10 Ways to Make Your New House Feel Like Home

Moving into a new home is such an exciting chapter—a fresh start full of possibilities. But along with the excitement can come a sense of unfamiliarity. New walls, new rooms, and a different rhythm to daily life can make it feel more like a house than a home in those early days.

Whether you’ve landed in your forever home or you’re simply stepping into your next season, turning that blank space into something that reflects who you are takes time, intention, and thoughtful design. It’s not just about filling rooms—it’s about creating comfort, connection, and a space that feels distinctly yours.

We recently moved into our forever home, and have put together our 10 favorite ways to create warmth, function, and personality in your new space. We want you to feel confident in your move, so if you have any questions, let us know!

1. Start With Function,

Then Layer In Style

Before jumping into decor, think about how you actually live in your home. What worked in your last house? What didn’t? Maybe you need more kitchen storage this time, or you want an outdoor space that you can entertain in. Starting with functionality ensures your design not only looks beautiful—it works for your daily life.

2. Use Floor plans to

Your Advantage

One of the biggest mistakes we see? Buying furniture before measuring your new space. Always try to get builder floor plans or create a detailed measurement guide for each room. This allows you to plan intentionally and avoid costly mistakes (like that gorgeous sectional that doesn’t quite fit). Not sure how to start? Our virtual design services take care of this step for you—we make sure your layout works before you move in.

3. Prioritize Consistency

Across Spaces

Especially in open-concept homes, visual flow is key. Keep hardware finishes and metals cohesive (but don’t be afraid to mix a few thoughtfully!), and use a consistent color palette from room to room. That doesn’t mean everything needs to match—but your spaces should feel like they belong together. I play with black metal and gold in the kitchen, and you’ll find mixed metals throughout my house.

4. Add Warmth with Texture and Lighting

The quickest way to make a home feel cozy? Texture and light. Think vintage pillows, woven throws, unique lamps, and layered lighting that softens your space in the evening. Even if your furniture is new, these elements add a sense of soul and story. I’m OBSESSED with woven lights right now!

5. Window Treatments Make a Huge Difference

Curtains or shades may seem like a finishing touch, but they’re actually foundational. They add privacy, softness, and height to your rooms—plus they can frame your windows in a way that makes your whole home feel more “done.” I have window treatments in almost all of the rooms in my house.

6. Don’t Overthink Paint—Start Simple

If you're unsure of your design direction, a fresh coat of white paint is a timeless, safe starting point. Once you’ve lived in the space and found your rhythm, you can add color in intentional ways—through accent walls, furniture, or artwork. Iron Ore is one of our FAVORITE accent colors!

7. Style Your Front Porch.

It Sets the Tone

Your front porch isn’t just a pass-through—it’s the first impression of your home. Even a few thoughtful touches like planters, a wreath, or a cozy bench can create a welcoming feel before guests even walk in the door.

8. Infuse Pieces From

Your Previous Home

Did you have a favorite mirror, art piece, or set of chairs in your last space? Bring them along! Incorporating a few familiar items gives your new home instant personality and a sense of continuity.

9. Let Each Room Speak to the Next

Instead of designing rooms in isolation, think of your home as a whole. What themes or tones can carry from the kitchen to the living room? Can a shade of green in the dining room be echoed in a pillow in the entryway? These small decisions help everything feel intentional and connected. My favorite continuation in our new home is the wall tile selection, that almost looks like wood, that is featured on our main living room fireplace and our primary bathroom shower and tub.

10. Give Yourself Time

to Settle In

It’s tempting to want everything finished right away—but the best homes evolve over time. Let yourself live in the space for a while before making all the big decisions. You’ll get a better sense of how light moves through the rooms, how your family uses the space, and what design choices will actually serve your lifestyle. A thoughtfully designed home doesn’t happen overnight—and that’s a good thing. I am reminding myself of this everyday, as we’ve been in our new home for almost a month now and not every photo is hung on the wall yet, or paint colors chosen. But when it’s done, it will be perfect!

Need Help? Need your home put together sooner? That’s What We Do. 

At Porche & Co, we specialize in helping you design a home that works beautifully and feels like you. Through our virtual design services, we can guide you in choosing layouts, furniture, colors, and materials—even before your move-in date. Whether you need help with just one room or the entire house, we’re here to make your move a stylish, seamless experience. 

👉 See our design services HERE.

If you need even more hand holding in designing the spaces within your home, we are HERE for you! Be sure to checkout our online interior design services. We have brought our renowned Modern Classic Porche & Co. design aesthetic into thousands of homes throughout the country through our virtual design services. Below are a few recent rooms we have designed. We would love to design yours today! Explore our online Design Studio here.

Be sure to “Follow Us” to stay up to date on everything Porche and Co. & The Porche Place!

**This Post Contains Affiliate Links**

Do you love what we did with this space? Do some rooms or spaces in your house need some designer help but you aren't sure how to get started?

Check out our various Packages through the link below & let's get started designing your dream room(s) today!

Follow these 3 easy steps to get started today:
1. Select the E-Design package from that best works for your design needs
2. Complete the short Client Design Questionnaire on each space
3. Sit back and watch your dream home come to life!

You will have direct access to your designer through messenger throughout the whole process.

Multiple revisions are included with each package to ensure you are completely happy with the end result!