Making Your Home A Happy

When I wrote my University dissertation a lifetime ago, it didn’t take me long to choose a topic. The Psychology of our Built Environment is a fascinating subject, and one in which you can easily pull an Alice and get lost down a rabbit hole. What is it about a chapel that makes us fall silent when entering? Why is a hospital setting feared by most, when it aims to do the opposite?

For this blog post, however, I’m looking a little closer to home. Creating a happy home has been my priority for the past four years since my first child was born, and I like to think that, along with my dissertation, I have learnt a few things along the way. Now, in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, our homes need to be our sanctuaries more than ever, so take a look at these tips to making your home your happy space.

Know Your Style & Own It

It can be difficult with a wealth of inspiration out there on Instagram and Pinterest, but try not to allow yourself to get swamped by all of it. The sheer size of these inspiration platforms can lead you to question your individual style and cause unnecessary stress. Don’t let looking for door handles be the catalyst for your anxiety. Embrace that every style is different and let interior styling be fun.

Air It Out

It is a fact that a bit of fresh air can U-turn even the foulest of bad moods. Fresh air through a cracked window or a front door set slightly ajar is sure to lift your spirits and help you breathe a little easier. And, nothing looks sexier than how the sunlight falls through an open window. Nothing. Not even Tom Hardy reading bedtime stories on CBeebies.

It IS Personal

Nothing screams robotic show-home void of love more than soul-less, blank walls. I’m a huge advocate for white walls, but bare walls are a different story. Add personal touches – like family portraits or landscapes you have captured yourself or even items you have made – throughout your home to make you smile. Mags from @glorygirl took on a new art in lockdown and has adorned her hallway wall with her gorgeous acrylic paintings. But she doesn’t stop there – the wall on which the paintings sit is also crafted with memories in mind. “The inspiration was my ice cream dress that my mother made me when I was eight years old. It was a tiered dress in ice cream pastel colours. Every time I wore it I felt amazing.” Now how’s that for a happy memory?

Upcycle

Whilst I don’t suggest hoarding, I do suggest holding on to certain items that could be reused. Think the standard upcycles, like bedroom units, old chairs and garish toys, but don’t be afraid to think outside of the box at things like lampshades and books, for example. The achievement alone of upcycling a pre-loved item will make you smile everytime you see or use it and flood your home with instant character. And, there’s something quite old-romantic about holding on to the history of an item and giving it an incarnation of your own, don’t you think? I spoke to the Instagram queen of upcycling – Carla @houseofbeau13 – about how upcycling makes her feel. “I’d say that upcycling something gives me a sense of achievement. There is satisfaction in seeing something old brought back to life and repurposing it in my home.”

Calm

As a mother to three children under four, I can testify to the ‘easier said than done’ response. But bear with me. Really think about what it is in your home that makes you feel calm. Is it that all white corner, where your mind can think freely? Maybe it’s the chaotic bookshelf where you can lose yourself in literature for a little while. The truth is, it doesn’t matter what it is – it is different for everyone. But play to it, and extend it across your home, or at least to the areas you think need the calm.

To highlight the diversity in the areas we look to for calm in our homes, I asked my followers on Instagram to let me in – the short video below is the result. I love that every space is different; in location, in theme, in reasoning. It was an eye opener!

Nature

Reconnecting to nature in your home is one of the easiest, most sure-fire ways to find the happy within your walls. I asked Instagram Mother of Plants, Dani – @living_atnumberone – why her home is a happy one with an abundance of indoor plants. “I adore the variety of gorgeous green shades that plants add with all their different shapes. Plus its a fabulous feeling when you see a gorgeous new leaf growing after all the efforts put in as a plant Mama!” I couldn’t agree more, Dani! Check out my previous blog post on Biophilic Design for detailed ways to achieve it in your home.

Candles

Candles and reed diffusers may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but for many, lighting a candle is not only a source of fragrance but a means to take a trip down memory lane. There are a wealth of candle companies out there – and I have tried a lot (my long suffering husband can testify) but none have brought the memories flooding back quite like Gatcombe Candles. Their ability to capture a scent and a moment gives me all the happy.

Clean Regularly

Notice I don’t say tidy. This is because for some, an unkempt house is their own personal story to tell, and that’s okay if it makes you happy. Keeping on top of the cleaning, however, can release endorphins – the ‘happy’ hormone – and you may find yourself falling in love with your home all over again.

Faff

Faff, faff regularly, and faff with pride. It doesn’t have to involve a major furniture shift, but regular small-scale faffing (love that word) like shelves and bookcases can keep your opinion of your home fresh and updated. Move small items – like vases, trinkets or photographs – and notice the difference immediately.

Bedding

I am putting this in there as a personal favourite. Good quality bedding is key to a good nights sleep and a happy waking. As the last room you see at night and the first room you see in the morning, it is imperative that this room, above all others, is your happy space.

There you have it – ten simple steps to making your home a happy.

Bye for now,

Kelly x