Making Your House a Home: Tips for Upgrading from an Apartment

Making the leap from an apartment to your first house is an exciting milestone, offering newfound space and possibilities for creating a home that truly reflects your style and personality.

But with this transition comes the challenge of turning a house into a home, a space that feels uniquely yours. In this guide, we'll share some valuable tips to help you navigate this journey and transform your new house into a haven of comfort and style.

1.  Infuse Your Personal Style: When transitioning from an apartment to a house, it's essential to infuse your personal style into every corner. Start by identifying your design preferences, whether it's modern minimalism, eclectic bohemian, or classic elegance.
   
   Incorporate elements that resonate with you, from furniture and décor to colour schemes and textures. Embrace pieces that speak to your aesthetic and reflect your unique personality, making your house feel like home from the moment you walk through the door.
   
   
2. Balance Budget and Investment Pieces: As you furnish your new house, strike a balance between budget-friendly finds and investment pieces. While it's tempting to splurge on every item, focus on investing in key pieces that will stand the test of time and serve as anchor points in your home.
   
   Consider allocating your budget towards quality furniture pieces, such as a comfortable sofa or a sturdy dining table, while supplementing with more affordable décor accents and accessories. Mixing high and low pieces adds depth and character to your space while staying within your budget.
   
   Also don't forget about thrift shops. These can often hold beautiful vases, vintage designer pieces or bigger items such as lamps you can customise and repaint/re-shade. Your style doesn't have to be art-deco or vintage to find pieces in thrift shops, and these affordable pieces can often help elevate your home.
   
   
3. Create a Sense of Belonging: A house becomes a home when it's infused with warmth and a sense of belonging. Personalise your space with meaningful touches, such as family photos, holiday snaps, cherished mementos, art that inspires you, or sentimental décor items.
   
   Surround yourself with objects that evoke happy memories and reflect your journey, creating a space that feels uniquely yours. Incorporate elements that inspire joy and comfort, making your house a welcoming sanctuary for you and your loved ones.
   
   
4. Prioritise Key Rooms: When upgrading from an apartment, prioritise furnishing and decorating key rooms that you'll use the most.
   
   Start with essential living spaces such as the living room, bedroom, and kitchen, focusing on creating functional and comfortable areas for daily activities. Once you are happy with the furnishings in these primary rooms, gradually expand your attention to secondary spaces such as spare bedrooms, home offices, and outdoor areas.
   
   This phased approach allows you to establish a strong foundation and helps avoid overspending or purchasing items that don't fit your site "just to get it finished".
   
   
5. Curate Your Style Sources: When seeking inspiration and sourcing unique décor for your new home, consider both online and offline avenues that align with your desired style and aesthetic.
   
   Spend time exploring interior design websites, create a Pinterest board, save Instagram posts that you like and align to your style, read home renovating or home décor blogs for inspiration and ideas.
   
   Additionally, visit local furniture stores, artisan markets, and vintage shops to discover unique pieces that add character and charm to your space. Be discerning in your choices, opting for quality over quantity, and prioritising items that resonate with your personal style and vision for your home.

Transitioning from an apartment to a house is an exciting journey filled with opportunities to create a space that reflects your personality, style, and values.

By infusing your personal touch, balancing budget and investment pieces, creating a sense of belonging, prioritising key rooms, and curating your style sources, you can transform your new house into a home that feels uniquely yours.

Embrace the process, trust your instincts, and enjoy the journey of making memories in your newfound space!