Moving into a new home is a daunting task. The ultimate question is how to make the space that either you designed or chose to feel like yours. What paint colors feel welcoming to you? What wood colors are you drawn to? Do you like pops of color or classic elegant pieces that stand the test of time? All of these simple changes do not break the budget and also have a significant impact on showcasing you. Here are 3 things you can do to make your house feel like a home.

Add Some Fresh Color.

Color is all around us. From the beautiful outdoors to incredible artwork and more, color gives a message about the values of a particular person, culture, or entity. Color is the first thing a photographer is looking for when glancing through the lens. Color is also the first things guests notice while walking into a home. As you may have expected, this is why the color we choose in a home is so powerful. It sets a style and a mood. All colors have a time and place, the question is how to go about choosing colors that communicate your goal and priorities of your home.

Are you looking for a house that is cozy and relaxing? Choosing light pastels would be an excellent option to portray that style. Soft grays, light sage-greens, lavender, and light blue are great go-to’s. Remember, variety provides character so don’t be shy in having a variety of paint colors throughout your home. Are you looking for a bold look? Choose vibrant colors such as yellows, red, and dark blue. Accent walls are also a way of communicating a welcoming and energetic home.

Change Up the Trim or Stain.

The paint colors have been decided, now what? Changing up the wood finish color provides a significant updated and new look to any space. Yes, this is a lot of tedious work on sanding down previous wood finishes, re-staining to a new shade or color and then sealing it. However, this fix allows for your eye for detail to come into play. Is your house covered from floor to ceiling in oak from the ’80’s? Consider painting your trim white or a darker wood shade to give more dimension to your space.

It’s important to keep in mind that choosing a wood finishing color takes an overall vision and style. First, identify the style of your home. Is it a classic and traditional home, country ranch or farmhouse? All of this should be considered when ultimately choosing the wood finishings. Once you understand the style of your home, then it’s important to decide your preference on dark wood finishings, light wood finishings, or classic white. All of these questions are important to ask as you move forward in choosing the finishing that is best for you and your home.

Choose Decoration Pieces that Share a Story.

Finally choosing new decorative accents will also make your space feel like home. Decor ranges from style and color to preferences. Do you prefer bright accents like a printed rug or abstract painting? Do you lean towards classic florals, sage, and wood? Or do you like the classic rod iron look? Figuring out your preferences ahead of time allows you to have a consistent style throughout your home.

If you appreciate bright and colorful accents that tell a story, look for pieces that need interpreting and that are full of life and color. You may also choose to have bright and various throw pillows, rugs, and vases that speak various cultures. If you lean towards florals and sage, indoor plants are another way to decorate your space! There are thousands of plants of all shapes and sizes that you may choose to fill any space needed. Wood accents also go really well with this particular stylistic approach. Finally, if you enjoy the classic and traditional style, look for pieces that stand the test of time. Classic candle holders, white vases and wicker baskets will go great in your traditional home.

There you have it; new ways to spice up your home and to begin making it feel like home. However, you do not have to do this alone. Here at SW Builders, we are prepared to come alongside you in all stages of the process, from paint and staining to cabinetry and countertops, and decor, our team are trained professionals ready to guide you in this exciting new journey you are entering. Call us today at (616) 836-1711 or email Steve at stevew@swbldrs.com to begin turning your house into a home today.