One of the hardest parts of moving to a new city can be finding a place that feels like home. After uprooting everything you know, it’s important that you have somewhere that feels safe and familiar to you. If you’ve just moved into a new house or apartment, you probably don’t feel too “at home” yet. If you’re ready to make your Springfield abode feel homey, we’re here to help. Check out these local stores and designers and start feeling connected to your home!
Start from square one
Before you start putting paint on the walls or adding too much decor, you may choose to seek out the help of an interior designer. Whether you’ve got Chip and Joanna style or you’re looking for a Marie Kondo minimalist look, our local designers can do it all:
- Ellecor Design. It only takes a quick browse through Ellecor’s portfolio to fall in love with their unique designs. The team at Ellecor works with you one-on-one to conceptualize the look you’re dreaming of, checking in with you every step of the way. If you stop by their Rountree location, you can see their interior design ideas in action — perfect for inspiration!
- Obelisk Home. You’d be hard pressed to find a Springfieldian who doesn’t love the work of Obelisk Home. They offer a full range of interior design services including furniture layouts, renderings, floor and electrical plans and lots more. You can browse their retail store for furniture and accessories or let them handle the hard work and come home to a beautifully styled residence.
Deck the walls
Nothing says “I just moved here” like completely blank walls. It’s amazing how just tacking up a few things to the wall can make your place feel lived-in. If you’re on the hunt for some wall decor, check out these spots:
- Fresh Gallery. Showcasing dozens of local artists, the Fresh Gallery is the place to find art. The work varies across a variety of media including paintings, metalwork, woodwork, ceramic, photography and more. If you can’t find time to get down to the shop during normal hours, be sure to stop by during their monthly exhibits at First Friday Art Walk!
- Pickwick Underground Framing. Show off your favorite works of art and other prized possessions with a little help from one of Springfield’s most creative framing shops. They’ve got a wide selection of custom frames and shadowboxes in styles ranging from traditional to contemporary. They also have protective glass and mat board, along with professional assembly and mounting for museum-quality results!
Explore Art Walks & Local Events to Find Home Décor
One of the best ways to make your new house feel like home is by decorating with unique, meaningful pieces that reflect your personality and your new community. In Springfield, local art walks and events offer the perfect opportunity to find one-of-a-kind home décor while also connecting with the local culture and people.
- First Friday Art Walk: This monthly event in downtown Springfield showcases work from local artists, offering everything from paintings to sculptures. It’s not only a great place to find unique pieces for your home but also an opportunity to meet the artists and support the local creative community. By investing in art from Springfield’s galleries like Fresh Gallery, Obelisk Home, and others, you’re not just decorating your walls—you’re bringing a piece of your new town into your home.
- Seasonal Art Festivals and Markets: Events like Cider Days and the Japanese Fall Festival also feature booths where local artisans sell handmade crafts, pottery, textiles, and other home décor items. These seasonal festivals give you a chance to meet your neighbors and feel more connected to the heart of the city.
Getting involved in these events can turn your house into a true reflection of your new surroundings. As you explore the art scene and connect with others, Springfield will start feeling less like a new place and more like home. Plus, attending these events is a fantastic way to make friends and build lasting connections within the community—because when you start to love the town and its people, your new home becomes a space filled with familiar stories and local culture.
Get connected
Making a home in a new city is about more than just adding furnishings, it’s also about making connections to those around you. While
it isn’t easy to find a new friend, you may find some help here:
- Find a hobby. One of the easiest ways to meet people is to find those who share your interests. Looking to find some hobby groups in town? Check out our blog on some of the ways you can get connected!
- Join a networking group. Meeting other professionals in the area can help both your social life and your career. Springfield is full of amazing networking groups across dozens of industries. One of the easiest ways to get plugged in is to check in with the Chamber of Commerce – you’ll get connected to events, networking groups and plenty more. Young professionals under 40 will want to join The Network. Members have access to informative programming and socials that help you advance your career and find leadership opportunities within Springfield’s thriving business community. You’ll make some new friends in no time.
- Join a neighborhood association. There are currently 23 neighborhood associations registered with the City of Springfield. Getting involved keeps you abreast of long-range planning and programs for conserving and revitalizing the neighborhoods that make Springfield a great place to live. The best part of all? It’s a great way to get to know your neighbors!
If you’re ready to relocate, we have the place for you. Download our relocation guide and see what Springfield, MO has to offer.
