by Michelle Carpenter –
Home. It’s incredible how a single word can elicit an array of thoughts, feelings and emotion. Home is where stories begin and grow, it’s where friends gather, where dreams blossom, and where the warmth of family lives. It is where we are most at peace, surrounded by the safety and foundation of the life we have built there, and by those that we share it with.
This past year of uncertainty has shifted our momentum and allowed us to return to the foundations of life, providing an opportunity to slow down and embrace the things that truly matter most. Reaffirming family values, enjoying moments instead of rushing through them and sharing quality time in our homes have become common threads for us all. We have turned to our homes to provide safe haven, to surround us with familiar memories, and to be the place where we can weather the storm.
This desire to nestle deeper into our homes and carve out spaces that we love has led us to seek out ways that we can improve and modify our spaces. Impactful change can result from very simple alterations and additions. Here are five ways to enhance our sense of home:
An Inviting Dining Table – While our days of elaborate family gatherings may be on pause, we can create a dining space that still holds those warm memories. Aim for a dining table that is inviting but versatile, that could easily transform from office to dinner table by using placemats, a centrepiece and small but functional baskets or bins to house those small daily use items.
Fresh Flowers – The impact that flowers can have in a home is tremendous: they add life, colour and a sense of optimism to a space, especially when they are visible when you first enter your home.
Throws & Pillows – Changing out your sofa pillows and throw is an easy way to completely change the feel of your living room without committing to purchasing new furnishings. Aim to layer different textures and patterns in your pillows, and choose a throw that is both appealing aesthetically and also comfortable to get cozy under.
Bedding – Create a bedroom space that you can melt into by switching out your usual bedding for something new and different. Linen bedding is a beautiful, easy-to-maintain option that adds a soft elegance to any bedroom, and layered with two shams and an accent pillow make for a perfect retreat.
Freshen up Your Linens – Consider changing out your bathroom linens for a new colour scheme. Choose bathroom towels that are soft and high quality cotton in calming colours to encourage a warm and luxurious bathroom.
Small changes can have incredible results, allowing the homes we are spending much of our time in to be our place of comfort, warmth and peace. Home is not just a place: it’s a feeling.
