House or Home?
We’ve all heard the adage, “home is where the heart is”, and I don’t know anyone who’s ever disputed that to be true.
So besides “the heart” what makes a home, a home?
What does that even mean? Okay let’s think about it this way…
Have you ever gone to someone’s house and it’s simply beautiful? It’s so beautiful, it’s breathtaking? Yet it didn’t feel “homey”? Well that’s the difference right there — a house is a structure; walls, beams, paint, fixtures, etc; a home, however, is much more than that…
Home isn't a place; it's a feeling.
It's where we love, create memories, laugh endlessly, and build relationships.
A big part of why I got into design wasn't just to make things pretty, but more so to make people feel good with these pretty things. It's ironic that in working with creative entrepreneurs, especially, I've encountered some of the most talented, inspiring, and (duh) creative people ever -- wedding stationers, beauty bloggers, event planners, youtube influencers, etc -- and yet when it comes to the spaces where they work and live, it's often times the complete opposite of their personality and the feelings that they themselves emit. For whatever reason, they just can't bring those feelings to life to turn that house into a home.
So what goes into creating a home?
- People constantly talk about their “safe place” or their “happy place” as a state of mind; however your home should serve as your tangible “safe” and “happy” place; your retreat from everything else in the world. This is where you’re with family, where you have meals, where you lay your head at night; so it should make you feel good to your core.
- Is it welcoming? What do people feel when they walk into your home? Do they feel as though they’re part of the family, and that they’re there to relax & enjoy good company? Or does it feel more rigid & fragile, like a museum? The same way you want your home to feel for you, your guests should experience that same tranquility & warmth.
- Besides stirring positive feelings, your home should also invoke great memories; if these walls could talk, what would they say? Things in life aren’t always great, but you should be able to walk into your home and be washed by good vibes & even better memories. If not, maybe you should call your realtor, lol. But in all seriousness, as much time as you spend in your home, it’s not good for your mental (or physical) self if you don’t feel connected to the space; our memories give us that connection.
- Your home is an extension of you, so your space should feel personalized in every possible way — photos, momentos, scents, etc. to really give it your special touch. You’ll feel it and so will your guests. Haphazardly choosing pieces because they were on sale or accepting every hand me down thrown your way may be great for your pockets in the short term but wreak havoc on your psyche in the long term. You’ll never feel like this is your space & therefore, will you ever feel like you’re home?
“We throw open the front door and invite people into our home, despite its size, despite its imperfections. We practice hospitality, creating soft & safe places for people to conect & rest.””
What does home mean to you? Does your house feel like a home or are you still figuring it out? Or better yet...do you have parts of your room that you've put love and attention into, and truly feel like home, while some other rooms are a tad bit more neglected? Why? I'd love to know!
