If summer is for adventure, then autumn is for exhale.
Thereās something magical about the shift ā when the daylight fades a little earlier, the sweaters get a little thicker, and suddenly being home feels like the best plan youāve ever made.
Welcome to Homebody Season, where we unapologetically cancel plans, fluff the throw pillows, and light the good candles. šÆļø
This isnāt about staying in because thereās nothing to do ā itās about staying in because youāve built a home worth being in.
šļø Step 1: Create a Space That Feels Like a Hug
You donāt need a full renovation to make your home feel softer and more serene. The goal is comfort ā but with intention.
Lighting: Lamps > overheads, always. Warm light instantly makes a room feel inviting. (Pro tip: switch bulbs to āsoft whiteā ā it changes everything.)
Textures: Think cozy layers ā throw blankets, chunky knits, faux fur, and natural fibres. You want it to look like your couch is whispering, āstay awhile.ā
Scent: Fall is the season of scent. Try simmering a pot of water with cinnamon sticks, cloves, and orange peels ā your house will smell like a Hallmark movie.
Sound: Create a āHomebodyā playlist ā mellow acoustics, lo-fi coffee shop beats, or your favourite 90s soft hits. Music is emotional architecture.
Your home should invite you to slow down.
ā Step 2: Build Little Rituals
Cozy isnāt a thing ā itās a rhythm.
Morning coffee in your favourite mug, not a travel tumbler.
A nightly skincare routine that actually feels like self-care.
Reading by lamplight instead of scrolling TikTok at 1 a.m.
Taking ten minutes to tidy before bed so you wake up calm instead of chaotic.
The truth is, we romanticize ābusyā ā but peace? Peace is the real luxury.
š Step 3: Make It Yours
You donāt need a Pinterest-perfect home; you just need your home.
Display things that make you happy ā a framed ticket stub, your grandmaās teacup, the plant youāve somehow kept alive for a year. These pieces tell your story.
And if your home still feels more āmehā than āmarvelousā? Donāt panic ā a few small investments can help.
Paint one wall a deep, calming colour.
Swap out old cabinet hardware for matte black or brushed gold.
Add plants (even fake ones ā zero shame).
If youāre wondering how far to go with home improvements before resale, thatās where @mortgagewithchar can help. You can use the equity in your home to fund small renos that actually pay off later.
š° Step 4: Mind the Money ā Without Losing the Magic
Homebody season can make us spendy ā candles, throws, home dĆ©cor, you name it.
But cozy doesnāt have to mean costly.
Charlotteās rule of thumb? Follow the 3-2-1 Method:
3 small upgrades (new pillows, blanket, lamp)
2 indulgences (that fancy candle and a bottle of local wine)
1 intentional splurge (maybe a reading chair or that weighted blanket youāve been eyeing)
And if youāre already planning bigger updates ā a basement finish, kitchen refresh, or adding a fireplace ā it might be time to look at your mortgage strategy. You might be sitting on equity that could fund your next project smarter (and cheaper).
šÆļø Step 5: Invite People In ā or Donāt
Thereās power in knowing your limits. Some nights are for hosting pumpkin bread and wine nights. Others are for staying in pajamas with Netflix and a face mask. Both count as āself-care.ā
When you do host, go easy on yourself:
Serve one signature dish (like a baked brie or chili) instead of a five-course meal.
Ask guests to bring a dessert or bottle of wine.
Use real candles and paper napkins ā no oneās judging.
Remember: your home doesnāt have to be perfect. It just has to be yours.
š« Final Thought
Homebody season isnāt about isolation ā itās about restoration. Itās the slow, steady joy of living in a space that feels good.
So light the candle. Pour the tea. Leave your phone in the other room.
Let your home remind you that comfort isnāt complacency ā itās care.
And when youāre ready to talk about how your home can work for you financially (hello, refinance, debt consolidation, or renovation loans), @mortgagewithchar is right there beside you.
Because being home should feel cozy in every way ā emotionally and financially. š