I often reflect on my relationship with my home and how ithas evolved over the years. At university, being out and about seemed more important, or my focus was on the company I kept rather than the space I lived in. Renting on a tight budget meant I was unable, or perhaps reluctant, to improve my surroundings. At the time, I didn’t realise how many creative and affordable options were available (but that’s a topic for another article!).

Since buying a home, I feel like I’ve been on a never-ending DIY journey. With a job that kept me in the office five days a week, or even overseas and onsite for extended periods, home wasn’t the sanctuary I needed itto be. It was having children that truly changed my relationship with my living space, a shift that was then amplified by lockdown, something I’m sure many people can relate to. Spending more time at home made me acutely aware of my surroundings and the impact they had on my wellbeing.

For a long time, I aspired to have more money to afford more support, to buy a bigger house, or to create what I thought was an ideal space. But over time, my perspective has shifted. Now, I focus on optimising what I have. I’ve come to appreciate the compound effect of small, intentional changes. I recognise that my home’s function is constantly evolving, especially with a young family, and that it needs to adapt more quickly than ever.

Most importantly, I’ve realised that my home doesn’t just serve me; it needs to be different things for each of us who live here.Embracing this has allowed me to cultivate a deeper sense of appreciation for my space, not for what it could be in the future, but for what it offers me and my family right now.

Loving where I live isn’t about perfection; it’s about intention. And with that, I continue to make small but meaningful improvements,knowing that each step brings me closer to a home that truly supports and nurtures us.

Do you love where you live?