We all know the saying that goes something like this, “Home is where the heart is.”
It is a true statement which makes it tricky to put home in one spot, so many do not even try. We have instead, spaces that do not reflect who we are or even what we like. They are primarily functional spaces for us to live, sleep and eat.
But home is a place, or can be made one, for our loved ones to come and create special memories and for friends to gather and get that often fleeting feeling of warmth that comes only from good company and a warm meal.
We all know the saying that goes something like this, “Home is where the heart is.”
It is a true statement which makes it tricky to put home in one spot, so many do not even try. We have instead, spaces that do not reflect who we are or even what we like. They are primarily functional spaces for us to live, sleep and eat.
But home is a place, or can be made one, for our loved ones to come and create special memories and for friends to gather and get that often fleeting feeling of warmth that comes only from good company and a warm meal.
Here are a few ways I have found that you can create a place that is a reflection of who you or your family is and also gives you and those who visit a feeling of home.
Surround yourself with things that show what you love.
This may be as simple as pictures of family or your pets. Find frames and display some of your favorite memories. This will not only bring you joy but will allow others to enjoy those memories as well. Another idea is displaying a collection of different books you have read or souvenirs you have collected while traveling. I have a small collection of old globes that have been gifts throughout the years from my parents and it is always a reminder of them and my love of travel. Books are also easy to display on a shelf or stacked together and old books especially are lovely to look at.
Fill your home with preloved and vintage items.
Now, I know not everyone finds used or antique items interesting or something that speaks to who they are, but I promise you there is something special about finding something that is truly one of a kind and not just another mass producedpiece pulled off of a shelf from a big box store. If you are new to this idea, start small. Find a beautiful bowl to put your fruit in or a vase to hold some flowers. Find something that has a purpose but is also functional.
Another great thing to look for is art. Art is something that can really tell a story in your house and buying it second hand is much more affordable! Some places to start looking in East County are your local Goodwill, estate sales and local antique stores.
Keep your home feeling fresh.
Your home is in need of not only the usual cleaning but of life being brought into it. This can be done by bringing in live green plants that not only make your home feel fresher but that actually clean the air. A rubber plant (ficus elastica) is a perfect plant to start with because it is so easy to care for, looks beautiful and helps purify the air in your home. Now that is a win, win!
I also love a good candle because smells can remind us of home or even seasons. So bring home that apple pie scented candle that reminds you so much of your favorite season or that guava infused candle that brings back fond memories of your family vacation spent in Hawaii and burn it with reckless abandon.
Bake some home into your house.
One thing that will always remind me of home is baked goods. My mother was so good at making special little treats for us growing up and always had dessert when we had company over.
Now I carry on that tradition and try to bake something at least once a week, whether that is banana bread or easy chocolate brownies, it is a sure way to make your family and visitors feel at home with something baked from your kitchen with love. The bonus is that your house will smell amazing with the aroma of chocolate or sweet bread wafting up your staircases and through your doorways.
Whatever it is that you find helps to make your house a home do it, because you’ll never regret spending that extra time or energy to make yourself and your family or friends feel like they are not just walking into another house but instead stepping into a special place called a home where love is the at the center.
Ashleigh Rood is a East Coast transplant and currently a San Diego East County resident. She is a military wife, mother to three girls and founder of Rosy Sunset.
Rosy-Sunset.com
Instagram: @rosysunsetshop
