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The number one thing we hear about our house is that it’s comfortable. Yes, creating a comfortable home was my intention but I never got to the bottom of how I did it until now.
When I asked my husband what he thinks about our guests saying how comfortable they feel here, he thought it was because it’s clean. If you’re going on vacation in a rental home and it’s clean, you feel comfortable right away.
This is practical and reasonable but I don’t think it gets to the bottom of “comfortable.”
Then I saw this Reel from Paige Rien. She hit the nail on the head.
As I’ve been putting together my home, I realized that my practical mind goes back to “what does my family need?”
I’m not saying I’m impervious to trends. But over the last few years, I’ve started to ignore what everyone else is doing and focused on things that I love and that inspire me. I’ve tried to come up with solutions that suit my family, rather than find a trend to mold my family around.
This is the secret to creating a comfortable home for you, your family, and your guests.
What it means to have a comfortable home
I believe to have a comfortable home is to have what Sally Clarkson says is “a strong shelter in the midst of the storms of life.”
This means creating a home that supports our family’s physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
Keeping the house clean takes care of physical well-being, with germ-free surfaces and clean clothing.
Reducing physical clutter, gives everyone ease of mind, caring for their emotional well-being. As you probably know, clutter brings on anxiety and tension.
By setting aside time for work, we can focus on relationships, giving spiritual nourishment.
Things that make a home more homelike
I could give you a list of products to make a home more homelike but I don’t think that would do you any good. Many posts on this topic suggest:
- scented candles (they give me headaches)
- fresh flowers (we have allergies)
- changing up throw pillows (outside my budget)
Instead, focus on values and interests unique to your family, especially the things that will best serve them in their immediate needs.
Here are some examples from our home:
- Framed, homemade art, made by my daughter
- Family photos
- Blessed crucifixes & religious icons
- Books (books & more books)
- Pictures & magnets on the fridge
- Comfortable furniture
- Toys & art supplies on display
Your home probably won’t contain all the same things mine does, and that’s what’s beautiful about it. Perhaps you like scented candles and your family doesn’t have allergies. Use what you love and value to create a homelike home.
What to do when your house doesn’t feel like home
If your house doesn’t feel like home, I recommend surveying your senses in the context of your home. When you come into your house, what do you want to see, feel, hear, smell, and taste?
“See,” “feel,” and “smell” are easy enough. But I encourage you to think of what YOU like, not what the trends are.
Perhaps “taste” seems strange. But I feel more connected with others while sharing a meal. To me, this is an essential question.
The most important question to answer when your home doesn’t feel like home is “Who lives here? How do they need to be served?”
How to make your home warm & welcoming
Focus on the people who live in your home and tend to their physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. This is the formula for creating a comfortable home that’s warm and welcoming to guests as well.
Fill your home with things that have purpose, meaning, and beauty. Trends are ok, but the things you find truly beautiful and meaningful are timeless.
Creating a comfortable home
I won’t deny it —having a clean and tidy home does help to make it comfortable. This is easier said than done, especially when you don’t know where to start!
That’s why I created the Where To Start Decluttering Mini Guide —download & get started in <30 minutes!
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