How to transform a house into your home - your house, your rules!

We explore how to create a welcoming and personalised space, following the approach of expert Hugo MacDonald.

Discover how to turn a home into more than just walls and furniture with some simple tricks and practical tips to apply these design concepts in your own home. 

About the author and the reference article

The original article How to Make a House a Home was written by Hugo MacDonald and published in the magazine Monocle in 2014. MacDonald, a well-known design editor and writer, explores how the spaces we inhabit can become an emotional refuge through authentic materials and meaningful objects. He also published the book How to Live in the City in 2016, part of the series The School of Lifewhere he reflects on how urban design and architecture affect our daily lives.

Other important references include Ilse CrawfordThe interior designer, who collaborates with MacDonald, says: "Design is not just about making beautiful things, it's about making things that make life better".; o Edward Hollisauthor of How to Make a Homewho provides a complementary view on the transformation of spaces into homes.

How to turn a house into a home: Keys for design and culture lovers

Urban housing has evolved from being a simple functional space to become a reflection of the identity and lifestyle of its inhabitants. Making a house a home means creating an environment that inspires you, where you feel safe and at peace. For culturally restless urbanites and design lovers, this transformation is both a pleasure and a necessity.

This approach is perfectly captured in the project The Selbycreated by Todd Selbya photographer and director who has dedicated his work to exploring the personal spaces of artists, designers and creatives and who we particularly like at Monapart, as already demonstrated in this article that we dedicated to it in 2010.

The Selby offers an intimate look into the homes of these people, showing how their spaces authentically reflect their lives and values. The images reveal not only the aesthetic style, but also the everyday objects that bring soul to the homes. This project highlights how design must go beyond mere functionality or fashion, becoming an extension of personal identity.

"To get to know the people whose houses I portray, I look at their book collection" - Todd Selby 

Through The Selby, we see how homes become settings where the stories and experiences of those who live in them are intertwined with the unique details of their décor. This authenticity and personalisation is exactly what modern urbanites are looking for, who want to create spaces that are a genuine reflection of their lives and not just a showcase for passing trends.

In this vein, Hugo MacDonald describes the importance of creating an emotional connection with the spaces we inhabit: "A house is a home when it provides a sense of place, comfort and belonging, and allows its inhabitants to grow". 

>> This is how we at Monapart have always understood true domesticityWe live in those spaces where we coexist with the occasional chewy plant, lick the spoon of Nutella and walk around barefoot and so comfortable in the comfort of our own weaknesses. 

Personalised design: make your home reflect your identity

One of the first steps to creating your dream homeis personalise spaces. This involves more than just choosing beautiful furniture: it's about selecting items that speak to you and your lifestyle.

Particularly important in a context where the representation of housing on social media is pure scenographyWith materials that imitate the real thing, artificial interiors designed for people passing through looking for homelike interiors for "like minded people"... How to bet on the authenticity of the real home and free ourselves from this dystopia of globalised interior design? Quite a challenge... 

"A home should reflect who you are, where you have been and where you are going."

>> At Monapart we sell and lease #viviendasbonitas like these, full of intention, sometimes a little clumsy, but always very authentic; from when we all knew less about interior design.

Perhaps a first step in personalising our home is to go for the mix of styles in decoration. As MacDonald suggests: "Design decisions are best made when they reflect not only an aesthetic preference, but also the values of those who live there". Not everything has to fit, we are asymmetrical, we stain, we have a natural tendency to entropy... and sometimes we like random things that give us away here and there. Be that as it may. 

Materials and textures that connect with the senses

To turn a house into a home, it is not enough to take care of the visual aspect; it is also necessary to consider how the space feels. Natural materials and tactile textures are essential to create a welcoming atmosphere. According to Hugo MacDonald, "The materials that surround us influence how we feel, and natural materials such as wood and stone can bring a sense of stability and warmth. A popular trend among urban design enthusiasts is the use of textiles to soften industrial or modern spaces.

>> At Monapart we like the homes we sell or rent to be made of authentic materials where wood is wood, hydraulic floors are hydraulic floors, marble is marble and exposed brick wall is exposed brick... Materials that provide a solid and timeless base to any type of design. Living in a permanent Truman Show ... you don't really think so, do you?

"Natural textures and materials not only look good, but also make the space feel good."

Art and Personal Objects: Telling your story through decoration

Decoration is not only about aesthetics, but also about telling a story. A home that reflects your identity includes art, personal objects and mementos that have special meaning. As Hugo MacDonald says, "The objects we choose to surround ourselves with can function as anchors, bringing memories, experiences and emotions home."

A key tip is not to overcrowd the space: less is more when it comes to personal decoration. Place your favourite objects at strategic points, allowing each piece to breathe and take its place in the space.

Nature as an essential part of decoration

Incorporating nature into your home is another key to making your home a welcoming and healthy space. Decorating your home with houseplants not only improves air quality, but also adds a touch of life and freshness. Hugo MacDonald highlights: "Plants bring a sense of life and a connection to nature that is difficult to replicate with other decorative elements.

From small cacti and succulents to larger plants such as ficus or monstera, Having plants in the home can completely change the feel of a space. The use of hanging plants is a popular trend in urban homes, especially in small spaces where every inch needs to be used.

The balance between design and functionality

A home should not only be aesthetically pleasing, but also functional. MacDonald stresses that "Good design is not just about how something looks, but about how it works in everyday life". In urban housing, where space can be limited, it is essential to make the most of every nook and cranny without compromising on style.

>> At Monapart we have seen many mini homes that balance design and functionality: open spaces that connect kitchen and living room, smart storage solutions and the integration of home offices are some of the solutions most valued by homeowners. the inhabitants of small houses. 

Creating a home is about more than just decorating; it's about connecting emotionally with the space and making it reflect your personality.

At Monapart, we are here to accompany you on this journey, offering for sale and for rent, beautiful homes with character that you can make your own.