Hey e’erbody!  Remember how I am heading up a girl’s camp this week?  Blogging friend, Amanda, author of Our Humble A{Bowe}d, and owner of a snazzy Etsy shop (which happens to be one of our sponsors) is pinch-hitting today.  Her and her family recently purchased their second home, which they lovingly refer to as the “Mountain house.”  For good reason, too.  Sure it backs up to mountainous terrain, but really, it is the size of a mountain.  Huge.  It even has an indoor pool.  And the best part?  It is a complete fixer.  I can’t wait to watch how they transform that spacious house into their home.  Here are a few of Amanda’s tips on doing just that.

Making a House a Home.  It’s all about feeling comfortable in a space and injecting personality. Here are a few budget friendly tips to get comfy in your house.

Paint- Nothing can add as much character or drama to a room as paint. You won’t hit the nail on the head every time; paint can be tricky. Don’t feel limited to neutrals, either. Our first house was filled with blues and greens. Choose colors that make you smile and you’ll be happy living in the space.

Personal items- Custom art, whether from Etsy (like these fun state watercolors) or photographs, child keepsakes, silhouettes of family members,

or re-purposing finger paintings. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, so if there’s something you like, don’t be afraid to tuck it in a frame to display.

Furniture- Preferably of the comfortable and practical kind. Think about how each room should function and the purpose it serves. Does anyone want to watch tv on a Victorian antique? I don’t think so. Instead, get a comfy sofa or sectional. I prefer arms at the same height of the back for optimal leaning and cuddling. Chris and Julia’s new sofa looks really cozy, too.

Even when you have the perfect furniture, a thoughtful arrangement can make a world of difference.

Keep traffic patterns and focal points in mind. In our family room, I centered an end table and chairs on a sliding door, pulling it a few feet away for walking room. When in doubt, I center pieces on windows, fireplaces, and built ins.

Textiles- Curtains, rugs, pillows (here are a few pillow sewing tutorials), and throw blankets add pattern and soften a homes hard features. Keep it simple with white floor to ceiling curtains or make a splash with a bold print or poppy color.

Hand made or vintage anything- Whether it’s a hand sewn blanket, a refinished thrift store find, personalized art, light fixtures, hand me downs pieces, or custom-made furniture, your item is one of a kind. Think outside the big box store and you’ll be amazed how much charm you bring in. Remember, when decorating your home, use things you love and do things that make you happy. Making a comfortable home doesn’t happen overnight, so don’t rush the process. Real homes are collected and changed over time, not bought in one giant IKEA shopping trip.