More Than a House: 5 Ways to Create a Home with Alaskan Soul

There’s a feeling that settles in when you truly come home. It’s a sense of peace, of belonging, of being in a space that is a complete reflection of you. After spending over 13 years as a business consultant, helping organizations find their unique voice and tell their story, I realized that so many of us struggle to do the same for our own homes. We fill them with things, but we don’t always fill them with soul.

That is why I started Let’s Stay Home. I wanted to create a space in Anchorage where people could find not just furniture, but pieces of their own story. This guide is for anyone who, like me, believes a home should be more than just a house. It’s about creating a sanctuary with authentic Alaskan soul.

1. Embrace Natural Textures (A Lesson from the Alaskan Landscape)

Living in Alaska means being in a constant, beautiful dialogue with the natural world. The rugged textures of the mountains, the soft quiet of the snow, the rich grain of the spruce and birch—these elements are part of our collective identity. Bringing them into your home is the most intuitive way to create a space that feels grounded and real.

Think beyond just aesthetics and focus on how things feel. Run your hand over a solid wood table, sink your feet into a plush wool rug, or wrap yourself in a linen throw. These materials, drawn from the world just outside our windows, provide a sense of comfort and permanence that synthetic materials simply cannot replicate. It’s a simple lesson I’ve learned from years of living here: when your home is in harmony with its landscape, your soul feels more at ease.

2. Tell a Story with Unique, Found Pieces

A home filled with soul is a home filled with stories. While mass-produced furniture can be functional, it rarely has a story to tell. A vintage armchair, a hand-thrown pottery lamp, or a piece of consigned furniture with a bit of history, however, brings a layer of character and individuality that is impossible to manufacture.

These are the pieces that spark conversation, the ones that make a room feel uniquely yours. They are a testament to the fact that you took the time to find something that truly spoke to you. As one of our wonderful customers, Jessie, recently put it:

“I loved the eclectic nature of this beautiful store. I discovered items here that I never seen in other Alaskan shops. I purchased several items for my home and plan to shop there frequently for myself and for gifts. Let’s Stay Home is a winner!!!!”

When you choose a piece with a past, you give it a future in your own story. You don’t need a whole house of antiques; even one or two meaningful items can transform a room from a sterile space into a personal sanctuary.

3. Showcase Local Alaskan Artists and Makers

One of the most powerful ways to give your home an Alaskan soul is by filling it with the work of the talented people who live here. Supporting local artists and makers is about more than just decorating; it’s an investment in our community and a celebration of the creativity that thrives in our unique corner of the world.

Whether it’s a painting that captures the light over the Chugach, a ceramic mug that feels perfect in your hands on a cold morning, or a piece of custom furniture from a local woodworker, these items carry the spirit of their creator. At Let’s Stay Home, we are deeply committed to being a platform for these local talents, and we believe that featuring their work is what truly sets a home apart. It weaves your personal space into the larger story of our Alaskan community.

4. Create “Hygge” Moments for Long Winters

The Danish concept of hygge—a quality of cozy contentment and well-being—feels like it was made for Alaska. It’s about finding joy in the simple, quiet moments, especially during our long, dark winters. Creating a home with soul means intentionally designing spaces for these moments.

For me, my favorite hygge spot is a worn leather armchair in a corner of my living room. It’s paired with a soft reading lamp and a small table just big enough for a cup of tea and a good book. It’s not grand or elaborate, but it’s a space I can retreat to that feels safe, warm, and entirely my own. Think about where you can create your own small sanctuary. It could be a window seat with a view of the snow, a collection of candles on a mantelpiece, or simply a pile of irresistibly soft blankets on your sofa.

5. Let Your Home Evolve: A Strategist’s Take on Decorating

In my previous life at Alaska Business Concepts, I advised organizations that the best strategy is one that allows for growth and adaptation. A home is no different. There is immense pressure to have a “finished” or “perfect” space, but the most soulful homes are the ones that are allowed to evolve over time.

Your home should be a living journal of your life. It should reflect who you were, who you are, and who you are becoming. Don’t be afraid to move things around, to swap out pieces, or to live with an empty corner until you find something you truly love. Give yourself permission to be on a journey. A home with soul isn’t a static showroom; it’s a dynamic, ever-changing reflection of a life well-lived.

Ready to find pieces with soul? Your home’s story is waiting to be told. Visit Let’s Stay Home in Anchorage to discover our curated collection of new, used, and consigned treasures that will help you create a space you truly love.