When it comes to living the military lifestyle, only one thing is guaranteed: change. With constant change often comes constant moves and setting up a new house. Whether you are a seasoned spouse or new to the military life, we all know that sometimes living in military housing is unavoidable.
Take it from Army spouse Beth Kingston, who has lived in 14 different homes in 21 years. Kingston, owner of Kingston Crafts and an on-air craft expert on the Home Shopping Network, tells We Are The Mighty that four of those homes included on-post housing – and it has a few surprising benefits.
“The best thing about living in on-post housing is it gives you an opportunity to discover what you love and don’t love about a home,” she explains. “Live in an open floor plan and love it? Have the main bedroom on the first floor and hate it? These are all things that will stay with you and as you change duty stations, and eventually buy your forever home.”
Kingston also shares that living in military housing allows for creativity to flourish and she advocates for spouses to never be afraid to try something new.
“Always wanted to have a mural in your bedroom? Go for it! Want to try layering rugs in your living room? Why not?” she says. “I think sometimes civilian families get stuck in a design rut, because once they’ve picked a wall color or a rug for the living room they never have to think about it again. Since most military families move every few years we know that the wallpaper we picked isn’t forever or that rug might be too big for the next space, so let that free you to look at things in an unconventional way or try a new style (or) design technique.”
Here are 7 ways military families can make base housing feel like home:
1. Maximize Temporary Solutions
Even though a base house is a temporary home and not your “forever” by any means, making it feel like your own while you’re there is a simple way to stay grounded in the present. Utilize removable wallpaper to make a space pop and become BFFs with command hooks, particularly when it comes to walls you can’t put nails in.
Removable Wallpaper: Use peel-and-stick wallpaper to add color and pattern without damaging walls. This is an easy way to create an accent wall or bring in some texture. If you really want to go bold you can buy removable wallpaper murals, and if you don’t like the idea of a pattern you can buy solid color wallpaper which gives you the look of paint without all the mess – or having to ask permission.
“Removable wallpaper used to be a hot mess. It was hard to put on, ruined the paint underneath, and required hours of scraping to remove,” Kingston says with a laugh. “Today’s removable wallpaper is a dream come true. It’s easy to apply, peels off in one piece – which is oddly satisfying – and with thousands of options available online you can find one that fits your personality, your budget and your space.”
Command Hooks and Strips: These are your best friends for hanging artwork, photos, or even shelves without leaving holes in the walls.
2. Focus on Furniture
Let’s be honest – not every piece of furniture you own is going to fit perfectly. The reality of military housing is rooms that are odd sizes and walls in peculiar places. Buying furniture that is multi-functional can be a huge long-term benefit and using customized slipcovers to make each space unique.
Multi-Functional Pieces: Invest in furniture that serves multiple purposes, like storage ottomans, sleeper sofas, or dining tables with extendable leaves. This is especially useful in smaller spaces.
Customized Slipcovers: If you aren’t in love with your furniture anymore, but can’t justify replacing it, use slipcovers to match your style. You can even switch them out seasonally for a fresh look.
3. Add Personal Touches
Whether it’s family photos or DIY projects that make a space easier to use or add your personal touch, making a space feel like your own is so important.
“When we were first married, I’m not sure I put up one photo or piece of art in our home. It seemed like too much effort and there was always something else to do and frankly, it made me homesick to see photos of our family and friends when we were thousands of miles away,” Kingston says. “When we moved to a duty station where we knew we were going to be there for a while I finally decided to start putting up photos and I couldn’t believe I hadn’t done it sooner. It was the missing piece that made our house a home.”
Family Photos and Mementos: Create a gallery wall with photos, military awards or souvenirs from past duty stations. This personalizes the space and makes it feel like home. Picture frames/home decor pieces and other small items can add pops of color, bring together a theme, and remind you of places you’ve visited and people you love.
DIY Projects: Get creative with some DIY décor. Whether it’s a hand-painted sign or custom-made throw pillows, adding something you’ve created makes the space unique.
4. Play with Lighting
The right lighting can transform a space – and the wrong lighting can ruin it. Typically base housing has some combination of dated light fixtures and harsh lighting, but you don’t have to live with it. Taking time to switch out fixtures and bulbs (within reason – make sure you’re able to swap it out again before you move), can completely change how you feel in a space.
“If you can invest in new light fixtures – and feel comfortable doing electrical work – switching out from the infamous ‘boob’ lighting that every on-post house seems to have can totally transform a space,” Kingston says. “Want a statement piece like a chandelier? Gorgeous! Need a ceiling fan for your bedroom? Do it! Love a bold black metal modern light fixture? A boho rattan pendant light? Whatever your style there is a lighting fixture to help you express it.”
Lamps and Light Fixtures: Since you might not be able to change the layout, bring in your own lamps or light fixtures to help make the space your own. Sometimes a hanging pendant light or ceiling fan can completely transform a room.
Smart Bulbs: Use smart bulbs to control the color and brightness of the lights. This can help set the mood and is an easy way to modernize the space. Need brighter lights in your kitchen? Fluorescent bulbs will do the trick. Want a softer, warmer feel? Incandescent lights are perfect for bedrooms and family rooms.
“If new fixtures aren’t in your budget, I can’t overstate how much changing out the lightbulbs can change the look and feel of a living space,” Kingston says. “If you aren’t familiar with the different kinds of lightbulbs that are available a quick trip to your local home store will help, they generally have displays with the different bulbs to help you decide.”
5. Rugs and Textiles
- Area Rugs: Rugs are a great way to define spaces, especially in open-plan layouts. They also add warmth and color to otherwise neutral floors.
- Curtains: Even if you can’t change the window treatments, you can add your own curtains to bring in style and privacy.
6. Outdoor Spaces
Don’t think that the only space worth making “home” is indoors – military housing often comes with a small yard, patio or balcony you can make your own.
- Balconies and Patios: If you have a small outdoor area, consider adding some potted plants, outdoor rugs and foldable furniture. This extends your living space and gives you a spot to relax outside.
- Portable Gardens: Use containers or vertical garden setups to create a small garden. This is a great way to add greenery and personalize your outdoor space without permanent alterations.
“Facebook marketplace, yard (or) estate sales and thrift stores are your friend,” Kingston says. “They are great places to find inexpensive pieces to try out a new style or theme for your home. This will also help as you move from one duty station to another, because a piece of furniture that worked in your last house might not fit in your new house, and if you only paid $20 for it at a yard sale you won’t feel like you have to make it work.”
7. Incorporate Your Style
Not sure what that is yet? Kingston says military life can actually help you figure it out.
“Moving every few years to different parts of the country or world helps you discover your own style,” she explains. “The coastal vibe of the East Coast is different from the traditional vibe of the South which is different from the chic lodge vibe of the Northwest.”
- Color Coordination: Choose a color scheme that reflects your style and carry it throughout your home. Whether it’s bold and bright or calm and neutral, consistency in color can tie everything together.
Personal Collections: Display collections or hobbies in a stylish way. Whether it’s books, travel souvenirs, or military memorabilia, these items can become focal points in your décor.