Moving

Quick Tips for Turning Your New House into a Home

So you’ve survived the move, although your back and bank balance are still reeling, you are finally in your new home, but what now? The first few days (or even weeks) in a new place can be totally overwhelming, especially if the last of your budget has been swallowed up by moving costs.

While you are probably desperate to get going on projects, resist the temptation to start knocking down walls; major decisions are best left until you’ve had time to acclimatize. There are slightly less radical ways of settling in and making your new house feel more “homey” without giving your walls or your finances a hammering.

Add More Life to Your Walls:

If the existing color scheme happens to be dark purple with black woodwork (or other such horrors) a revamp in a light neutral colour is a quick and relatively cheap way of making a house feel livable, while giving you time to decide what you want to do in the long term. If possible aim to do this before you unpack, it’s a lot easier than working around your furniture!

house into home decor renovation

Kitchen Décor:

The kitchen isn’t called the heart of the home for nothing; if it’s adequately equipped (well, has a workable oven at least) get cooking. Home-cooked grub is an instant comforter and creates enticing smells. If the kitchen needs sprucing up but you can’t afford a major overhaul, covering shabby unit doors with paint or vinyl will give them a new (inexpensive) lease on life. Wall mounted open shelving is a great and inexpensive way of adding some retro style to your kitchen.

Replace the Flooring:

Flooring can be another expensive area particularly if the whole lot needs replacing. If you can, try at first to work with what you’ve got. Shabby carpet can be covered effectively with some rugs. If you have floorboards underneath the carpets, and they are in reasonable condition, consider painting them instead of sanding and varnishing, it’s a lot cheaper and creates a modern contemporary feel.

furnished basement in a house

Light Up the Room:

Single central lights are never “homey” and can make a room feel dingy and more than a tad depressing. Never underestimate the power of soft low lightning as a mood enhancer; dotting some lamps around the place with low wattage high-energy bulbs will create a more intimate and relaxed feel, and won’t cost you the earth!

Priorities Come First:

Prioritize unpacking! There is nothing more dispiriting than tripping over crammed boxes six months in. If the sheer number seems daunting start with one room first, this will provide a calm sanctuary away from the mayhem while you gradually get to grips with unpacking the rest. Fresh flowers and plants can instantly lift a room and make it feel friendlier, check out your local garden center for special offers!

Make It Your Own:

Putting out personal possessions will immediately make you feel more at home; family photos, pictures, books and records might be relatively small items but amassed generate instant familiarity and a cozy atmosphere. Music is also a great comforter, so getting your stereo set up as soon as possible is a must for most!

Once you’ve liberated your stereo, there is no excuse not to get your friends and family around for a housewarming party! Not only do you get to show off your new home, having friendly faces around creates an air of normality that should help you to settle in much quicker – enjoy!

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