When we move into a new flat, it can take a long time to make it feel like home. It can feel like an impersonal space, or like one of many flats that all look the same, instead of our haven. It’s even harder to make your flat feel like home if it’s a rental and the changes that you can make are limited, or if you are short of space, and can’t do everything that you’d like to with the décor. If you’ve recently moved into a flat in Edinburgh, here are some design tips to help you make it feel more like home.
Unpack
You’ll never feel at home if you are living around boxes, bags, and unbuilt furniture. Unpack as quickly as you can, even if the positions are temporary while you wait for furniture or new storage.
Make Some Repairs
Things like cracked tiles, damaged window frames and cracked worktops make it hard to feel comfortable in our new homes. Hiring a handyman Edinburgh from MyBuilder to help you to make small repairs and improvements can help you to feel as though you’ve got a fresh slate to work with, and less like you are living with someone else’s breakages and problems.
Add Plants
Houseplants add colour and personality. They also improve the air quality, and they are great for your mental health. Adding houseplants is particularly effective if your flat is a rental and you aren’t allowed to make any permanent changes.
Fresh flowers are another great way to add some colour and cheer up a plain space, and if you prefer, there are still many benefits to investing in artificial plants and flowers.
Utilise Textiles
Textiles are a fantastic way to make any house feel more comfortable, warm, and homely. Adding things like cushions, rugs and throws, and changing the curtains can help you to create a cosy environment that makes you feel safe and protected.
Add Home Comforts
Home comforts are things that really make a house a home, and they don’t have to be either permanent or expensive. Things like framed photos, candles with your favourite scent, and even coffee table books can help you to relax in your new space.
Display Your Memories
If there’s one sure way to personalise a space, it’s displaying your memories. Hang framed photos, postcards and prints from places that you’ve been, and display souvenirs on your shelves.
Add Lighting Options
Lighting can be an effective way to change the atmosphere and mood. The right lighting can make a small room feel larger, a large room feel cosier, and a house like a home. Lights give you options. They can brighten a dull corner or draw attention to a favourite piece of furniture or art. Add lamps, candles, and other lights so that you’ve always got an easy way to make a change.
Get Creative with Colour
Whether or not you can paint the walls, there are plenty of ways to add colour with accessories and soft furnishings. Be creative, don’t be scared to clash and try new things, and try to have fun with different colours to create a home that is uniquely yours.
Turning a flat into a home can take time. You’re unlikely to feel settled straight away. But with a few additions and changes to your décor, it can slowly start to feel like your own.