Fall In Love With Your Home

You were immediately drawn to your home. From the moment you stepped inside, you felt an undeniable connection, and you still swoon over its thoughtful layout, designer details and incredible included features. But to really, truly fall in love with your home, you have to make it your own.

Following are five ways to take your relationship with your abode to the next level:

1. Clear the clutter.
   It’s hard to appreciate all the impressive details of your home when you can’t see past the stacks of unread mail on the kitchen counter or the heap of toys that has taken over the family room. Set aside some time to sort through your belongings and determine which items to part with, which to tuck away and which to proudly display. A clean and organized home with meaningful personal touches, like family photos and cherished keepsakes, will provide a sense of serenity and tug on your heartstrings.
2. Create cozy spaces.
   What makes a house a home? Comfortable spaces! Use your favorite accessories, such as vases, mirrors, candlesticks and picture frames, to craft inviting vignettes throughout your home. Intimate conversation areas also lend instant warmth to any living space. And for the pièce de résistance, scout out a peaceful alcove or corner, add some shelving, a comfy chair, a soft throw blanket and a bunch of bestsellers, and prepare to enjoy your new reading nook. What a wonderful way to amp up your affection for your abode!
3. Light it right.
   Proper lighting can add ambiance—and visual interest—to any living space. So, take advantage of any natural light your home offers and supplement existing fixtures with accent lighting in the form of well-placed table and floor lamps. You may even want to consider installing dimmer switches, which can help set the mood and reduce energy consumption. What’s not to love about that?!
4. Add comforting fragrance.
   The sense of smell can be very powerful, evoking memories and impacting mood. So, whether you favor soothing lavender, warm vanilla or the scent of fresh, clean linens, fill your home with your favorite fragrance in the form of air freshener, incense or a candle. A steady supply of fresh-cut flowers will also do the trick!
5. Make lasting memories.
   One final way to increase your affinity for your home—entertain often! Whether you choose to host casual potlucks, formal dinner parties or weekly game nights, you’ll fill your living space with the love and laughter of family and friends. In turn, you’ll associate these positive memories with your home.

Ready to buy—and fall in love with—a new home? Start your search at SWWold.com