How to Make a House a Home

Hi friends!

I like to talk about what makes a HOME. Because we can have a house, or a space we live, or a space we spend most of our time, but maybe we don’t feel too comfortable or “at home”. <–(See, why do we say that?) Home is different than House, because it has more of a deeper, spiritual context to it. At least that’s what I make of it. So how can we Make a House a Home?

First, let’s throw out some words to define Home:

• a livable space

• comfy

• unique

• belonging

• nostalgic

• permanent

• safe

Please comment your definition of Home – I would love to hear more!

For me, it’s all about those personal touches you make. That’s right, MAKE. You can make it with your hands or curate the personal touches. I will go over some of my favorite ways to MAKE. The name of this blog is Make Home Homemade. I really believe Home comes to life when there’s Homemade pieces. Make sense? 😉 So now, let’s define Homemade:

• handmade

• creativity

• personal

• memories

• family oriented

• created from your mind

• nostalgic

• passed down heirlooms

What do you think of when you hear “Homemade”?

So my answer to How to Make a House a Home…add the Homemade touch!

We renovated our entire house on our own, but you don’t have to do that to make your home homemade. It will most likely come through the small things. Like for me, one of my favorite things in our house is the coffee table my husband made. It’s truly the gathering place. We sit around it to eat, watch tv, talk story, play games…watch my daughter do gymnastics haha! It’s the perfect handmade item that is so functional and beautiful. And guess what.. it was made with free palette wood! Built sturdy, sanded down multiple times, and sealed. We love it.

You don’t have to buy everything from the store – let’s make your house unique and special so it feels like home! So here’s some ideas to add that personal touch to your house:

• clay pot or vase

• frame your own painting (or a child’s)

• reupholster an old chair

• reimagining a thrift find

• sew (or no-sew) pillows

• build a simple side table

(You may already have some of these somewhere, but not being used or not on display! I say bring them out to emphasize that character!)

Another way to Make Home Homemade is to showcase cherished heirloom items. I honestly can’t think of a better thing.

• vintage mirror your great-grandma used to look into

• quilt made by your ancestors

• actual photo prints of your ancestors

• recipe box filled with handwritten recipes

• glassware or dishes

I am in LOVE with heirloom items and hearing all the stories that come along with them! Oooh I need to talk about that in another post!

There are SO many ways to make a House feel like Home. The truth is, it’s YOUR Home, so the unique things you do to it will make it feel like Home for YOU. I just hope I was able to get some ideas flowing to help you out a bit. 😉