As I enter the final year of my 30s, I thought I s As I enter the final year of my 30s, I thought I share with you some pictures of mine at 9 months, 9 years, 19 years, 29 years  to today 39 years old of age. Looking back at each decade, I feel both ‘older’ and ‘younger’, I see the change in my features, the change in my way of life, the change in my personality and the experience itched on my face. I am grateful for the life I have lived thus far and excited for the life I am yet to live. 
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

2026 - 39, (Home, England), I am ready for this final year before my 40s but also ready for this next decade. 
2016 - 29, (Oslo, Norway), this decade was about self discovery and building the life I dreamt about. The life that I am super proud of and truly grateful to be living. This decade, I built my financial life and in later years choose to heal from the trauma gained in the last decade and now I feel well equipped for the future. 
2006 - 19, (Glasgow, Scotland), I thought I was grown (look at the cheekbones 🤣🤣) and ready for the world, chiiiild was I wrong, let’s just say, I am still resolving the trauma the decade brought me but I am grateful because I met my best friends and made decisions for the future I wanted to have. (Spoiler alert - I did better than I dreamed). 
1996 - 9, (Home, Zambia) this was my birthday but my little sister insisted she had to be the one in the middle. The only way we knew whose birthday it was, was by standing in the middle but this year I remember baby sister crying her eyes out and refusing 🤨
1988 - 9 months, (Chililabombwe, Zambia) although my mother looks tired and traumatised😟, I know I was loved and happy. 
#happybirthday #happybirthday❤️ #newera #39
Attended #ascotraces for the second year running a Attended #ascotraces for the second year running and I am glad to have experienced the ‘Village enclosure’ this year, whilst I loved ‘Windsor enclosure’ last year, it’s not for me. Next year, I want Queen Anne’s enclosure. 💕 #girlsdayout #girlslikeus #ascotfashion
How I missed you my love 🥰🥰🥰 #hertripsabroad #bla How I missed you my love 🥰🥰🥰

#hertripsabroad #blackgirlstraveltoo #maldives #neverstopexploring #welltravelled
Tried being a #touristforaday and we chose #london Tried being a #touristforaday and we chose #london because why not. My feet still hurt from the thought of how much walking we did, the fact that we walked from #bigben to #buckinghampalace is still fresh on my mind. 

#neverstopexploring
🖤🖤MARCH PHOTO/VIDEO DUMP🖤🖤 So much happened and 🖤🖤MARCH PHOTO/VIDEO DUMP🖤🖤 

So much happened and yet I can’t find the words.
It has been an amazing week here, definitely recom It has been an amazing week here, definitely recommend @iberostar in Agadir. 
#neverstopexploring #wanderlust #welltravelled #lifeofadventure #hertripsabroad
I spent a week in #dohaqatar and had the most rela I spent a week in #dohaqatar and had the most relaxing and fulfilling time of my life. Sometimes taking it slow and living in the moment is what the soul needs. 🥰🥰🥰
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 #hertripsabroad #solotravel #solotravelingisfun 
#blackgirlstraveltoo
I had such an amazing week in Doha, Qatar after no I had such an amazing week in Doha, Qatar after not visiting for almost 8years. 📍

#qatar #doha #qatarphotoinstagram  #solo travel #travelbug bestvacations igtravel travelpic travelblog beautifuldestinations tlpicks instatravel roamtheplanet traveldeeper travelgram travelinspo wanderlust instapassport exploretheworld travelpics travelmore passionpassport travelawesome lonelyplanet travelblogger travelphotography traveltheworld worldtraveler
Happy New Year, happy 2026 #firstpicture of the ye Happy New Year, happy 2026 #firstpicture of the year.
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A July Dreamer

A Travel & Lifestyle Blog

Home · March 27, 2025

How to make your house feel homely 

Thinking about how to make your house feel homely can sometimes seem like a daunting task, especially if you’re a first-time buyer or renter. I have been a homeowner for over 5 years now and I can tell you from first-hand experience that it did seem and feel daunting but also exciting at the same time. When I was renting, I had limitations in terms of changes I could make to my space but when I bought my house, I had more freedom but somehow it was still daunting.

Whether you’ve just bought your first house, are moving into a new property or simply fancy redecorating your current place, we’ve got you covered! This guide will explain different ways to elevate your space into a cosy and welcoming environment where you can feel right at home in no time. These tips are simple but very impactful. I remember implementing them when I was renting, and it made a huge difference and the final tip I used when I bought my home.

Thinking about how to make your house feel homely can sometimes seem like a daunting task, especially if you’re a first-time buyer or renter. I have been a homeowner for over 5 years now and I can tell you from first-hand experience that it did seem and feel daunting but also exciting at the same time.

*Disclosure: This is a collaborative post.

Start with priority rooms

It would be a mammoth task to decorate your house in one go. Instead, you should methodically tackle each room one by one to make things more manageable, starting with the priority rooms. 

Arguably, the most important room of the house is the bedroom. It isn’t just a place for sleep, it’s a retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life and, more importantly, the chaos of unpacking. Therefore, creating a cosy atmosphere here should be top of the agenda. 

Once the bedroom is mastered, the living room should follow. A versatile and communal space where you can chill out, watch TV and catch up with family and friends. 

Personalise your space 

To really make your house feel homely, you need to fill it with furniture and decor that reflects your personality and taste. A quick and easy way to personalise your space is by hanging up your favourite artwork or pictures of you and your loved ones. 

You could also display memorable souvenirs from trips. Or any vintage finds and meaningful objects that show your style. 

New build homes act as a blank canvas ready to be personalised. Sometimes you have the ability to choose the kitchen worktops, bathroom tiles, carpets and wardrobes. This element of control can go a long way in making the property feel like yours. 

Use soft furnishings 

Comfort is key when decorating a home. Soft furnishings such as sofas, pillows, blankets and throws instantly create a snuggly environment. A rug can make a huge impact, too. Opt for a natural material like cotton or wool, and the room will feel more inviting. 

To elevate the space further, focus on warm, ambient lighting. This can be achieved through layering light sources, such as floor lamps, wall lights and table lamps. You can even use candles, which radiate a warm glow and delicious scent. This creates a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere, perfect for your bedroom and lounge. 

Choose the right colour palette 

Using the right colour palette can have a huge impact on how you feel in your home. According to colour psychology, shades of blue evoke a sense of calm and tranquillity, which is perfect for the bedroom. 

Warm colours, such as yellow and orange, are associated with feelings of joy, optimism and sunshine. Painting walls or adding furniture in these shades is a great idea for your kitchen and living areas, as it creates an inviting and homely atmosphere. 

In: Home

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I'm Miranda. Travel-Addict. Blogger. Moscato Addict. Weekend Escapist. Homebody. Countryside dweller residng in Oxfordshire.

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