Making a house a home..

[Bearoo22]

So I’m recently separated, with two girls 4 and 6. I’ve walked away with nothing and I’m literally starting again. I have a house, but it still doesn’t feel like a home.. you know when you walk in and there are things that you’ve accumulated over the years and memories etc.

What items in your home make it feel homely to you? Or can you suggest anything?

A nice rug, lots of pot plants, and a few nice pieces of art on the walls. Maybe also a cosy throw/ blanket on the sofa.

Soft blankets, family photos, books.

Lots of family photos, pictures on the walls and some fairy lights. We've moved quite a few (too many!!) times and I always unpack the children's boxes first so they've got all their familiar things around them as soon as possible.
Hope you settle in soon.x

Can you and your girls go shopping together to pick things to decorate your new home? I don't know that your budget is but charity shops are full of home stuff which would give your home a more eclectic homely look. Could they create some home made art which you could frame up? When I was in a similar position, i bought some inexpensive table lamps and tea light holders which always make a home look cosier. Good luck!

Arrange things in corners. Set them up to look nice. And everything everyone else has said. Mirrors against walls, candles, photos. Paint your photo frames to complement the walls. And lamps x have fun!!!

I often find charity shop things homely as they are more 'lived in', might also be an inexpensive way to get what you need.

I agree re plants and art/pictures- things that are there because you love them, whatever they are

Ask your girls to do some fun colourful pictures to decorate their walls.
Glow in the dark stickers for their ceiling.
Pot plants, nice lamps for soft lighting, rugs.

I agree, table lamps with warm coloured shade, plants, rugs, throws, candles, and get the girls to put some pics up in their rooms.
I also agree about charity shops for searching out quirky things which add a more lived in/cosy feel.
Maybe some vintage china and cookbooks for the kitchen and a vase for seasonal flowers/berries/stems (which you can forage for free).
Good luck x

Candles
Lamps
Cushions

We're in the middle of decorating our lounge diner, and I'm sitting in the lounge (ignoring the chaos at the other end of the room) and I can't believe how cosy and homely it feels.

Aside from a coat of paint, all we've bought is some very plain taupe curtains and a second hand fireplace surround. I've kept the colour scheme neutral, lots of cushions, throws, candles and some very old fashioned but beautiful lamps.

It's very plain and neutral but feels so relaxing and warm.

There are some lovely ideas in here. It reminded me of doing the same thing after leaving a grim relationship.

You can find some great furniture bargains on Facebook marketplace ( our village has a ‘free’ page). A little coffee table or bookshelf can make all the difference.

Pictures on the walls by your girls is a lovely idea. Supermarkets do great plants in ceramic pots. Sainsburys also has nice faux arrangements. You can’t go wrong with a few fairy lights.

IKEA is great for super low cost lamps, throws and cushions. Nice frames for photos and pictures. A trip there and my little flat felt great. I still had the £75 pine table and chairs set 2 babies later!

IKEA is also a great spot for kitting out a kitchen. A big casserole pot and ladle is essential for homeliness. And lay the table ( when it comes) with a cloth. I still have the fabric I hemmed by hand for that job).

You can’t buy memories at IKEA, but I bet if you look around you’ll be amazed what you’ve got that you could make into something special. Photos to print onto canvas, pictures your girls have made, a tiny baby sock, old postcards and tickets to frame, baskets, bangles and hats to hang on the wall. I framed some wallpaper and birthday cards I liked, which looked super on a plain wall. I do also love a framed map.

Remember, you are on the right line creating a home for you and your girls. It’s not about the money you spend or an aspirational look. A home is a place to feel safe, warm and loved. Best of luck.

Cushions on sofas for snuggling & pictures / paintings . Also some curtains ( don't need to be expensive ikea could be your friend here ) - but during the winter being able to close the curtains is very cosy. Table lamps ( again don't need to be expensive but better than the overhead light ) - I would have ( if you have time a go round a few 2nd hand shops ) & a scented candle or diffuser - not all like these but they can smell nice when you walk in . I think once you have cooked a few meals it will feel like home - All best to you and your daughters.

Cushions on sofas. Pictures on the walls too. Get table lamps and potted plants on trays that will look cool as well. Buy a coffee table. A world map can also work wonders in addition. Charity shops have some wonderful items on their shelves, have a look to see what you can find.
And toys.

Also suggest you go for a few things that are just for you.

It might be an object or picture that represents something you love, other than family and friends, or something in your favourite colour or that represents somewhere you want to go but that is purely about you.