You know those houses that just make you feel at home, even when they're not your home? We have all the heart eyes for those special spaces, and we know you do, too! Some variation of "make my house a home" pops up year after year on the goals of PowerSheets® users.
Of course, a house that feels like home means something a bit different to everyone, but no matter the size and shape of your living space, there are simple, concrete steps you can take to make your home more hospitable, warm, functional, and reflective of your personality and values.
One of our favorite ways to get ideas for turning a home into a sanctuary for living, working, playing, and resting? Reading books! We've rounded up some of our team's and PowerSheets users' most-recommended books to turn your house into a home below.
Book Recommendations for Turning Your House Into a Home
Mikki from our PowerSheets Group says, "I was really inspired by The Minimalists and all their books. I’m not necessarily a minimalist, but the ideas they present are really helpful!"
"Any of the books from Alison May (some of them are on Kindle Unlimited!). She focuses on all the little practical things that make a house feel like home instead of the big picture," says Bethany.
"I found a book by Blu Greenberg titled "How to Run a Traditional Jewish Household" to be very inspiring," says Robin. "It evokes a feeling of home as sanctuary. Her descriptions of the Jewish sabbath are so evocative and beautiful. I think there are ways to implement similar practices that are not specifically religious."
"How to Celebrate Everything by Jenny Rosenstrach is one of my favorite books of all time. Though she focuses on recipes, celebrations, and everyday rituals, I think it's these memories and traditions, celebrated in the walls of a house, that transform it into a home," says Emily from Team Cultivate.
Melissa says, "I loved reading Change Your Home, Change Your Life by Moll Anderson. The questions she gives for you to think about all the things that you love and incorporate them into your home!"
If you're a fan of ambient lighting, natural fibers, and lots of houseplants, Leah recommends Outer Order, Inner Calm: Declutter and Organize to Make More Room for Happiness by Gretchen Rubin, The Little Book of Hygge by Meik Wiking, and The Home Edit: A Guide to Organizing and Realizing Your House Goals by Clea Shearer and Joanna Teplin.
- Cozy Minimalist Home: More Style, Less Stuff by Myquillyn Smith
- Happier at Home by Gretchen Rubin
- The Lifegiving Home: Creating a Place of Belonging and Becoming by Sally Clarkson and Sarah Clarkson
P.S. Does your house double as your office? If the answer is yes!, you'll love this post about our best tips for working from home!
Cultivators: what advice do you have for making your house feel homey? We'd love to hear your suggestions and success stories in the comments below! And, if you enjoyed this post, would you be interested in a post with action step ideas for making a house a home? Let us know!
If you are ready to get unstuck, say goodbye to wasted days, and feel your life adding up to something more—you are in the right place! The Cultivate What Matters Podcast will help you uncover what truly matters in your life and give you the tools to start acting like it today. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, lacking motivation, or simply looking for a little joy and delight, you'll find exactly what you need right here. We are so excited to walk alongside you!
Get access to premium content to help you stay on top of your goals all year long!