I live in an adorable little house. I love the honey-colored hardwood floors that my husband refinished himself, I love my sparkly windows that drink in every sunrise and sunset, I love our cozy bedroom that just barely fits a bed and our dresser, and my kitchen with its mismatched appliances and rows of dry goods in mason jars is my pride and joy.
I didn’t realize how much I wanted to be a homemaker until the day I stepped foot in our house with a moving box in my arms. But the blank walls and empty cupboards petrified me. What was I supposed to do with it all? How does one girl take an empty house and turn it into a home?
A year later, I realize that task is never-ending, and one girl doesn’t do it all. A family makes a home.
After spending months under this roof, laying floor, layers of paint, soft new carpet, and arranging our very own furniture, I couldn’t love our little home more. And the best is yet to come.
My Top 10 Tricks to Make a House Feel Homey
1. Mop the floors
Or vacuum the carpets. No matter how cluttered or lived-in your home might feel, sparkly floors (and a shined-up bathroom) do wonders. A cleanly, well-ordered house sets the stage for peaceful inhabitants.
2. Open the windows
A free and simple alternative to in-home air purifiers. First thing every morning, leave your bed unmade for twenty minutes and crack open the windows. Air out the stuffiness and let your home breathe. It refreshes the mood.
3. Light a candle in every room
I burn homemade beeswax candles in every room of my home at least once a day. Besides purifying the air, they leave a subtle warm scent behind, and their flicker gives ambience, especially on days without sunshine.
4. Play instrumental music
I like soft piano hymns or classical music playing softly on a speaker, especially when I am home alone. More than background noise, instrumental music is unhurried and helps your home feel peaceful, intentional, and at rest.
5. Add flowers to your table
A bouquet of flowers tucked inside a pretty vase or mason jar brighten up any space and bring a breath of freshness with them. Keep the water clean to avoid mustiness. Well-kept flowers and house plants are signs of a diligent homemaker.
6. Bake bread
Brewing a pot of tea, coffee, or hot chocolate can do the same. The smell of warm cinnamon, savory herbs, or simple rising yeast lends a cozy hominess to any kitchen, and one that warms hungry bodies as well (which every home should be known for).
My favorite bread recipe book / Tea I am currently loving
7. Decorate your counters
Pick a corner of your kitchen countertop to add a mini lamp, a few pretty cookbooks, a painted jar with your wooden spoon collection, or a simple framed photo or canvas. Romanticizing a functional space is cheaper than a kitchen remodel.
8. Upgrade your throw pillows
Throw pillow covers are relatively cheap online. Now that I’ve found patterns I enjoy in both my living room and bedroom, I change them out with the seasons and love the simple, but thoughtful impact they make on a room.
Versatile, farmhouse pillow covers I love (plus they’re on sale!)
9. Don’t settle for boring picture frames
A picture says a thousand words, and simply swapping generic frames for more personalized ones can elevate and character to your walls.
Picture frames I love for country chic homemakers and cozy vintage vibes
10. Try a picture frame TV
If you have a TV on display, try setting the screen on a picture that matches the aesthetic of the room. You can find these free on Youtube, and they make an otherwise boring feature look intentional and classy.
BONUS: Turn your fridge into a gallery
Use mini craft frames and glue your photo to the back along with stick-on magnets. This is another easy way to elevate and romanticize a functional space and make your kitchen fun to be in.
The frames I use and my inspiration
Your house is a gift. Take time to appreciate the work you have poured into these walls. Make it a haven of safety, warmth, and love for your family, the place your memories are grounded, your home.
Enjoy it.
