What makes a house feel like a home?

[georgarina]

In your opinion?

Family.

Time

Cats.

A cat or two curled up on the sofa.

Having objects, furniture etc that you love, not just because they match, or fit into a particular colour scheme.

Things that mean something to you make your house far more interesting and homely.

A house that is lived in. Cushions and blankets so it’s comfy, half
burned candles, plates with little
chips in from being used.

Time

The people who live there comfort over style, definitely blankets

Pets
flowers
personal artifacts

Happiness and comfort both physically and metaphorically.

I’m looking at the candles glowing on the hearth and I noticed little chips on some plates today as I put them away. So it must be home. 😂

For me, it’s a feeling as you walk in the house.

Pets.

And lamps. Hate having the big light on.

Oh, and the smell.

You know the way every family’s house seems to have a different smell? We moved two years ago and I actually noticed when the house stopped smelling like it belonged to someone else.

Things on the walls, like art, children's craft or photos.

Smells nice / neutral

Plenty of light

Evidence of nice times (games, sentimental ornaments, hobby equipment)

It becomes your home as (even simple) memories are created.

Shoes in the hall. A cardigan or jacket on the back of a kitchen chair. Lots of bits and bobs of family life in the fruit bowl. Framed photos, house plants, throws on the sofa and a cat. Always a cat.

Cosiness, warmth, laughter, someone waiting to be hugged, lovely luxurious curtains, cushions and throws - I especially love ultra soft faux fur throws, a rug or two, beautiful subtle perfumed candles or melts and accent lighting.

This ... is fills my heart with joy every day ..

Can I just say .. the house is TINY.. but the view is huge and happiness inducing ..

I am interested in this, having recently been in a house that has most of the material things listed above, but which is swirling with familial bitterness and misery. I couldn't get out of there fast enough! I was so glad to get back to my small, shabby but cheerful little terraced cottage. I think it's all about the atmosphere, the memories created there and the feeling that people have been content and felt safe and peaceful. And laughed a lot. It sort of stays in the walls of the house.
Cats help, though.

These

A dog

Colour on the walls, magnolia and cream feel soulless to me.
Blankets everywhere.
Pets asleep on sofas and beds.
Evidence of my children like coats on the back of the chair.
I definitely can't do minimalistic living.

Pets, definitely.
Children, too.
In that order (don't tell my kids 😀)

The people in it 👪