While the House is Becoming

Fifteen homes later, I've realized the things that make a house feel like home have very little to do with whether it's finished.

We’ve lived in 15 homes over the years. I guess some could say I’m an expert just by way of experience at turning a house into a home.

The crazy thing is, some we renovated immediately. Some took years. A few we knew were temporary. And in almost every one, there was a season where we were living with outdated kitchens, worn carpet, and a long list of projects waiting their turn.

I can tell you this- it’s not easy feeling good when your house doesn’t feel cozy and fresh (speaking from someone who just lived through a nine month renovation!) In fact, it truly affects your mental state. Research has found that people who perceive their homes as more beautiful also report better mental well-being and greater life satisfaction.

What I’ve realized is there are a handful of things I have done in every home we have lived in. These are the things that change the way a house feels. As I was reflecting on what it was I did, I realized I tried either one or several of these techniques to help each feel, well, just better…. sometimes it was before the big remodel, and other times it was for a temporary house that I knew didn’t deserve a major investment.

But here’s the interesting part: they’re also some of the last finishing touches I invest in once a renovation (if applicable) is complete. Sometimes I even share these ideas with clients who come to us and say “I haven’t done anything because I don’t know where to start to feel better in my home”.

So let’s dive into all the nitty gritty details. Some are a bit more major, while others are little adjustments that pack a big punch.