So here’s something to picture for just a moment: you’ve just moved into your new apartment in a foreign country. Maybe you’re a trailing spouse, or maybe you’re the one who got a new opportunity. But whatever the reasons, you’re no longer in the country you’re from; you’re far away, in a whole new space.
The walls are bare, the furniture is unfamiliar, and the silence is deafening. That cozy, lived-in feeling of home is miles away, and suddenly, the excitement of a new adventure feels overshadowed by a longing for the comfort and familiarity of your roots. Homesickness is a real thing, but there’s a way to combat it without hopping on the next flight back home. It’s about making sure that your home truly becomes your actual home.
So, this means bringing elements of your culture into your new space through decor. So, where do you even begin? Well, here’s what you need to know!
Start with Your Cultural Roots
When everything around you feels foreign, grounding yourself in what’s familiar can work wonders. That’s really all it takes, so you’re going to want to start by incorporating pieces that remind you of home. For example, you might want to think about items that evoke memories of family gatherings, local traditions, or even your favorite childhood spots. This could be through pictures of your family or even simply buying decor that’s common in your country.
For example, if you’re originally from India, then you want Indian decor; if you’re Japanese, then you’ll want Japanese decor. For the most part, it’s pretty easy to incorporate these cultural elements, and you can do it however you want to, like a vibrant quilt on your bed, a tapestry on the wall, candles, centerpieces, basically, whatever you want that reminds you of your homeland.
Consider Going with Familiar Scents
Scent has a direct line to memory and emotion, and nothing transports you back home faster than the familiar aroma of your favorite meals or local flowers. So, try to get your hands on some candles, incense, or essential oils that capture the essence of your culture. Here’s a great example: if you grew up surrounded by the smell of fresh lavender or jasmine, bringing those scents into your space can create an instant connection to home.
But it doesn’t need to be about candles or flowers either, because cooking traditional food helps too. It’s not just the smell, of course, but the taste, too. All of this can really take you back to your roots.
Embrace Art That Speaks to Your Soul
Family photos were briefly mentioned earlier, but art itself truly deserves some attention too. So, art is a fantastic way to decorate with a purpose. Instead of going for generic prints or trendy wall art, choose pieces that reflect your culture and speak to your experiences.
As you already know, art comes in so many different forms; maybe pottery is big where you’re from, or paintings, sculptures, or other forms of art. However, the goal is to incorporate some of these elements. Plus, when you have guests over, these can be great for conversation!
