Congratulations on moving to Lewes, Delaware. The country town has some of the most beautiful Georgian and Victorian houses. The sense of community is strong. And the bonfires! Ah, pure bliss. You probably have a stunningly historical and traditional place to call home.
But before you take off on your journey, you have a lot of boxes, bubble wrap, and hardware trips to deal with. Or, simply put, “the moving blues” await you.
But it doesn’t mean moving or personalizing a home to make your own has to be tedious. Just like every new journey, this one will also have its share of fond memories and joys. We have some tips to help you along the process.
Don’t Take Your Clutter Along
A new house is a new beginning. So, leave behind your clutter. It’ll cram your new place sooner than you expect. Start by going through each room and identifying items you don’t need, like old books, clothes that don’t fit, or furniture that’s beyond repair. Donate them or recycle them if possible. Yard sales are also a popular way to get rid of stuff.
If there are items that you aren’t ready to let go, but they won’t even make peace with your new space, look for Lewes DE storage units to keep them away and safe. Most storage units are climate-controlled, and you can access them whenever needed.
Invite Nature In
Bringing natural elements into your new house will make it feel more like home. Think of plants, flowers, bamboo stalks, and even a tiny indoor garden. These lively green elements add life to any house. They also freshen up the air and make it smell great!
Succulents and cacti are perfect for windowsills and shelves. They don’t need too much water, making them ideal for occasional forgetful waterers. If you’re looking for more greenery, look for plants that need more water, like ferns and large palms.
Strategic placement is critical here. Place your tall palms near windows and large furniture pieces so that their greens create a beautiful backdrop. Hang planters with trailing plants from the ceiling.
Create a Sense of Home with Your Photos
Now, this one may seem obvious, but it still works. Hang family photos, create a collage of your childhood memories, and some vintage postcards from your travels. Doing this will immediately connect you to your past and create a bridge between the present and your memories.
Plus, photos can be used to create focal points. Place a large framed photo above the mantelpiece or hang some in the hallway. The secret is finding the right balance between the pictures and other elements. Plates and framed mirrors make a great combination with photos.
Don’t Shy Away from Color
We know the traditional country vibe of Lewes, DE, calls for muted colors like beiges, whites, grays, and blues. But don’t forget to bring in some brighter colors too! Colors have an impact on our moods. Blue makes us calm, red invokes passion, and yellow lights up the room with cheerfulness.
Hang colorful curtains or drapes. Place bright-colored rugs or pillows in the living room. You can also introduce colors through your furniture and other pieces of décor.
For a more subtle touch, opt for colorful accessories like patterned trays, wallpapers, lamps, and colorful vases. Don’t aim for a rainbow effect, though! Too much of any color will look overbearing.
Tip: Lime green and electric blue, lavender and teal, and royal blue and peach are trending.
Layer Textures and Colors
The texture is as important as color. It creates depth and interest in any space. Think of velvet cushions, linen bedding, and fuzzy rugs.
Mix and match different textures to add a more inviting feel. How about a leather sofa with velvet cushions, a chunky knit throw blanket, and faux fur rugs? It will create a cozy atmosphere you’ll never want to leave.
White color palettes will bring out the finer details of textures in a remarkable way. And if your room gets enough natural light, the texture will look even better.
Go Local for Artifacts
Nothing says “welcome home” better than decorating with artifacts from the local culture. Visit the antique stores in Lewes for some vintage items, like clocks, knick-knacks, and wall hangings.
Look for hand-painted cups, plates, and pottery pieces. These are great conversation starters and make your home look unique. If you’re looking for something modern, head to the boutiques and galleries in Lewes. You might find some interesting abstract, modern pieces to add that oomph factor. Before you pick something, keep your home’s style and theme in mind. Grandfather clocks, for instance, might not fit in a modern-style home.
Create Comforting Spaces
It’s important to find areas in your new house that feel comforting. Invest in bulky furniture pieces for the living room, like an armchair or a sofa. Oversized poufs and bean bags also work wonders for creating a homely atmosphere.
Make sure your bedroom is as cozy as possible. Opt for comfortable bedding and pillows. Place a small coffee table near the bed with magazines or books so that you have something to read before dozing off.
Plus, you could try out aromatherapy. Certain scents, like lavender and jasmine, are known for their calming effects. Place diffusers with these essential oils in the living room to fill them with comforting aromas.
Lighting Matters
Think of it as the finishing touch to your new house. Experiment with the placement of lights and lamps to create a soothing ambiance. Invest in dimmers for when you need to lighten up your house or dim it for a calmer atmosphere.
There are different types of lights for each room. Ambient lighting is ideal for the living room and dining area. Task lights come in handy when you’re cooking or doing something that requires more light. And accent lights are great for highlighting artwork or architectural features.
Also, keep energy efficiency in mind when you’re shopping for lights. Incandescent, fluorescent, and LED lights all have different characteristics – so choose the one best suited for your home.
Final Thoughts
Transforming a house into a home is so much fun! With the right colors, textures, artifacts, and lighting in the right places, you can create the perfect ambiance. It will make your space more inviting, and you’ll feel right at home in no time! Before you can start scouring antique stores and picking out furniture, take measurements and create a plan to ensure everything fits. Also, remember to stay true to your style and theme. That will make all the difference! Good luck, and have fun decorating!