8 Simple Ways to Make Your House Feel Like a Home

We just bought our house in May, and let me tell ya, being a homeowner is hard work! There are always projects we want to tackle, huge transformations we want to make… But I’ve hit a wall. Well, it’s either me or our bank accounts, and if you know me you realize it’s more of that latter. So now that we have a few big projects done… like our floors (praise Elite Flooring DFW for tackling that big project for us!), it’s time to focus on making the most out of what we’re working with, without spending a ton more money. We’re ready to make our house feel like a home with the little touches… After all, what’s the point of owning a home if it doesn’t feel like your’s?

8 Simple Ways To Make Your House Feel Like a Home

Display Family Heirlooms and Memories

Just because you’re an adult doesn’t mean you can’t display things from your childhood. The special memories you have are a great way to add a personal touch to your house. Now I’m not saying go all teenage girl and throw everything you own up on the shelves, but a touch here and there of history does a soul good.

We have built in shelves in our living room, so it gives us plenty of room to share personal momentous and family heirlooms. Amongst our books and media collection, you’ll find a special Beta Theta Pi mug, a crafted Horned Frog from the TCU Recreation staff and other sweet memories (and talking points) from throughout our lives.

Display Collections

Whether you are sharing the collections you’ve worked hard on creating, or simple a few of our favorite books, displaying collections of personal items is a great way to personalize your home. And it’s one less thing you have to find a storage spot for…

One of my favorite collections I have is my shot glass collection. For about 10 years of my life, every time I visited a new place I brought home a shot glass to keep. Before having a home, these babies collected dust in our kitchen cabinet, but now they are proudly displayed in our bar area. Austin has a fantastic collection of books that we display in the center section of our living room shelves.

Candles, Candles Everywhere

Okay, maybe everywhere was a slight exaggeration, but only slightly. Pick out scents that make you feel good and evoke happy thoughts. If you grew up coming home to the smell of fresh baked cookies, find a candle that smells like cookies! If fall is your favorite holiday, get yourself some pumpkin and spice candles. Every bathroom, living space, kitchen, office deserve to be a home for a candle (or two).

Take it to the next level by going the matches route vs the easy fire starter stick. Trust me on this one.

Pop of Color with Pillows

Add throw pillows and blankets to your couch to give the living space a personal feel. It makes the space more inviting, and you’re more likely to want to sit down and enjoy it when you can get comfortable!

I also designate old throw pillows for Bear (our dog). Adding a few pillows to his area where toys and a dog bed live add a little extra something to a dull space.

Hang Personal Photos

You don’t have to overload your house with your face to have some photos up. I know it seems like it’s all or nothing sometimes. Trust me, once I get going, I can turn a blank wall into a photo collage if you let me!

Add a framed photo or three (because things look better in threes) to the side table in your bedroom, or entry way table in your front room. If you have an empty hallway wall, find a large frame that fits well and fill it with personal photos of your friends and family. Nothing beats going into someone’s house that you love and seeing your face on a wall.

Festive Door Mats

Even if you aren’t a big holiday decorator, floor mats are an easy WIN. Stop by your local home store, or go online, and get a few $5-$10 mats to help make your house feel like a home. Some pumpkins, flowers, holiday cheer, hearts, etc, for every holiday. It is a simple, cost effective way to not only make your home feel homey, but to take part in seasonal decor!

Create a Little Clutter

Stay with me here… I’m not telling you to let a tornado go through your home, but a little clutter can do some good! Especially when the clutter is in your kitchen. Adding save the date cards, your niece’s artwork, sweet notes, etc, to your fridge is the simplest way to make your house feel like a home. I know that gives some of you neat and tidy folks anxiety, but you get used to it, promise.

While you’re at it, don’t put everything away. Leave that gorgeous Kitchen Aid mixer you got for your wedding on the counter. Pick out cute jars for things like sugar, flour and pasta noodles, leave those on your counter, too. Neat, tidy and counter space is great, but it feels too forced if you ask me.

Break It In

Live in your house. Make some memories. Let you friends come over and enjoy the space- even their kids who might spill something (things happen!!). Enjoy the time you spend there, whether it’s self-care or a big ole party, and everything in between.

We can’t wait to continue to make memories in our home.