Maybe you’re thinking …
Romance my home? Exactly what do you mean by “romancing the home.”
Your home is so much more than just a place to sleep and eat. It’s your sanctuary. Your little piece of heaven here on earth.
When you think romance, you think love (an emotional attachment) I like to refer to it as “creating a home that wraps its arms around you at the end of a busy day.” You do this by engaging all 5 senses – taste, smell, touch, hearing and sight.
Sure, you can have a house with drab walls and no personality, where clutter abounds and people merely exist – it will still keep you dry when it rains but it won’t be a “home.”
A home must be nurtured and romanced.
You want to live in an environment that encourages you to be your very best self and you do that addressing all of your senses.
Have you ever walked into someone’s home for the very first time and felt like you could live there? It’s because your senses were engaged.
Maybe it was the aroma surrounding you or the warm cozy throws that made you feel the urge to curl up with a good book and stay awhile. Without even realizing it your senses were aroused and you felt ‘at home.’
So, where do you start to create that same ambiance in your own home?
By now you know I like keeping things simple so you could start by cleaning off the kitchen counters. Put away all those small appliances you only use occasionally and add a pretty tray to corral like items together.
Light a candle, just remember to only have ONE scent going at a time. It you’re using a candle with a powerful scent, then you’ll want to make everything else is unscented.
Here are a few ideas to help you romance your own home:
I’ve already mentioned smell so we’ll start there:
1- Romancing Your Home through Smell.
>> Your home should have a signature smell, something that evokes a memory. That’s not to say you can only have one but when others (especially your kids and grandkids) think of your home there should be a certain smell that comes to mind (like when you smell sugar cookies and it reminds you of your grandmother — make sure the impression you’re leaving is a positive one)
** As, I was writing that last sentence, I was reminded of going into a home once and the house smelled like a kitty litter box – it made an impression all right, just not a good one. That’s what you want to avoid. ?
>> Place small bouquets of flowers in the bathroom or on the bedside table.
>> Simmer cinnamon, cloves and ginger in a small crock.
2- Romancing Your Home through Touch
>> Vary the textures in your home.
>> Place a throw over the arm of a sofa to encourage snuggling or roll up several and put them in a basket for easy access.
>> Add soft, snuggly pillows to a leather sofa.
>> Place a bowl of pinecones on a chrome or glass table.
3- Romancing Your Home through Sound.
>> This one may stir up a bit of controversy and that is NOT my intention – but if I’m going to be honest with you I have to say it — your home will never feel like a ‘Haven’ if there is discord in the home. Yelling at each other should not be the ‘norm.’ Often, people yell at each other out of habit – but it’s still not a habit you want to keep…. Right?
I realize this isn’t something ONE person can control but as adults it’s up to us to set the standard. Very early on in our marriage Hubby and I decided … ‘NO matter how upset we got … yelling at each other was NOT an option. The same went for our daughter. She was welcome to voice her opinion but it had to be done in a respectful way. (I’m not going to get on a soap box here but learning to create meaningful communication is part of parenting so I had to mention it)
>> What we listen to affects every area of our lives so we just want to make sure the sounds in our home (coming from TV, music and other forms) are uplifting and wholesome.
4- Romancing Your Home through Sight.
Sight – Wow, I could stay here all day — but I won’t — after all I promised you a cheat sheet not a book. ?
>> Is your home visually appealing? I give you permission to stop reading this and take a tour of your home (that’s right…do it now) What do you see?
>> Clutter? A quick 15-minute pick up each evening will do wonders toward keeping clutter at bay.
>> Could your wall use a fresh coat of paint? (hey, I know it’s expensive but if you can’t paint them yourself start saving a wee bit of money at a time until you have enough to do one room, then repeat.)
** If money is an issue the next time, you’re at a Big Box store look at their ‘oops’ paint. I’ve picked up some beautiful colors for $9 a gallon.
Your home is a reflection of you and you want to make sure it’s giving the message you want it to give.
Start small – One baby step at a time.
5- Romancing Your Home through Taste
Taste is like smell – it’s just one of those things that lingers in people’s minds.
So, even if you only cook for your family you should make it a priority to create one or two meals that are memorable. If not, meals then try for a dish or two. (I’ll use myself for an example – I’m NOT a great cook. I can get by and you will never leave my house hungry…but memorable …probably not ?) However, I’m known for my cornbread and coleslaw. I have NO idea what I do differently, but everyone who tastes my cornbread and coleslaw seems to want seconds.
When I think of romancing the home and ‘taste’ my mind immediately thinks hospitality. The art of making others feel welcomed and loved by serving them food with a sweet spirit.
I hope I’ve encouraged, motivated or inspired you to romance your home.
You know I’m an email away if you have questions or get stuck. ( joyce@makeyourhomeahaven.com)
Take care, Joyce