MAKING A HOUSE A HOME
As a renter of many years, I can begrudgingly admit I may be a little while off buying a home.
My future holds the uncertainty of inspections, house mates and spaces that have been well-loved — and some obviously well-lived in, too.
It’s a strange limbo, especially in an uncertain housing market, but don’t get me wrong — I understand the privileged position I’m in to have a roof over my head.
Having gone through eight houses in six years, I’ve obviously developed a knack for moving, but also in making a house a home.
There’s the little things: a fresh set of linen here and discovering which colours go with a fluorescent green carpet there (don’t ask).
Though there’s also the bigger things, like maintaining a garden in hopes to one day have a lush sanctuary of greenery comparative to Shirley Phelan’s (from page 9).
Or learning valuable skills for both renting and home ownership — Our Home will show you how to become a DIY queen (or king) to save a buck or two.
And after discovering the trick to treating and avoiding mould, we couldn’t help but share. If you’re in this predicament, flick to page 21.
Across the many moves, it’s only natural my belongings have dwindled to borderline necessities, so investing in locally produced art has become a staple of my homestead.
Sourcing a piece that is created with love and time makes it all the more special, and being a journalist, I’m a sucker for an interesting back-story — Echuca artist Jess Leigh’s intuitive art (from page 14) ticks just about every box.
The following months will see another move for yours truly, though also another opportunity to start fresh and take along a few tips and tricks from the following pages.
Caitlyn Grant