies above, improving a home is no small feat — both in terms of effort and costs. There are numerous financial considerations to think of when improving a home that will have an impact on your funds and savings. This is why Marcus points out that many individuals choose to get home improvement loans to take on the many related expenses, along with other financing options like HELOCs and credit cards.
Being mindful of the changes you want to make, and why, can help you in figuring out how much your project is going to cost and make sure the benefits are well worth it. Whether you’re remodeling the bathroom or kitchen, or making much-needed repairs on roofing and appliances, an intentional approach to transforming your home can help you make decisions that will enrich your life, not just in decor and design, but also financially should you decide to sell further down the line.
Transforming Your House into a Home
A house is transformed into a home when you design it with the intention of making it a place where you can grow, where you feel free, and where you belong. Here are some top tips and tricks that will help you truly feel at home.
Focus on the Room’s Purpose
Sometimes, it’s easy to get lost in the world of interior design, as there are so many pieces to choose from. But as Cheryl Smith previously shared with us here, clutter in your house will only block the freedom and light that helps you live a meaningful life. To focus on what’s necessary when sprucing up your home, you should always remember the purpose that each room serves.
Let’s say, you’re working on your living room. Ask yourself questions like, “Will the layout help me entertain my family and friends?” or “Is this the right sofa that will help me relax after a long day?” Focusing on your room’s purpose will make your home not only a cozier space, but a meaningful one, too.
Let There Be Light
Did you know that the amount of light in your home can affect how much light enters your life as well? As explained by Thrive Global, getting a healthy amount of sunshine can promote your well-being by helping your body follow its natural circadian rhythm, and therefore make you more active and alert. This is especially crucial, as being more present in the moment helps you live your life with more purpose. In this regard, Elle Decor recommends design features like translucent curtains, light wood flooring, and matte surfaces to invite more sunshine into your home.
Don’t Forget the Little Things
Of course, some changes need not be grand to make a huge impact in your life. Even small design changes like switching out old door knobs, fixing up moldings, or getting a new interior door can make a huge impact and transform your living space in a way that makes you more comfortable at home. For instance, your dull door can pave the way for peace in your life when you paint it with a calming color like lilac or teal. Similarly, a simple drawer can become a source of delight if you replace the standard handles with geometric or flower-shaped ones. All in all, be sure to keep an eye out for details that bring you joy and speak to your soul.
Make it Personal
Last but not least, what better way to help you stay on course than seeing lovely reminders of those whom you hold close to your heart? Whether it’s framed pictures in the hallway or even displaying souvenirs from travels, personalizing your home with a soft touch is a wonderful way to help you remain true to yourself.
What’s more is that it doesn’t have to be just regular picture frames, as Freshome suggests placing photos inside a mason jar with flowers for a more sentimental feel. While aesthetic and function are indeed key elements of interior design, a home isn’t complete without a few personal touches here and there. After all, home is where the heart is.
About the Author: Amanda McKee is a freelance writer and digital marketer, currently residing in Brooklyn. She is also a part-time yoga instructor, vegan, and strives to live a zero-waste lifestyle.