A place to gather, rest, and enjoy the beauty of time well spent—a home is all of these things and more. Whether cozy or Craftsman, bohemian or modern, creating a home can look many different ways, especially when it comes to the dream of the “perfect” one. And while tucking away inspiration is always worthwhile, there’s also the reality of making a space yours no matter how grand or temporary it may be.

Life exists in a state of becoming. Where we live, just like who we are, takes time to develop. Embracing that mentality when it comes to a home (or an apartment, or even a dorm room) can mean vision-casting for a someday space while still being practical about intentional details today. Below, let’s look at a few simple ways for acknowledging a home’s quirks and imperfections without sacrificing a sense of being yourself within it.

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Feeling First: Establish What Home Means

The hallmark of any great space—before architectural details or impressive furniture—is the feeling that space gives. How it eases or encloses, delights or distracts. Contrary to what many may think, a mood doesn’t have to cost much. It can start with the senses: How do you want your home to feel when you arrive? Use descriptors like light, airy, or warm, then consider how certain elements either heighten or hamper those words. Keep this in mind when making any design decision, from what to hang on walls to how to organize a bookshelf.

Lighting is a key component within the mood of a space. It can work magic in a room to make it feel intentional and calming, fostering rest or connection with a few simple swaps. Sometimes, even just forgoing overhead lighting for the warm glow of a table lamp can take a space from generic and boxy to hotel lobby-elegant. Likewise, maybe you don’t have a sprawling backyard garden yet, but burning similar scents can inspire what those first few seeds will be. Starting small is still a beginning, and no space is ever too tiny to create a big first impression. 

Serves You Well: Focus on Flow

Another way to utilize a non-dream home is to let it become your teacher. Take inventory of your current season and focus on how you can edit your space to serve you, right now, best. Maybe you’re raising small children and organization is of the essence, or you’re living alone for the first time and want to wake up feeling inspired. Streamline your home around 1-3 current priorities instead of wishing for what would be nice but isn’t reflective of your life stage. Take into consideration things like how often you host, where you ideally make and take your meals, and if you’re letting any unsaid rules dictate your space versus what really works for you.


This could look like: 

• Swapping a table and chairs in the kitchen for an island that delivers more counterspace.
• Partitioning off a living room so the kids have their own play area.
• Forgoing a traditional dining room to size up a home office or creative space.
• Creating a dedicated entryway so things don’t feel cluttered everywhere. 

While home inspiration can be endless, the real needs of day-to-day life are worth making space for. Not only does a priority list help life exist in the present moment, but you’ll learn what are non-negotiables in your next place, getting one step closer to your authentic ideal.

Temporary Upgrades: Change What You Can

If necessity is the mother of invention, then annoyance is the catalyst to creativity. Living with less-than-lovely quirks can quickly pave the way for new ideas to take root. Often, we just need to give ourselves permission to think outside the box (and check any rental agreements). 

If permissible, paint is a classic option for transforming any size space, even if it’s just an accent wall or a small guest bath. Wallpaper, as well. If you need a more temporary solution, try wallpapering the back of bookcase shelves or installing a few rolls on plywood fitted to a nook or headboard. (And if neither paint nor wallpaper work, you can always try lightweight tapestries to create an eye-catching focal point.) Hang curtains to hide unsightly windows or open spaces, or use rugs to cover flooring you wish you could replace. Let yourself be inspired through small home projects to get a feel for what’s worth doing yourself and also what kind of DIY work you enjoy. Temporary spaces don’t have to invalidate the time you’ll spend there. When you switch your mindset from “I wish this was different” to “How could I improve this?”, spaces blossom to life.

For more DIY ideas, check out some of our favorite Magnolia Workshops like How to Add Character to Your Home or Making a Design Statement.

Savor the Now: Find Joy in What Is 

No matter the season and no matter the space, life is happening right now. When looking back on favorite memories, how many of them truly center on the stuff instead of the mood, the company, and the presence of all involved? 

This is your reminder not to let what could be, eclipse what is. Host in the cozy kitchen that feels a smidge too small. Start the front porch garden, even if it’s just a few potted herbs. Hang your favorite artwork, even if it takes up an entire wall. The point is to show up fully in the space and time we’re given, rather than waiting for perfection to gatekeep where joy exists. Keep dreaming of all the ways home can expand to what you want—but chances are, you’ll always remember that first quirky, tiny shoebox filled with its irreplaceable gems.

More To Inspire

Discover more ways to make any home your own, right this way…

• How to Brighten the Mood of a Space
• In With the Old: How to Style Vintage Pieces
• How to Style a Coffee Table
• How to Create an Inspiring Home Office
• 6 Affordable Ways to Add Character to Your Home