5 Ways to Create a Comforting Home
What’s keeping you from creating a comforting home? A home that is calming, peaceful and ultimately celebrates you.
Over the last few years, I’ve realized how important it’s become for my home to be my safe haven… my home base. It became less about coming home each day and simply jumping on the couch, but instead feeling a sense of joy as soon as I set foot in the door. Now, not only do I get that “home sweet home” feeling each day, but I feel like my living space welcomes me with open arms.
No matter if you’re currently renting a small studio apartment or you own your dream home, you deserve to be comfortable in the space you call yours. Creating a sense of comfort in your home is achievable in any size space and on any budget. You heard that right – any size and on any budget!
My biggest piece of advice is to remember that it’s not about anyone but you (and your family, of course). What one may deem as cozy and welcoming may come across as dreary and unappealing to another. Your identity should be celebrated as you design your comforting home. Creating your version of a comforting home is all about you!
“Your identity should be celebrated as you design your comforting home.”
With a little bit of planning and organization, you can cultivate a space that is warm and welcoming to come home to each and every day — even on a budget.
Here are my top 5 ways to create a comforting home:
Make a cleaning schedule you actually can stick to.
I repeat, make a cleaning schedule. You should ultimately have an idea of which tasks you do on a daily, weekly, monthly and yearly basis.
A clean, fresh atmosphere is the key to comfort and relaxation in your space. If you constantly walk into a dirty house, you will always have a to-do list… and really, who wants to deal with that at the end of a long day?
If you’re anything like me, filth and clutter cause anxiety levels to go through the roof. Each day I make sure to tidy up my space, but I save certain tasks for weekly or monthly chores. Sticking to certain timelines and schedules allows you to stay organized when it comes to the cleanliness of your space, meaning cleaning should never get too overwhelming.
Certain investments can also be helpful in keeping your home clean on a consistent basis. This can range from purchasing an iRobot to help vacuum your floors daily or outsourcing your weekly laundry. Depending on your budget, there are various different options, but understand that your investments will always fall into the categories of either your time, money or energy. Which area are you willing to sacrifice in order to reap your return?
Utilize lighting to your advantage when setting a unique ambiance.
Think about your favorite restaurant for a minute. Aside from the delicious food, what draws you to that establishment in the first place? You may gain pleasure from the esthetic decor, dimmed lighting, live music, room temperature and overall ambiance before even taking that first bite.
Imagine creating the same experience as soon as you walk into your home, before you even put your things down or take off your shoes. Creative lighting helps to set the mood – whether you're wanting to relax, enjoy a meal or have a romantic night at home.
Candles and soft, warm lighting have the power to create a calming atmosphere in your space no matter the time of day. You’d be surprised how much the temperature or color of your lighting can lift your mood after a busy or difficult day.
Personally, I enjoy warmer colors and dimmed lighting as I unwind. By using Philips Hue Smart Bulbs in my space, I create certain scenes for certain times of the day to ensure that my lighting reflects the mood I’m trying to achieve. The use of smart lighting has also helped me save on my electricity bill because I am able to set my various lighting scenes on different schedules and even turn everything off from my phone.
Incorporate color palettes that bring joy into your decor.
Integrating your favorite colors into your decor will provide you the opportunity to express yourself and your unique personality within your living space. Guests should enter your home and feel the “this is so YOU” perception as they walk through your space. Imagine, if your home does not give off a vibe to others that resonates with who you are, why would your space speak to you? If you are living in a space that does not align with you in any way, this could be a reason why you are anxious in your space or unable to rest.
The use of color is a simple and cost-effective way to intertwine your personality into your home. Some opt to stick with variations of their favorite colors when it comes to decor, but others enjoy switching palettes as new seasons arise. Whichever you decide, color can always add a fresh sense of comfort to your space.
Neutral palettes are my go-to, but I love to add a pop of color or metallic hue for something different or to celebrate my favorite season.
Don’t be afraid to add texture into your space.
The use of textures in your home creates an entirely new dimension in your space, both visually and to your sense of touch. When it comes to texture, the opportunities are endless! Whether you prefer fur, leather, suede, velour, wood, jute or wool – each brings unique elements into your home.
You can really think outside the box here! Textures shouldn’t only exist in a throw blanket or accent pillow, but rather, in your light fixtures, wall colors and designs and flooring options. The layering effect that occurs when adding textures to your space creates an inviting feel to your home – instead of feeling plain, your space feels warm and welcoming.
By creating inviting spaces in your home, you will find that you have less of those unused and “only for show” areas. The goal here is to literally fall in love with every square foot of your space. I mean… if you’re paying for it, don’t you want to put it all to good use?
Cozy textures allow me to feel safe, comfortable and cherished. This has been integral to creating my version of a comforting home.
Surround yourself with soothing scents.
There is just something about walking in a room that smells luscious and refreshing. Add in the other suggestions I’ve described above and just like that… euphoria.
There are numerous ways to address scents in the home. My favorite is a scented candle that can fill up your entire space with a divine fragrance. With a candle, you can achieve adding unique scents to your home and also setting the mood with lighting. When choosing candles, I typically recommend deciding based on your favorite scents, scents that align with the ambiance you are trying to create, or that bring the seasons or holidays right into your home.
These same recommendations go for wall plug-ins, essential oils, incense, floral arrangements, cleaning supplies, room & fabric sprays and any other products you use to make your smell wonderful.
Putting it simply, a comforting home should delight your senses – esthetic sights, relaxing scents, cozy textures and soothing sounds. If you like to add in “taste” to your space, you can always pour up a glass of your favorite wine as you unwind.
Most importantly, you should work to ensure that as soon as you walk in the door, you (and your family) feel celebrated.
