On the topic of houses and homes, the late Ralph Waldo Emerson, acclaimed American essayist and poet, once said: “A house is made of walls and beams; a home is built with love and dreams.” Another writer, Brent Kendrick, adds to the conversation: “Houses come. Houses go. Some we remember. Some we don’t. Usually, though, the house that we remember the most is the one that we call home.”
A house is simply a building where people live, but a home, according to the team at Hutch Design and Build, “is layered with meaning. It evolves with you, becoming a reflection of who you are and life you are building.” We’ve already written about how Co-op Bank can help you bring your dream home to life, but what about the house that you are already in? How can you turn that house into a home?
To start, turning a house into a home involves transforming the space into one that is functional and still a reflection of your personality. Essentially, you want to create to space where you feel at ease and will enjoy spending time. If you love baking and experimenting with bread recipes but your current kitchen does not comfortably allow for this, then a kitchen remodel is a project you can undertake. Similarly, if you work from home, then a home office or office corner that maximizes productivity can be part of the changes you make. Is family time high on your priority list? If yes, then you’ll want to create comfortable spaces for the family to eat together, read, play games or watch movies.
Other ways that you can personalize your space include repainting and redecorating. If you prefer light, airy spaces, then the dark curtains and heavy furniture will need to go. Choose paint colours that match your vibe, whether that’s a kaleidoscope of colours or a neutral palette. Explore ways to display mementos and showcase collections of the items that bring you joy. You can also consider creating designated zones for your hobbies, for example a cozy reading nook or crocheting corner. While you may not have room for an entire home gym, you can create a designated exercise space.
Now that you have a space that you love being in, you will want to create memories with your friends, family and loved ones. Spend time together doing things that you enjoy, whether that’s fancy brunch or dinner parties, celebrating achievements, movie and game nights, or simple limes.
Making your house feel more like a home does not have to be complicated. And Co-op Bank can help make it even simpler with an array of financing solutions tailored to meet your needs. Make an appointment to speak with one of our officers to find the one that’s right for you.
