When you first move into a new home, everything feels so exciting, full of possibility, and brimming with potential. You’re definitely in the “honeymoon phase,” seeing only the beauty and promise of your space.
But over time, as daily life settles in, it’s super easy to become overwhelmed by the little things you once overlooked. Just like in relationships, the spark can fade, and we start to focus on the flaws.
Trust me, I know this firsthand. Our current space, which we once used as a cottage, is now a full-time home—cramped and “well-loved” (to put it nicely!). We moved in full-time in 2020 with plans to renovate or rebuild within a year or two. But what started as a short-term plan has now stretched into four years, with hopes to finally start the project this coming spring.
The fact is, this is not my ideal space, especially for a family of four. It’s too small for our needs, the kitchen is old and tiny, and there’s no storage space at all.
But the great news is… just like you can fall in love with your partner again through mindset and effort, you can absolutely fall back in love with your home too—without making a single physical change. I know because I tried it with our place —and it worked!
My Personal Experience
Last winter, I hit a breaking point. I was fed up, frustrated, and just plain negative about our living situation. Then my husband hit me with a truth bomb: “Rose, if you’re so into this mindset stuff, why can’t you make the best of it?” Ouch—that one stung.
So, I took his advice to heart. I made a conscious effort to appreciate what was already good, like the stunning view of the lake and the bright, airy feel of the space. Little by little, my attitude changed, and I found myself enjoying our home again.
It’s a pretty normal experience. At first, we’re too busy enjoying our home to notice the flaws. But as routines settle in, the excitement fades. We become overwhelmed by the daily chores, the clutter, and the imperfections. It’s easy to feel disconnected, frustrated, and unsure of where to start.
We often believe that the way to rekindle our love for our home is by redecorating, buying new furniture, or making updates.
But what if the secret to falling back in love with your space has less to do with redecorating and more to do with your mindset?
Sometimes, the secret lies in shifting your perspective and reconnecting with a sense of gratitude for what you already have before you decide to make any physical changes.
Maybe This is a Great Starting Point Even if Redecorating Does Become Necessary
Now, as a decorator, I promise I’m not suggesting you never need to redecorate or renovate—trust me, I’m all about a good transformation!
There will definitely be times when your home could use a little freshening up (or even a major overhaul). But before you start picking out paint colours or fantasizing about a new kitchen, let’s hit pause for a moment.
Sometimes, the best way to reignite that spark isn’t with a sledgehammer or a shopping spree but with a simple shift in how we see things.
So check out these ACTIONABLE TIPS to help you shift your mindset and start seeing your home with fresh eyes. You might just find that falling back in love with your space is easier (and cheaper) than you think!
5 Actionable Tips to Help You Fall Back in Love with Your Home
1. Practice Gratitude for the Space You Have
Start by appreciating your home for what it is and what it provides. Take a moment to list the things you love about your home.
Is it the natural light that floods your kitchen in the morning? A cozy corner where you curl up with a book? Sometimes, we take these small joys for granted. By practicing gratitude, you can shift your focus from what’s wrong to what’s already right.
Action Step: Grab a pen and write down five things you love about your home. It could be as simple as the way the light hits a wall or the memories you’ve made in your living room. Stick this list somewhere visible to remind yourself daily.
2. Change the Story You’re Telling Yourself
Often, the story we tell ourselves about our home shapes how we feel about it. If your inner dialogue is constantly focused on “I hate this space,” “I need to fix this,” or “This room isn’t good enough,” that negativity will cloud your experience. Instead, shift the narrative. Start thinking, “This space has potential,” or “I can make small, meaningful improvements.”
Action Step: Choose one room you feel disconnected from and write a new story about it. For example, instead of saying, “This room is cluttered and cramped,” tell yourself, “This room is cozy and holds all the things that matter to me.” Repeat this positive story whenever you enter the room.
3. Do a Mini Reset: Declutter One Small Space
Sometimes, the physical clutter in our homes can reflect the mental clutter in our minds. By clearing even a small area—like a coffee table, a kitchen counter, or a bookshelf—you can create an instant feeling of freshness. This small act can spark inspiration and a sense of accomplishment, helping you feel more connected to your space.
Action Step: Pick one area of your home (start small, like a countertop or a nightstand) and spend 15 minutes decluttering it. Notice how the space feels afterward. The act of tidying can bring a renewed sense of calm and connection.
4. Rearrange What You Already Have
You don’t need to buy anything new to give your home a fresh look. Simply rearranging furniture or decor can make a room feel new and exciting. Shift the focus in a room by moving around a couch, changing the placement of art, or swapping items between rooms. This can help you see the potential in what you already own.
Action Step: Choose one room and experiment with rearranging the furniture. Even moving one or two pieces can dramatically change the flow and energy of the space. Notice how this changes how you feel about the room.
5. Incorporate a Mindful Moment in Your Home Each Day
Life gets busy, and often we forget to enjoy the spaces we’ve worked hard to create. I’m the worst culprit for this. I have to constantly remind myself to do this each day, and believe me, I don’t always want to! Somedays I feel too tired or too busy.
But by making it a habit to spend a few mindful moments in your home each day can truly make all the difference. Whether it’s while you’re sipping your morning coffee in a favourite chair or simply sitting quietly in a space you love, these mindful moments can help you reconnect with your home.
Action Step: Set a timer for 5-10 minutes, sit in a part of your home you love, and simply be present. Focus on how the space makes you feel, the sights and sounds around you, and the calm that comes from being still. I know it sounds a bit “woo woo” but from personal experience I can tell you it does actually make a difference! And seriously, can it really hurt to try???
It’s Time to Reignite the Love for Your Home
I’ve been there, and I know how easy it is to feel frustrated when your space isn’t quite working for you. But I’ve also learned that change doesn’t always have to start with a renovation or a new piece of furniture. Yes, sometimes that does ultimately end up having to be the solution.
But when I started to look for the small things I genuinely liked about our home—like the view or the cozy corners—it shifted how I felt.
It wasn’t the space that had changed; it was my perspective.
So before jumping into a big project because you think there’s no other way to “fix” your space, take a mindful moment to just look around.
Find even just one thing you appreciate about your home today!
It may seem small, but it’s a step toward feeling more connected to your space again. And sometimes, that’s all it takes!