Clever Little Tips to Quickly Make your House a Home

Is ‘homey’ the ambiance you would like to create for family and friends?

Merriam-Webster’s dictionary definition: Hom-ey (adjective) comfortable, or familiar like home. It is short and sweet but how exactly do we make our homes more comfortable and familiar for us so that they are truly a retreat?

Décor expert Sally Morse, the director of creative services at the window treatment company Hunter Douglas, offers tips on how to make a space truly your own, as follows:

Light the Way

“A great place to start on any design project is with lighting,” Morse advises. “The correct lighting sets the perfect ambiance.” From rustic re-purposed mason jars to luxurious crystal chandeliers, there are so many options from which to choose. Shop around for a look that works for you, or seek out custom-crafted items if you can’t find the “wow” factor you are seeking in a store.

Dress Up Your Hobbies

Family photographs and sentimental items are sure to make you feel at home. You can take it a step further, however, by artfully turning your hobbies into stylish décor accents. “It’s important that this doesn’t look like a childhood art project, but rather that it pays homage to a favourite sport or vacation spot,” Morse advises. If tennis is your game, for example, give a nod to the vintage side and decorate a wall with antique wooden racquets. If you’ve got an impressive jewelry collection, mirrored trays and glass stands are a pretty way to display your charms and trinkets.

Hunter Douglas Provenance woven wood shades add a timeless, organic look in the latest styles. www.hunterdouglas.ca

Natural, Timeless Materials

Another way to add comfort and your own special style to a space is by using organic materials like grass and bamboo. They add a timeless appeal and help restore balance with the techno-centric, hectic outside world. Hunter Douglas Provenance woven wood shades provide a wealth of grass, bamboo and wood designs and the newest collection includes pearlized and metallic finishes, gold tones, light neutrals, pops of colour and lightweight weaves. Easy, affordable battery-powered motorization is available for most of the company’s products.

 This Scandinavian painted armoire for Bonnin Ashley Antiques dates to 1836, www.bonninashley.com

New Life to Old Memories

Even if history wasn’t your favorite subject, it’s easy to appreciate the beauty of a one-of-a-kind antique. An 18th-century armoire has seen more history and special moments than many people do in a lifetime, and it’s exciting to imagine all of the scenes that took place before the piece found its way into your home. “People can feel a distinct connection to their antiques,” Morse notes. “Walking in your front door and seeing a special antique can really lift your mood.”

“With a few small changes,” Morse adds, “your home can help you put a little pep in your step and give you something to be proud about.”

More information is available at www.hunterdouglas.ca.

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