7 Small Home Tweaks You Can Make To Fall In Love With Where You Currently Live
In a recent blog post, I shared that one of the biggest flexes in life is TRULY loving where you live. I know so many people who long to live in a different place – whether it be geographically or simply in a different home that has more of the amenities that they desire.
And trust me when I say, I can totally relate. I’ve experienced seasons of life where I wanted something different. But I’ve also experienced (and am currently experiencing) the opposite. A season where I am truly OBSESSED with where we live.
I’ve never necessarily longed to live in a different state – Billings has been home since I was kid. But I do know what it’s like to not necessarily love the home you’re in.
That changed when I moved into what I lovingly call the house that built me. And it continued when we jumped into the journey of our forever home.
This whole idea of loving where you live is one of the reasons that I love being a real estate agent so much. It allows me to help people move from feeling “blah” about their current living situation to feeling SO excited when they pull into their driveway each day.
In that blog post, I mentioned how if you’re feeling “blah” with where you’re currently living, a move to Billings, MT might just be THE solution for you.
But I’m not delulu enough to realize that this obviously isn't realistic for many people!
While I would absolutely LOVE to welcome you to my neighborhood, more than anything I want you to truly love where you live, wherever that may be.
So, even if a move to Billings isn't on your radar, there’s a few small home tweaks you can make to truly fall in love with your current living situation.
It just takes a little bit of romanticization. ✨ And in this blog post, I'm going to tell you exactly how to do it!
7 Small Home Tweaks To Fall In Love With Where You Currently Live
In a world where it’s easy to fall into the trap of dreaming about your “forever home,” it’s important to appreciate the space you have right now.
Home ownership in general is a BIG deal, even if you’re in what you consider to be a starter home and it’s too big of a milestone to not be absolutely obsessed with your space!
Whether you’re in a cozy apartment or a spacious house, it’s possible to make small changes that enhance your living space and rekindle your love for where you currently live.
Often, it’s not a complete renovation that’s needed but a few intentional tweaks that can refresh the look, feel, and functionality of your home. Here are the top changes that I’d suggest as your trusted real estate friend:
1. Create a Cozy Ambiance with Lighting 💡
Often, people don’t realize how much the right lighting can transform a space. If you’re currently feeling “blah” with certain areas of your house, the KEY could be swapping out harsh, bright lights for softer, warmer bulbs to create a cozier, more inviting environment.
And if you really want to take it up a notch? Consider adding dimmer switches to key areas like the living room and bedroom, allowing you to adjust the lighting depending on your mood and the time of day!
In addition to the overhead lighting throughout your home, another great way to add charm and character to your space is to layer your lighting with table lamps, floor lamps, or even fairy lights to create a soft glow that feels both welcoming and relaxing.
2. Rearrange Your Furniture for a Fresh Perspective 🛋️
Sometimes, simply changing the layout of your furniture can completely transform how a room feels. To get a fresh perspective, take a moment to think about the flow of your space.
Are there areas that feel cramped or unused? Is your current furniture layout actually the best use of the space you have? Do you need more furniture to fill the room? Or maybe you actually need less?
I can vividly remember times where I wasn’t in love with certain areas of my home and 9 times out of 10, nothing was actually wrong with the space at all! It was simply the way I had things arranged.
That’s why I love calling on my designer friend, Amanda of Bowe Construction – I don’t always have an eye for these things, but she does.
But you don’t always have to hire a professional to make these changes. Sometimes all it takes is a quick scroll on Pinterest for some inspo and then taking action yourself to make a few small changes that make a BIG difference.
3. Declutter and Organize for a Cleaner, Calmer Space 🗑️
One of the simplest ways to fall back in love with your home is by decluttering. Clutter can make a space feel chaotic and overwhelming, while a clean, organized environment promotes relaxation and peace.
Take it from me – a girl who may or may not chronically let spaces get a litttleeeee out of hand. Forever guilty with this in my closet! 🫣
The moment that I take time to declutter, organize, and put things back where they belong, the moment that my mind instantly feels calmer and I’m able to truly love the space so much more.
For this to work well, sometimes you need to call on a professional – the OCD Girls have helped me more times than I count and they are SO good at what they do. They can help you establish the system for organization that works best in certain spaces and then it’s simply up to you to maintain it.
But if you want to DIY this process, that’s cool too!
Start by getting rid of items that no longer serve a purpose – whether it’s old clothes, unused kitchen gadgets, or random knick-knacks taking up space.
Once you’ve decluttered, focus on organizing what remains. Use stylish storage solutions like clear baskets, bins, and shelving to keep everything in its place.
Not only will this help your home feel more streamlined and tidy, but it also frees up mental space so you can truly enjoy your environment without feeling overwhelmed by mess!
4. Add Freshness with Plants and Greenery 🌿
There’s something about bringing nature inside that instantly breathes life into a space and I’m pretty sure every professional designer out there would agree!
It’s no coincidence that almost every aesthetic space you see on Pinterest or Instagram has live plants or greenery incorporated into the decor.
Houseplants not only look great, but they can also purify the air and boost your mood. Even if you don’t have a green thumb, there are plenty of low-maintenance plants like snake plants, succulents, or pothos that are easy to care for and can thrive in different lighting conditions.
If live plants aren’t your thing, consider adding fresh flowers or high-quality faux plants to give your home a burst of color and a feeling of renewal. And pro tip – change them out to match the season!
In the fall, opt for brown, orange, or burgundy hues, in the spring and summer months add in more vibrant pieces, and in the winter, embrace the season with pine and evergreen.
Placing plants strategically around your home can soften harsh corners, add texture, and create a calming atmosphere.
5. Incorporate Personal Touches with Artwork and Photos 🖼️
In my opinion, a house can’t truly feel like a home until you add small touches to truly make it YOURS! I’ll be honest… I don’t really vibe with spaces that don’t look lived in.
I want to see your kids artwork, family photos, and other special mementos that begin to tell a story of who you are and what you value!
When you begin to add personal elements into your space, it’s instantly going to feel more like home.
Hanging artwork that speaks to your style or memories, whether it’s family photos, travel souvenirs, or a piece by a local artist, adds warmth and individuality to your space. Instead of trying to match what’s trending, choose pieces that genuinely resonate with you.
6. Refresh Your Walls with Paint or Wallpaper 🎨
Similar to how lighting can make or break a space, the color of your walls can too! If your walls feel a little dull, a fresh coat of paint or some accent wallpaper can make all the difference.
And no, you don’t have to repaint the entire house to make an impact – a feature wall or a bold accent in a hallway or bedroom can elevate your home’s look and feel.
When choosing paint colors, consider shades that complement the natural light in your home.
Lighter tones can make small spaces feel more open, while darker colors can create a cozy, intimate vibe. If you’re not ready for paint, peel-and-stick wallpaper is a great, non-permanent way to add pattern and personality to a room!
Oh and by the way… not only will a painting project help you love your space a little bit more, it also has a BIG ROI if you ever decide to sell in the future – I break down all the info on that in this free Painting Project guide!
7. Introduce Signature Home Fragrances 🕯️
And lastly, scent is a powerful way to create a positive emotional connection with your home.
Introducing home fragrances like candles, essential oil diffusers, or incense can make your space feel more inviting and comforting. Choose scents that evoke calm, like lavender or vanilla, for the bedroom, or go for energizing options like citrus or eucalyptus in living areas.
Just like hotels have signature scents, your home can too!
Overall, falling in love with where you currently live doesn’t require a complete overhaul.
While it’s totally okay to strive and dream for something different, it’s important to embrace your current reality and learn to enjoy it for the time being.
And remember – it’s often the small changes that make the biggest difference.
By making one, a few, or all of the tweaks above, you can transform your space into a place that feels truly yours!
Here’s to LOVING where you live. 💛