How to Make a New Flat Feel Like Home
How to make a new flat feel like home
Recently I made the move out of my family home and in to my first very own flat. Whilst very exciting it has been incredibly daunting moving away from my family and adjusting to living by myself. Here are just a couple of ways I have found helpful in making my first little flat feel more like home.
1. Pictures
It might not be to everyone's taste, but I personally find comfort in surrounding myself with pictures of my family and friends. Not only do I have the beautiful faces of my most treasured people to look at, but it also acts as a constant reminder that although I no longer live at home, my family will always be with me. You can find creative and unique ways to display photos aswell, from a simple white frame that can be placed anywhere, to a collage frame, pinboard with a multitude of happy memories or a washing line style polaroid string! I even have a cushion with a photo of my beloved Hopie Pie printed on it.
My picture pin board of my favourite people and memories
'Home' collage in my lounge
My precious Hope
A string of polaroids hung up above my wadrobe from my best friend Megan
Another unique way of displaying photos (can you tell I like hearts?!)
2. Flowers
Not only do they add a little bit of colour, a beautiful eye line and delicate scenet, but also make a space feel more inviting and homely. As something else living they're great for lifting an atmosphere aswell if you live on your own. In my little abode I currently have three cacti, one plant and two bouquets (thanks Mum and Matt!). The great thing about moving is people often give you flowers as a house warming gift!
Spring flowers to brighten up my kitchen
Totally in love with my mini pink cacti from Ikea
3. soft furnishings
Make yourself comfortable with blankets and cushions. If you can't feel comfortable in your new space, it will be even harder to ever feel like it's home. Try adding scented candles too. When I first moved in my new flat smelt like paint and cleaning fluid - hardly the most welcoming of smells! I dotted around a couple of vanilla (my favourite!) scented candles as well as tea lights, making a welcoming and delicious smelling environment.
Flowers in a hand painted jam jar vase (made by my clever mum!) and vanilla candle from Sainsbury's reduced from £6 to £3 - bargain!
Valentines flowers from Matt (aw!) in a makeshift vase (aka pink cup) and vanillia candles in laser heart cut tea lights from Asda for £2
Tea lights can make even the darkest of evenings brighter! And not at great expense, the tea lights on the left were from a charity shop for £3!
4. things from your bedroom at home
Like my mum... I'm a hoarder! I find it very difficult to let go of things that remind me of special memories (hence all the photos in my room!) and feel comforted having things from my bedroom at home in my new room. I had a precious photo of my mum, dad and I by my bed at home and now have it on display in my new room. Other little things like my 'comfort book' and picture of my late Nana Woodie are other trinkets I've brought from my room at home to make me feel settled.
It can be really hard making such a big move, and I've not found it easy at all! When I first left for university I moved in to student halls in Leicester, but I just found it too far from home. Now I'm much more settled and hope if you're struggling to make a space, whether it be student halls, a room in a shared house or your very own flat, these little tips might help.
5. And finally... Make the space your own!
Whether that be decorating using your favourite colours (pink!) or just adding your personal taste in furniture, your space is now your own to make how you like!