Making a Home.

Today, I'm going to venture off to one of my all-time favorite hobbies: decorating my home. I've learned that there are some lesser-known rules to decorating that should be noted, so take some time to read through how making a home can make all the difference in your family.

1. No matter how temporary your current situation, making it feel like home will never be a waste.

I can't tell you how many times I've lived in some crappy apartment that I didn't really care about (ahem, now). Sometimes I feel like it's not important to make this place feel like a real home because it's temporary & I can't stop drooling over my Pinterest dream home board. But there's a distinct difference between living quarters & a home to make precious memories in. So even if it feels pointless, do what you can to make your house feel like home. It'll make a huge difference.

2. A small budget can go a long way.

Let me just say that my husband & I grew up in different worlds when it comes to finances. Marrying (pun intended) those different ideas has been a challenge to say the least, but over time we have found a balance. You don't have to spend a fortune; you can choose beautiful & timeless pieces at a low cost. Search clearance racks, thrift stores, yard sales, etc. etc. etc. There are so many options for finding things you love on a dime, you just have to be willing to search a little.

3. But quality pieces of furniture will last you a lifetime, so be willing to spend more for them.

There is always a benefit to purchasing quality furniture, particularly if you find a piece you love that will last a long time. I've made the mistake of buying something cheap for exactly that reason. Later on, I either don't like the piece or it gets ruined quickly. So prioritize your needs/wants & focus on what you can afford.

4. DIY when possible.

If you're able, doing it yourself can save you loads of money & you can create your own personalized items. I love to DIY because I love having unique pieces. Some of our favorite pieces are the ones we have made together (& we love the stories that come with them). So scour Pinterest for some tutorials, or find a piece that you can modify easily (i.e. paint or stain) if you're not into hardcore projects.

5. Family should be at the center of your decor.

This might seem a little weird, but if you think about the purpose of decorating your home, you're probably thinking that it is to look nice when others come over. While that may be true, you probably don't realize that your home & its decor also impacts your family. Think of calm, soothing tones that can help your family to feel at peace when they are home. Add some personal family photos & uplifting quotes to inspire & encourage your family. Think about how you feel when you are in different areas of your home & how you can improve those areas to benefit your family.

Home is such an important place. There are small things you can do to make a huge impact on your family. So take some time to assess & make changes as necessary.