By Nancy Mattia, CTW Features
What makes a house a home? First and foremost, it’s the people who live there—family, friends, or roommates. Home is where you can be yourself, a place you feel safe and comfortable and always relaxed. Over time, it becomes your personally curated space, full of all the things that express your style and individuality. These details make you feel good, happy, and satiated, whether it’s a piece of furniture or a well-stocked fridge. If creating more of a warm, fuzzy feeling in your space is something you’re striving for, check out this list to create a more joyful environment:
1. Family and friend photo displays
To underscore the feeling of home, show off the people and places you love in framed photos hung on walls and set on tables and shelves. Some to consider: the family sitting around the dining-room table on Christmas Day, your kids smiling in school photos, or that unbelievable sunset you shot on vacation.
2. Your favorite books
Whether you prefer sci-fi, political thrillers, or romance novels, fill bookcases or shelves with your most-beloved reads. While having a book on your iPad is convenient, a hardcover that you can hold in your hands has a certain beauty that a digital device can’t compete with.
3. Good food
Food is love when there’s always something delicious simmering on the stove or in the refrigerator waiting for someone to enjoy. Goal: No one ever leaves your home hungry.
4. Plants
Green plants create a welcoming environment, grounding your home in nature by bringing the outdoors in. Some studies have even reported that green plants can improve a home’s air quality.
5. A comfortable sofa and good lighting
Every home needs a place that’s cozy and warm, where you can relax and cuddle your cat. To make it a good place for reading, install adequate lighting—an LED bulb will provide enough light to read without shining too much light in the rest of the room.
6. A family pet
When you’re not cuddling your cat, give lots of attention to another important family member—your loving, loyal dog. He’s as much a part of home as you are. There’s nothing better than coming home from work and being greeted by your furry best friend who’s overjoyed that you’re back!
7. Grandma’s good china
She may be long gone but you could still carry on her tradition of having family and friends over for Sunday dinner and, of course, you should set the tablewith her beloved plates.
8. Music
When you play music at home, it becomes the background noise to your life. It doesn’t matter if it’s Beyoncé or Beethoven, music plays a role in shaping—and lifting—the mood of your surroundings.