How To: Turn Your House Into A Home | Lifestyle

Moving house can be hard. Not only is there the stress of having to actually go out and view different properties until you find the one you can see yourself in, but once you have decided you then need to move all your things from one house to another, start buying new furniture and mentally prepare yourself for the ordeal that comes with moving day,

Luckily for you, I have worked in the property business for many years now and over that time I have learnt a few things that can help you transform your house to a home in no time without costing a fortune.

Colour Schemes – I'm not saying decorating every room with the same wallpaper and furniture etc. But ensuring that there are some similarities throughout the rooms help the house tie together and flow.

Adding colour also helps. Now I am the first to admit I am a sucker for white, black and grey everything and if that's your aesthetic that's fine. But for living rooms and bedrooms, you want them to feel cosy and warm – Carpet is key.

Cushions, Throws and Rugs – Speaking of cosy, there is one simple, inexpensive way you can create a comfortable atmosphere in any room and that is with cushions and throws. If I walk into a room and see piles and piles of cushions on the sofa, all I want is to sit on it and sink into the mountain of comfort and never get up. Not to mention when you're watching a film, all you ever want to do is wrap up in a blanket and eat snacks. Is that just me?

Carpet is expensive, I can appreciate that so a great alternative is to get a large rug. More often than not, this is the item that will tie the whole room together.

Plants – A lot of people never think of plants! They don't have to be fresh, although they do work as a natural air freshener around your house. But having fake or real plants creates a really fresh, authentic vibe. Plants are normally so vibrant and bright in colour that they can usually light up a dull room as soon as you walk in.

Pictures and Prints – An obvious one, but the easiest way to make your house personal and your own. For those of you that are moving out on your own for the first time, it can be incredibly daunting and lonely. Putting photos of your family and friends around the house will always remind you that you're not alone, and of all the incredible memories you have had in the past and will have in your new home.

There are so many unique ways of displaying photos these days, you can stick to the classics frames on the walls and in your windowsills, create your own gallery wall mixing in unique prints too, printing out tonnes of pictures to make your whole wall into a collage or if you prefer to have all your photos in one place without clutter you can buy electronic frames that create a slideshow of all your images in one place. If you're looking for a good one then do check out Aura Frames. They're beautiful, sleek and hella innovative.

Gardening – Keep on top of your garden. There is nothing more depressing than coming in from work with the sun still shining and wanting to sit in the garden with some Pimms and not being able to due to the unappealing overgrown grass, weed filled patio and old, mouldy furniture that has been left outside throughout Winter storms. Even in the colder months, you should maintain the grass, just to make it easier in the Summer.

Regularly Update Your Décor – I get it, it's not the easiest finding the cash funds to redecorate your entire house, but rather than let it get outdated because you can't afford to buy new furniture and paints etc, it doesn't mean you still can't spruce. For example, switching up your bath mats and towels. If you have few different coloured sets, you can swap them every few months for a refreshed feel.

Home ware is changing so frequently that it is difficult to keep up with the trends, but when you shop at places such as H&M and Primark, you don't feel any way about tossing it and replacing it with something brand spankin' new, even if it is just some new candles.

Throw an Effing Party – What better way to put your stamp on your new house than to throw an absolute rager, or you know a civil dinner party... Whatever takes your fancy. Hosting a house warming and having all your closest friends and family over will 100% make the house feel your own as you will fill it with so many memories from the get go.

This post is in collaboration with Aura Frames. 

What are some of the things you did to turn your house into a home?