How to make a home your own

You know that feeling when you buy a house, walk through the front door all excited because they’re actually your keys now and feel… a small sense of disappointment?

Maybe it’s because the previous owners have taken away all their belongings that made it feel homely and warm during the viewings.

Usually for us (seeing as we seem unable to stop taking on renovation projects) it’s because the magnitude of the job in hand has hit and it’s time to stop dreaming and start doing.

Recently Tesco Compare got in touch: they’re asking bloggers to write about things that are essential for a new home.

I’m guessing no one wants to read a post that begins with kettle, ends with towels and has pans somewhere in the middle, am I right?

So I’m going with 5 things you need to make a new house feel like a home. It’s things you can add in those first few days after moving to make you feel like you belong – without having to lift a paintbrush.

1. Art and photos

We all have our favourite posters, pictures and photos that make us smile or stop and stare for a minute. Usually they remind us of a place, a person or a memory. Everyone’s collection of pictures is so individual that getting them up on the walls can’t help but make you feel more settled.

I’ve been looking for cool and colourful prints to add to my collection and came across a couple of sites I imagine I will be buying from soon: Society 6 and Saatchi Online (thanks Kimberley), which has print versions of most of its artworks – a much more affordable option.

I love this really simple idea for personalising affordable Ikea frames.

(from Poppytalk)

2. Plants and flowers

Everyone has their favourite flower or plant that can cheer you up no end. They bring instant colour, scent and interest to a room and make a home feel more permanent.

(from The Style Files)

3. Textiles

You can’t redecorate everywhere immediately, but you can make a room feel more yours by adding cushions, throws and curtains that are to your taste. They don’t have to be expensive and they don’t even have to be part of the décor when you finally do up the room.

These curtains just went up in our newly-finished spare bedroom and instantly made the place feel warmer and cosier. I’ll reveal the finished room soon!

4. Storage

Unpack the essentials and have the things you need and like best close at hand. I remember having a much greater sense that I belonged in our house once my bedroom wardrobe was in place.

(from The Style Files)

5. Food

We all know the contentment that comes with a full stomach, so get baking. How good would it be to have the smell of this banana and nutella bread wafting through your rooms?

(from A Cup of Jo)

What are your top tips for making a place feel more homely?

* This post was written in collaboration with Tesco Compare but all content and opinions are my own and honest.