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Buyers share what made their new place feel like home

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Buying a home is a big decision, and it can be a daunting one. We’ll be taking some of the stress out of the process by sharing insights and advice – as well as the experiences of those who’ve been there.

Our current topic is getting the interior of your home just right. Most recently, we asked a designer 

how to turn a new bedroom into a space where you’ll always feel relaxed.

 This week, we’re speaking to homeowners themselves, and asking them for the changes, big and small, that made their new house feel like home.

The furniture in, the kitchen appliances are ready and waiting to be used, and the broadband and alarms are all set up. But even with everything ready to go in a new home, you might find your place doesn’t feel quite ‘yours’ just yet.

So what are the updates that’ll ease the transition? For some people, it’s as simple as unpacking kitchen crockery and dressing the bed. For others, the process of putting their own stamp on a place could involve weeks of small changes and creative fixes.

We asked some first-time buyers for the home edits that helped them settle into their brand new place…

We got crafty and made our own shelves and stools:

 We moved into our home in Dublin 8 just over a year ago. The house needed a lot of renovation, so we hadn’t much budget left for any big aesthetic changes. My partner has become an expert wood-worker and has made us some lovely shelves, stools, tables and even a little wooden bike shelter for our backyard. Those touches have made the place feel much more like home.

Unpacking everything in our brand new kitchen was a big step:

 Before moving in, we renovated our house to turn the separate kitchen and dining rooms into an open plan space, which really made the home what it needed to be for us and for future family. We had a lot of fun designing the new kitchen to suit the way we operate normally. Once we moved in, and filled the new kitchen with our stuff – our coffee machine, our photos, our plates, our cooking equipment, it really felt like our home. 

Once I filled the bookshelves, it felt like home:

 Aside from re-painting, a big update for me was filling my shelves with sports, music and travel books that reflect my interest. There’s a big bookshelf in my kitchen/living area, where I usually work from, and once that was full it felt like I had my own stamp on the place. It took a couple of trips to my mam’s house (and one to the office to raid my desk) to make it happen.

We spent our wedding anniversary painting the living room:

 The main living space was the first part of the house that started to feel like our own. A big change for us was to paint the space a dark colour that felt really cosy. We did the painting together on our wedding anniversary, not everyone’s idea of romance but it was really fun! Once the space was painted, it was really important for us to put up pictures and paintings from both of our families, to bring a sense of our past into our future.

We pulled up the old carpets straight away:

 When we bought our house, the flooring was covered with the patterned carpet of its era, but luckily the original teak flooring was underneath and had been regularly oiled by the previous owner. We pulled up the carpets, sanded the floors and now it’s something everyone remarks on when they come into the house. I love how it looks and I’m also happy we were able to make one of the original features our own.

I added loads of colour with prints and plants:

 My house was very much a blank canvas when I bought it, and I was lucky that it didn’t need any structural work at all so I was able to focus on everything else. I wanted to add colour any way I could, so I painted feature walls, hung up a lot of prints – stuff to do with Ireland and with sport – and filled the house and garden with plants. The next port of call is the man-shed out the back which I want to turn into an office/exercise space.

Episode 5 - The Big Decision

Episode 4 - The Financial Advice

Episode 3 - The New Build

Episode 2 - The Doer-Upper

Episode 1 - The First-Time Buyers

The hidden costs of buying a house  

Key factors to consider when choosing a home

From deals to documents: a first-time buyers guide to mortgage applications

How to organise your kitchen for maximum functionality

Key tasks to tackle after moving into your new home

The First Home Scheme : Here’s what you need to know

The ABCs of mortgages for first-time buyers

What are the lead times in the homebuying process?

Important questions to ask when viewing a house

Looking to buy your first home? Here's why a new build could be the ideal choice 

How to choose a home that'll suit your needs now and in the future - from garden size to layout

Getting ready to buy a house: a simple guide for first-time buyers

The advantages of buying through a large home builder

Simple steps to secure mortgage approval

Simple tips to keep your garden green

How do I decorate on a small budget? Your home design questions, answered by an expert

How to save a deposit for your new home

Looking to buy a new build? Here's how to spot a great development - and be first in line for updates

How to make an offer on a house

New to gardening? Here are some top tips for beginners

How to create a bedroom where you’ll always feel relaxed with designer Aoife Tobin

What happens after the sale has been agreed?

The Help to Buy Scheme: How It Works And Why It Can Benefit You

How to get that 'Show-Home Look'

How to organise and personalise your living room

A step-by-step guide to closing the sale on your home

Lighting, layout and storage: What makes a great kitchen? We spoke with 3 designers to find out

How can a solicitor support you during the homebuying process?

What is mortgage protection and why is it so important?

How many houses should I view? 5 big questions from a first-time buyer, tackled by an expert

Top tips for saving energy in your home

How to design a comfortable home office

Buying your first home: top tips to make the process as easy as possible 

Everything you need to know about mortgage interest rates

Buying a House in 2023: How to Save for a Deposit

A Superb Collection of A-rated Homes in the Inviting Community of Mullingar. Register for Farranshock Park

The Trending Interior Style of 2023: Organic Modern

Stylish State of the Art Homes, Located At the Heart of it all in Athlone. Register for Gracefields @ Drumaconn. 

A Collection of Energy-Efficient Homes set in the Heart of Kilkenny, Register for Cluain Glasan

Modern Homes with Great Transport Links and Local Amenities close to Dublin City, Register for Citywest Village 

These New Commuter-Friendly Homes in Wicklow are Sure to Improve your Work/Life Balance, Register for Ushers Glen

Energy-Efficient Homes set in a Community Location, Register for Grey Abbey View 

What Financial Supports Are Out There For You?

What's Important About The Local Area?

Mistakes To Avoid As A Self-Employed First-Time Buyer

What's Most Important For Young Families Looking For a New Home?

How You Can Make Huge Savings In Energy Consumption

Could Your Home Make You Money?

What Does The Future of Housing Look Like?

Applying for a mortgage in 2023: New lending amounts for first-time buyers

A Community Christmas Event: Barnhall Meadows 

'Everyone's so friendly and warm': Locals share what they love about living in Trim

How We're Reducing Our Impact on the Environment

What Is the Most Energy Efficient Way to Heat Your Home?

Country Life That’s Close to the Action: Register Now for These Family Homes Just Outside Swords

Glenveagh Staff Volunteer at Alone Housing Facility

Village Life with Added Convenience in Kilcock

‘There’s Always Time for a Chat’: Locals on What Makes Balbriggan a Great Place to Live

Clare and Meath stars unveiled as new Glenveagh Homes Gaelic4Girls ambassadors 

Green Days with Glenveagh - Biodiversity Education in Schools

Green is the New Neutral: The Interiors Trends Every 2022 Buyer Should Know

Top Five Wellness Tips for 2022

Great Job Opportunities & Spacious Accommodation for First-Time Buyers in Citywest

Stylish, spacious and close to all you need: Three-bed homes in Co Offaly from €250k

Modern, Low-Impact Family Homes on Dublin's Doorstep Coming Soon

Locals Share What They Love Most about Citywest

The Sanderling Christmas Showhome with Muriel Simpson from H+G Design Group

Launching soon: Brand new three and four-beds close to the north Dublin coast

Five easy eco-friendly Christmas decorations to make at home

How to design a multi-purpose living area in your new home, according to the experts

Village life with added convenience: Homes at Ravens Mill are near to schools, shops and more

Glenveagh Staff Volunteer Day at Jack & Jill Charity Boutiques

Want a family home that has it all? Explore two brand new developments in Kildare.

'Everyone's so friendly and warm' : Locals share what they love about living in Trim

‘There’s so much art and energy’: Locals on why Newbridge is a great place to call home

Jack & Jill Founder Celebrates his Milestone Birthday with a Fundraiser  

Glenveagh Homes supports Newbridge Community First Responders

Glenveagh supports 10th annual June Fest in Newbridge

Making your house a home - adding the finishing touches with Scatter Box

Glenveagh Homes launches new charity partnerships with Jack & Jill and ALONE

Spacious, bright and convenient: three-bed family homes with great transport links from €250k

Convenience, nature and community: find what Kildare has to offer and check out two new developments

Community living at Taylor Hill with Hemerson Macalão Ramos

Village life with easy city access: check out these new family homes

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