reposted from: http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/ideas-for-naming-your-house-223250
Once reserved for grand estates and castles, house naming is a much more casual affair these days thanks to social media. House names can be like Twitter handles or vanity license plates: Another place to define your identity and communicate your personality and humor.
Personally, I’ve always loved the concept of giving your home a name, even if you don’t live in a proper “manor.” Heck, especially if you don’t live in a manor. House names can still apply to a townhouse, apartment or studio, after all. It feels regal and stately and, yes, very fun. Cheap thrills are hard to come by these days.
If you’re a homeowner, a great name for your home might even help you sell it. From UK’s The Telegraph:
The survey undertaken for the property website Globrix, found that one in 14 said they would be prepared to pay more for a home just because it had a name. Even those that were not prepared to pay more said their opinion of the property would improve, with 40 per cent saying they would be more interested in viewing a property with a name.
Naming Your House
Ready to give your home a pedigree? Think about what kind of home you have. A word or suffix that describes your dwelling is a good place to start. (House, Home, Cottage, Lodge, Chateau, Regency, Villa, Arms, Wing, Corridor, Studio, Row, Bungalow, Barn, Loft, Hideaway, Oasis, Retreat, etc.)
Then, come up with a unique name to pair with it:
Are there any geographical features nearby? Think about your location and the views from your home. Willows, Ivy, Hillside, Meadow, Valley, Pacific, Gulf, Railway
Any historical significance to your building? Old Mill, Factory, School House, Church
What’s nearby? Think about the name of your neighborhood, street names, close landmarks or even rail stops. Haight, Westside, Flatiron, Euston, Division, Highlands
Any flora or fauna local to your region? State birds or just plant names you particularly like? Fox, Honeysuckle, Squirrel, Birch, Peartree, Cherrywood
Does your home or building have something unique about it? What do people comment on when they come over? Red Shutters, Ironwork, Picket Fence, Gates, Brick, Winding Drive, A Hundred Stairs
From these starting points, you might come up with names like The Old School House Loft, Honeysuckle House, Peartree Cottage, The Euston Arms, Church View Row, Hundred Stairs Studio, or a thousand others.
What Do You Do With Your Home’s Name?
Now that you have one, there are a few fun things you can do to show it off:
Put it on a plaque near the front door.
Have it embroidered onto towels or pillowcases.
Make it a location on Facebook or Foursquare for friends to check in.
Give it a hashtag and document your life at home or your decorating or renovating journey.