What is home? Getting intentional with interior decorating

This post looks at the art of creating a home, no matter whether you’re renting or you’re a proud new homeowner. We’ll be exploring that through looking at what makes a room décor idea a winner, and how holistic design comes into the mix.

Finally, we touch on the ways we’ve made our own homes feel more like us so that you can kick start that homely feeling yourself.

In many ways, homes are an extension of ourselves

They reflect how we see ourselves, what makes us unique. They are full of our memories, our souvenirs, and our past and present selves. Our homes are full of our dreams.

Home is the one place where you can be just as you feel on the inside, just as messily creative, or as sleek and minimalist as you want. How can you fast-track that familiar ‘home sweet home’ feeling?

The 4 step FibreGuard guide to making a house a home

You might have so many ideas swimming around in your head that it is hard to pin them down. Keeping it simple is usually the best way forward, in interior design and life. In the words of author and entrepreneur Tim Ferris: what would this look like if it were easy?

Tim Ferris was writing about productivity but might as well have been talking about interior design. Break it down into easy pieces to ensure your living space reflects your personality and meets your needs.

Here’s a very simplified guide on how to do it:

Step one: Look at who will be living there, and what they’ll be doing. For each room, identify its primary function and how you want to feel in that space. List activities you'll do there and what you need to support them. You’re the best person to know what you like and what you need. Start listening to yourself. If you’re moving with a family, think about them too: what do they need from the space? If you entertain often, create inviting social spaces. If you work from home, design a productive home office area.

Step two: Pin down what you like. If you’re not sure, check out our Pinterest for some serious eye-candy. Do you have to fit with one style? Nope. Finding your style is all about getting in touch with yourself.

Step three: Choose a colour palette. Select colours that evoke the emotions you want to feel in each space. Consider using a cohesive colour scheme throughout your home for flow. Related read: How to use complementary colours to style every part of your home >

Step four: Choose meaningful items to put on show. Display personal mementos, family heirlooms, souvenirs from travels, and art that resonates with you personally.

What makes the FibreGuard team feel like we’re home

We asked the FibreGuard team for their personal advice, and they make a lovely addition to the general guide above.

• Invite your friends over to flood the place with cheer on the day you move in.
• Design with your sense of touch. Create texture instantly with textiles such as cushions and rugs, or even wall hangings.
• Let your rooms bloom! Introduce houseplants and vases of flowers to your new home as soon as possible.

Find that ‘welcome home’ feeling with FibreGuard

We really got in touch with our sense of self in this blog post. The definition of home can be as simple or as complex as possible, and that’s OK. It’s a big topic to wrestle. We hope you’ve found our design guide to evoking that ‘welcome-home-feeling’ useful! Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram for interior design inspiration, tips and gorgeous pics.