“The light is what guides you home, the warmth is what keeps you there.”
— Ellie Rodriguez
As I write this, there’s a furry head on my lap and a good man beside me. It’s the little moments like this that make me feel lucky to have a place where I can be surrounded by love. I’m often guilty of railing against the idea of “growing up” but one of the things that have brought me the most joy in my adult life is turning whatever space I am given into a home. It’s easier now more than ever, with a loving partner and rambunctious pooch. How can you not feel that warmth, snuggled up on the couch with two of you favorite beings? There are other things too, though. Little things that take a space from “just a place to crash for the night” to a place where you live your life.
Art is one of the most important ways you can transform a space into your own. As a renter, I always find it difficult to stare at those blank white walls knowing I can’t paint them. After all, white walls are for art galleries so why not turn your walls into just that: a curated space to show your aesthetic and personality. My walls are eclectic. There are pieces by friends from art school that I traded for, gorgeous high-quality prints and kooky Etsy finds. Matt picked a funny little print of a bear riding a bike with a human arm in its mouth. Unique pieces like that say a lot about us and the space we call home.
No place can be called home if it doesn’t have books. Books are friends and paperback memories that look back at you from their nook on the shelf in a way that no e-reader can. Books have presence, weight and their design can be a work of art in itself. To me, a good book collection says, “Don’t worry if you are stuck inside for awhile. I will keep you company.” Which is why Matt and I have a bookcase overflowing with books and we have no intent on stopping.
Most importantly, though, I find that no home is complete without a place to be creative. For me, that is my studio space and it reflects either the chaos or order in my mind. I don’t know about you but I need a spot in my life where I can sit down and let whatever insanity is inside my head tumble out onto the paper in a way that looks beautiful. Especially after not having that, and just working where ever I could, it really makes a difference. It’s almost like having a home within your home. And while I believe art can be made anywhere, it’s so nice to be comfortable in a space that allows you to explore yourself and the world around you—two decidedly uncomfortable tasks.
At the core of all of this is love. I’m sure I don’t need to tell you that. Whether it’s the people or the things you fill your home with, be sure it brings you joy and you will have a home you will be happy to come home to. What, for you, makes a house or apartment into a home?