Home is where the heart is.
Multiple studies reveal that where and how you live can have negative or positive impacts on your mental health. With over 450,000 military families relocating every year, it’s vital their houses feel like home.
Maria Reed knows all about military life and the importance of the home. She is an Army spouse of 17 years who has moved countless times. Four years ago, she created “Moving With The Military,” a television series surprising military families with home makeovers.
“We see the home as a place that provides security, control, belonging, and peace. It’s the space in which military families reintegrate and can heal from the challenges of this life,” Reed said.
She added that without traditional support systems in place, military families have to quickly plant roots and build community. This includes setting up a new home, which is typically done at warp speed. The average military family will unpack their entire life and set it back up within days. Since military families know they’ll be moving within a few years, it leaves little time for the luxury of taking their time on design decisions. But it doesn’t have to take forever to turn your house into a home.
Reed suggested the first step should be determining the best flow for your layout, which can mean rearranging your furniture more than once. She also advises to shop in your own home, explaining that in the constant crush of PCS’ing, families can forget they have certain pieces. Once you have a basic idea of what is working and what is missing, you are on your way.
“Whether we rent, buy or live on post, I am a fan of large area rugs. They can disguise a less than desirable floor and they add color, visual interest, and texture,” Reed said.
She also recommends families use their walls, explaining when things go on the walls, we tend to feel more grounded to the space. Things like colorful curtains, shelving, and artwork can make a big difference.
Military families tend to stay away from painting because they know they’ll have to cover it up in a few years when they move. Reed says do it anyway.
“By painting or adding removable wallpaper to a focal wall, it can make a huge impact on the space and you don’t need a lot to make a statement,” she explained.
Reed is a big fan of adding greenery to any home because adding plants to a space can make any room feel alive. TIP: Even if you have a “black thumb” faux plants look just as good as the real ones.
Lastly, she highly encourages families consider DIY projects like refurbishing existing pieces with chalk paint, stain, or decoupage. She shared it is not only cost effective, but will also create happy memories for your new space.
In the end, no matter where the military sends your family, you can easily make your house into home with these budget-friendly tips. Share your design inspirations by tagging Caliber Home Loans on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/CaliberHomeLoansInc.
Caliber Home Loans is a mortgage lender with a designated military lending division experienced in working with military members and their families. Visit https://caliberhomeloans.com to learn more about the home buying process.
