When we get down to it, a house is about a lot more than furniture, decorations, or the colour on the walls. It’s about the comfort and safety you feel, and the way it brings more ease to your day. With a lot of the world in some form of isolation or social distancing these past few months, I think we’ve all come to appreciate our homes for all they provide us.
I’ve always been a homebody, but lately I’ve taken even more comfort than normal in my space. My boyfriend and I have spent the better part of the last five months at home, and I’m grateful for it. We’ve done small projects around the house, cooked more, and spent a lot of time together. It doesn’t escape me that anyone who is able to stay home and distanced right now is privileged. During this time I’ve thought a lot about the creature comforts at home and how we can make them a bigger part of our days, during these strange times and after.
While by no means revolutionary or exhaustive, I hope these tips give you some ideas for your own day.
- Curate your book collection. I got this tip from Jordan Ferney who decided to make her house as exciting as a bookstore. She collects and displays her favourites and new ones she’s looking forward to flipping through. Dust off those paperbacks underneath your bed and order a couple coffee table books you’ve been wanting to read.
- Make time for daily rituals. Are you a coffee drinker? Try out some new beans from your local roaster. Love to journal? Pick a time each day and get a little alone time. The point is to set aside time each day for these moments and for yourself.
- Invest in the things you see everyday. Many of us decorate our houseguest-facing rooms —like living and dining— and areas like bedrooms and closets fall down the list. Our homes should be designed in a way that brings more joy and ease into our lives so spend some time spiffing up your cupboards, closets, bathrooms, and bedrooms. Your morning routine will thank you.
- Design for the way you use your home. Form and function, when well aligned, will make your home (and you) very happy. If there are areas or rooms that are dysfunctional, think about what’s blocking that space from being truly useful and comfortable, and make the necessary tweaks (I’m happy to help with this one).
- Collect art. Supporting artists and acquiring pieces you love is a win-win, and it puts your stamp on your home. If you’re looking to invest in a painting, check out Uprise Art and Artsy. Etsy is also a fantastic source for unique pieces. Enjoy the hunt.
Designing a home is an evolving, life long pursuit and I find that these seemingly small details can make a big difference.
Image collected via
