3 Simple Ways to Show Your Home Some Extra Love

bedroom with black statement wall

Desiree Burns Interiors

Valentine’s Day is all about showering your loved ones with thoughtful gifts, words of affirmation, and quality time. This year, I’m focusing on another important relationship in my life—the one I have with my home.

You might be thinking, That’s weird. Your home is an inanimate object. And you’d be right, but hear me out: Our homes are a vessel for energy—both good and bad—and we play a part.

Here are three things you can do to be a better co-habitation partner and create a more harmonious space:

1. Do a Really Deep Clean

I’m not talking about scrubbing your tile grout with a toothbrush or dusting the ceiling fan. We’re usually attuned to the tasks that we can see, but this is about what you can’t see. It’s equally important to be a custodian of good vibes.

Set your intentions with the ancient practice of sage smudging. It leaves your house smelling great and allows you to “clear the air,” both physically and metaphorically. Or try your hand at feng shui. Spend some time learning the rules and take a hard look at your surroundings. Are there ways you can clear a path for better energy flow?

Lastly, it’s no secret that objects can carry meaning and make you feel a certain way. If you’ve been hanging on to something—like a hand-me-down piece of furniture or an expensive gift from an ex—because you feel guilty about saying goodbye, give yourself permission to finally let it go. These energy blockers keep you from curating a home filled with items you love that reflect happy memories and positivity back at you.

2. Embrace Quirks

I’ve learned there is no such thing as a perfect partner and the sooner you accept that, the happier you’ll be. The same goes for your home. Stop obsessing over annoying attributes. Instead, celebrate the things that make your space unique. That strange window between the kitchen and living room that feels totally outdated might just be the perfect place to display your growing plant collection. Maybe the awkwardly-shaped nook that’s too small for furniture is an ideal spot for a corner gallery wall. 

If you want to take it a step further, write your home a love letter, detailing all the things you’re grateful for. Seeing everything down on paper gives you perspective and may even inspire some new design ideas to spice things up.

3. Remember It's the Little Things That Matter

In any relationship, upkeep is required to keep things from falling apart. Take stock of all the small tasks you’ve been putting off and devote an afternoon to showing your home a little TLC. Oil that squeaky door hinge, hang the art that’s been sitting on the floor for months, steam the wrinkles out of your curtains. Think of it less as a chore and more like an act of kindness for an old friend.