A nurtured home or space should feel inviting, warm and layered. It’s all about the FEEL..and we’re here for it! So, how do you create those spaces in your own home? Today we share some of our “go to” ideas to make your home a Nurtured Home. Blogs to follow this one will go into all of these in much more detail. Today we will hit the highlights and get us all thinking about our spaces.
1. Plants
Plants may be the single biggest item that make a space feel nurtured. First of all, no one can create shades of green quite like the Good Lord. Green wakes a space and gives places for your eye to land. Plants, in and of themselves, need to be nurtured. It’s good for the soul! I know many of you are saying “I kill every house plant I’ve ever owned…can’t I just do fake plants?” Some faux greens are fine, but we would definitely encourage you to try a few (easy to grow) real plants and enjoy watching them grow.
2. Art
Hear me say, artwork is different from photos. (More on photos later) Artwork adds color, texture and interest to your space. You can use art to change up your home seasonally and to keep things fresh and interesting. I personally love having a stash of artwork and prints to pull from. If I find a cute little piece when thrifting or antiquing…I grab it! Artwork can be hung (high and low), leaned up against ledges, set on mantles and layered.
3. Photos
Photos of people (or animals) that you love, give your home history and personalization. Quite often we see photos in large displays or gallery walls. That’s ok….but displaying photos can be tricky. Photos can often become overwhelming to a casual viewer. Mix photos into the usual spots but look for unexpected places as well!
4. Books
Books, much like art, bring color and visual interest to a space. Even if you’re not a reader, find book colors that you love and group them together. Books can be stacked to raise a plant, placed on a shelf or leaned against a larger piece to ground it. We all know how important reading is for children’s growth and development. Have a pretty basket of children’s books on your ottoman or fireplace hearth for kids and grandchildren. Form and function all in one.
5. Lamps / Accent Lighting
There is a saying that goes something like this: “The only time to use the center light in a room is if you’ve lost an earring”. We’re going to give a resounding “amen” to that statement. Lamps are one of our favorite items to decorate with and bring a gorgeous glow to your space. Again, it creates that feeling of warmth and coziness we’re after. Don’t be afraid to put a lamp in an obscure place…and think about reflection and glow. A lamp placed in front of a mirror is so lovely!
6. Found / Whimsical Pieces
Every Voeden House project comes with a piece we’ve picked out just for your space. A found piece (not new) is absolutely vital in each project because it brings grounding, history and interest. We all love a good Home Goods or Target, but if that is all your space entails, it can be easily duplicated and can feel unlayered. Trust us when we say….find some whimsical, found pieces for your home. We’ve brought home some items that have definitely received a brow lift from our families…but they end up bringing such character!
7. Textiles
When we say “textiles”, we mean fabrics. Fabrics can be pillows, throws, rugs, towels, draperies. Textiles bring….you’ve got it, texture. Texture helps a room feel layered and interesting. Don’t be afraid to add textiles to your space and not always have them be “matchy matchy”. It takes some trial and error, but you can do it!
Pick a room in your home this week and go through these seven categories. What might you add to make your space feel more nurtured? Don’t forget to come back as we delve deeper into each of these areas. Lots of fun ideas to come!
E & K
Do you have a room you’d like us to come in and decorate for you? Contact us today to get on our schedule. We’d love to meet you!