Home: a place synonymous with lots of memories. It’s where we have countless family dinners, celebrate a good number of Christmases, and host a bunch of family reunions. It’s paramount, therefore, to have a home where you and your family can feel comfortable. There are a few things you can do to add that extra bit of a “homey” feel.
Nothing Says Home Like a Sleeper Sofa
Picture this: it’s a movie night, and you’ve picked out the perfect movie. Popcorn is at the ready and it’s showtime. Then you all get to the living room and there’s a sleeper sofa. Talk about a nightmare scenario.
Well, that’s the impact of a sleeper sofa. We may often overlook it and take it for granted, but no home would be complete without a couch. That’s why it’s so vital to pick a sleeper sofa that’s not only functional but one that also fits into your home’s décor. The beauty is that there’s a whole list of options to choose from.
Sleeper sofas can be categorized based on their size, their arm shape, and their back shape. From fold-down ones to the classic round arm sofa, there’s a sleeper sofa to fit your taste. If you want to be a bit more selfish, or perhaps want something more personal, there are even single-person armchairs for some alone time. So, get exploring and see what tickles your fancy.
Add Some Indoor Lighting
There’s nothing quite as disconcerting as a poorly lit room. You immediately feel that something’s amiss the second you walk in. Inadequate lighting can make a place feel dead and unusable. The addition of indoor lighting could be just the spark to bring back life.
And when it comes to indoor lighting, it doesn’t have to be all artificial. Make use of natural light by exploiting the windows. Allowing natural light into your home adds a certain unparalleled ambiance to any room.
The Almost Forgotten Fireplace
It’s that one place that nobody pays as much attention to. I mean, apart from Christmas time when it serves the purpose of hanging a few Christmas socks, the fireplace frequently goes unnoticed. But make use of it by occasionally lighting a fire.
Those cold winter months, in particular, can suck the warmth right out of your home. So, get a fire going, grab a blanket and a hot cup of cocoa, and set yourselves next to the flames. There’s just something magical about watching flames that can’t entirely be explained.
Add Some Appealing Scents
It’s certain you’ve experienced this at some point: you walk into a room and you’re hit by this fragrance that floods back memories. That’s the power of an aroma. And that’s why having a pleasant home scent is so important. It creates a particular fondness within us.
And it doesn’t have to be all about artificial fresheners. Try some natural scents for more appeal. Here’s a handy tip; place some water in a saucepan and add a few herbs or citrus slices then let it simmer for a while. The smell will permeate throughout your home, giving off a beautiful scent.
Cook and Cook Some More
This idea might sound funny, but bear with me. Take out can be a convenient way of dining, especially if you don’t have the time to whip up something. But taking the time to cook allows people in the house to come together. Cooking goes beyond just preparing food; it’s bonding.
Let’s not forget that home-cooked meals have that special olfactory effect. The smell of a home-cooked meal is probably one of the best things to come home to. It lets you know that you’re back in a familiar place.
Get Rid of Clutter
You could have old magazines, some broken toys, or even your first few cell phones just lying around, creating an eyesore. The best remedy for this is to find a box and stash away anything that isn’t of use. Saying goodbye to certain items can be hard, but, more often than not, you’ll find that you don’t need a good number of them. Decluttering is a great way to decongest any room while also finding stuff that you can give away to Goodwill.
Once you gather everything up, you could also have a yard sale. That way, you get rid of whatever you don’t need while making some spare change. Using this method, you kill two birds with one stone. And you could use the money you make to chip in towards something worthwhile.
The Walls
In homes, walls, obviously, surround us all the time, so we have to look at them at some point or another. Walls, and their colors, have a profound impact on a room and, as such, dictate the feel of the room. For some people, bright colors may be a bit daunting to look at so lighter shades could work well. Think about going with white for a relaxed look.
However, if you love brighter colors, then go for it but at least try to maintain a constant color scheme. Pick colors that go well together rather than compete with each other. And if you’re not sure about which colors complement each other, try the color wheel. Interior designers swear by it.
Pictures and Paintings
Family pictures and portraits always make for great additions to any home. So, whether it was a wedding, a graduation, or just a fun-filled family day, photos give a personal touch to your home. Here’s a tip, though: try to pick a frame that matches your home’s general décor. That way, your precious portraits won’t end up feeling out of place.
When it comes to how comfortable you feel in your own home, leave nothing to chance. After all, this is the space where you and your loved ones go back to every day. There are so many changes that you could make, little or big, to spruce up your living space. It all comes down to how you want it and what makes your home feel, well, like home.
Resources- Morning Chores, Comfort Works, Good House Keeping
