Your home is the place where you should feel the most at ease – and creating an inviting and comfortable space doesn’t have to be hard. Pinterest is a great place to look for ideas, but it can also be a little overwhelming. Making your house a home is such a personal task, and your unique style should be a priority. Take these 9 baby steps as inspiration and try to add in just one element at a time that makes your living space feel a little more like home.
- House Plants
Everyone knows plants improve air quality, but they also add so much more than *just* clean air. They literally add life to a room. Routinely caring for something in your space can be oddly fulfilling. Be aware, though, that some plants are toxic to pets and children—so be sure to do your research before bringing them home. The easiest house plants to keep alive tend to be snake plants and pothos. These two options are a great place to start to build your confidence. They are also easy to find year-round at local nurseries and home improvement stores.
Our Pick: Bloomscape 3-Foot Potted Snake Plant, $150 (click here)
- Lamps
You can use light to make a space more functional and give it an inviting ambiance. Ideally, you want a light source near all seating areas. Find a table, floor, or hanging lamp to suit your needs, and choose a lightbulb that is adjustable in brightness to suit the mood. If you love thrifting, then hunting down the perfect vintage lamp could be a fun little weekend project.
Our Pick: Urban Outfitters Clara Tripod Floorlamp, $129 (click here)
- Wall Decor
Pinterest is on fire with wall decor inspiration. Every wall doesn’t have to be covered in stuff—but if you’re struggling to figure out what works best for your space, pick your favorite zone and focus on that first. Breaking your space into small sections can make it less intimidating. Mirrors, shelves, wall hangings, and framed art can all add dimension, making a room feel less like a box you live in and more like your personal space.
Our Pick: Ikea Stockholm Mirror, $59.99 (click here)
- Throw Blankets
Soft blankets in interesting textures can give a room a luxurious, hygge feel. Keep them draped across your sitting area or rolled up in a floor basket for storage.
Our Pick: Anthropologie Confetti Throw Blanket, $78 (click here)
- Rugs
This is especially important if you have hard surface flooring. Not only does a rug add another element of texture to your room, but it also acts as an anchor for your space.
Our Pick: West Elm Colca Wool Rug, $630 for 8′ x 10′ (click here)
- Window Treatments
Window treatments can make a big impact on the feel of your room. You want them to look purposefully styled, not like an afterthought. If you have privacy-filmed windows, consider painting your window frames an interesting color. If curtains are something that would spark joy for you, figure out how much light you want them to let in and go from there. There are lots of interesting blinds options out there too—so spend the time shopping around for what would suit your style best.
Our Pick: Urban Outfitters Cotton Velvet Window Panel, $69 (click here)
- Candles
Candles can provide a multi-sensory ambiance. Enjoy a candlelit dinner on the patio or make a rainy day just a little more magical. Sometimes lighting a clean or yummy-smelling candle is enough to help mask a totally messy floor or that pile of dishes that can wait till tomorrow. Grab the lighter, and you’re all set to plop on the couch and Netflix the night away.
Our Pick: Otherland Canopy Candle, $36 (click here)
- Music
Whatever mood you’re in, there is a soundtrack to match. Or one to help you get out of that funk. Playing music in the background while you cook sets a different tone than absentmindedly listening to TV re-runs. Need to celebrate that raise? Queue up your Lizzo station. Need to have a good cry? Queue up your Folklore album. Need to relax after a long day? Queue up your Leon Bridges playlist. Set the vibe with the perfect playlist, and you’ll be ready to enjoy your dinner with friends, dive into that good book, or relax in a hot bath.
Our Pick: Marshall Stanmore II Bluetooth Speaker, $350 (click here)
- Books
Books are so versatile—you can use them to add character and sophistication to any space, or you could have them around to actually read…or both! Let your personal library showcase your personality, hobbies, and travels. Set out a few interesting options on the end table for yourself or others. Exchange books with friends or reserve new releases at your local library. Follow along with @reesesbookclub on Instagram to get some inspiration for your next pick.
Our Pick: A Coffee Table Book that also is readable! (click here)