House + Love
FALL IN
BY INTERIOR DESIGNER SIMONE HILL
Nowhere in the world do I feel
more happy and content than
at home. It is simply the best
feeling to walk in the front
door after a break away or
even just a hard day's work
and shut out the world.
Home is where we can truly please ourselves
and relax our souls and minds. Here I
decorate purely for me without consideration
of what others might think. It is not trendy
or particularly crowd-pleasing, but we love
it. Far from perfect, the old girl has provided
shelter and a haven to our family for 20 years.
There are bits needing attention again but
life is busy, so I choose not to focus on the
tired aspects and instead appreciate the
treasures that I have collected in my life and
the warmth and love that resonates from
within the walls.
Here are a few ideas I have put together
on how to love where you live.
Have A Gratitude Attitude
Write down 5 positive things about your
space - remember what attracted you to buy
or rent it in the first place.
Be thankful for the shelter it provides and
focus on the positive aspects of your house.
Sometimes loving your home is not about
making huge changes but about appreciating
the little things. Look for the silver linings.
If your space is small enjoy how little time it
takes to dust and vacuum.
If you think it’s bland and boring think of it as
a blank canvas with endless possibilities to let
your creative juices flow.
I see houses for the first time every day and
never fail to find something positive about
them. It could be the view of a beautiful
tree from the master bedroom or a well-
appointed power plug in a dark corner with
the potential to become a cosy reading nook.
I get excited to glimpse nice floor boards
through threadbare carpet and by rays of
sunshine pouring through windows. When
you choose to see the good bits first, your
whole attitude towards your home can start
to change and interior magic can begin.
Sometimes people just need me to visit
once and fresh eyes can unveil the hidden
possibilities.
Make An Action Plan
Write a list of everything you would like to
do to your home. Include lots of little easy
repairs and cleaning projects. Cross them
off as time and budget allow; it will feel
good to complete something even if it’s just
attacking the overstuffed cupboard in the
hall that you have been too scared to open
for fear of injury.
Try to make your bed every day. This most
simple task can affect how you feel about
your space when you get home.
Feed Your Senses
'Woo' your house. Play music, buy it flowers
and light candles. Music in my kitchen makes
the mundane task of preparing weekday
family meals less arduous and relaxes my
mind from the stresses of work.
Remember a good home has nothing to do with size or how much money has been spent
Cinnamon House
32 Park Tce, Blenheim | Open: Mon-Fri 10am-4pm, Sat 10am-