But what makes a home happy? Certainly, not the exclusivity of its address, the number of its parking slots or the size of its swimming pool. It’s the people living in it that make a home happy. Take a happy heart, put it anywhere, and it will build a happy home. A family whose members love and value each other would surely create a happy nest.
Want to turn your house into a happy home? Here are some important factors to consider:
• Light. A good place to live in should be well lighted. As much natural lighting as possible should enter the space to be energy- and cost-efficient. Harsh sunlight can be controlled with curtains, which control too much light and heat. Proper electrical lighting must be installed with dimming controls to set the desired brightness and mood. Study areas should be amply lighted for comfortable reading.
• Ventilation. A healthy home requires good air ventilation. Natural ventilation through windows and air ducts is highly recommended; air-conditioning should be considered in hot and polluted areas. Electric fans provide wind motion for better air circulation. Comfortable heating should be provided during the cold season.
• Love. Home is where the heart is, that’s why love is one of the most important factors in building a happy home. A loving and understanding heart turns a house into a truly happy home. A listening ear, caring arms, comforting words, and inspiring support complete the picture.
• Food. Home is where the heart is, and the easiest way to the heart is through the stomach. The quality and quantity of food served determine the well-being and health of the inhabitants of a house. Care should be taken to make eating pleasurable and healthy. Emphasis should be given to whole, fresh, unprocessed foods as well as fruits, nuts, and vegetables.
• Comfort and convenience. A home is a haven where people turn to find comfort, convenience, and solace from the pressures of everyday living. It should have comfortable beds, clean toilets, good linen and towels, and the necessary electrical appliances that help make life easy and convenient. Organization ensures that whatever is needed is easily located and reached. Fragile and costly items such as antiques and objets d’art should be placed where they would not be exposed to possible damage and breakage by children.
• Music. A happy home is filled with music, songs, and the sound of laughter. Encourage children to sing and play musical instruments. You can pipe in background music to add zest to your day, or set a relaxed mood at night. Encourage these sounds in your home: the rustle of wind caressing the trees, bird chirps, and the calming gurgle of a water fountain. Insulate your home from disturbing and unwanted noise.
• Color. The paint color on the walls of your rooms determines the character and spatial quality of that area. Choose color schemes and combinations that best contribute to the effect you want. Colors on curtains, paintings, and accessories can further enhance a room. You can also add color through flowers and imaginative lighting.
• Art. The paintings and art frames you hang on your walls and the décor pieces you display say much about you. They embody your artistic choices and preferences. Art is a wonderful way of enhancing your life and beautifying your home, and can be a great investment, too.
• Educational atmosphere. Fill your home with books, publications, and digital programs that encourage learning and quench the thirst for knowledge. Make learning fun. Guide young people into doing hobbies that they will find enjoyable and profitable. Keep exploring new things to stimulate the mind and encourage creativity among family members.
• Privacy and security. People retreat to their homes for the personal and emotional privacy they seek. A home should be private and secure. It should be safe from outside harm as well as calamities like fire, earthquake, floods, etc. Buying an insurance to protect property is one way of having psychological security in case of unforeseen events.
• Financial stability. Financial insecurity is one great cause of stress and unhappiness. Studies have shown that many marital problems stem from financial difficulties and disagreements. Endeavor towards having financial stability to assure your home and family of continuous abundance and financial independence.
• Spiritual and moral values. The home is where a child’s spirituality and moral values are molded and formed. Parental guidance and teaching by example are necessary to ensure morally, psychologically, and spiritually healthy children. A home should not only furnish space for living and having good times but provide a sanctuary for reflection and meditation for the members of the family as well.