To not understand why people want a nice house?

[tittletattlelolo]

My two friends are into buying plants/cushions/ornaments/flowers etc etc for their house but i don't get it.
What's the point? Only the people living in it see it.
As long as you have the basics fridge /bed etc
Why do you need all the rest?
A bloody tray with scented candles /those smelly things with the sticks etc
I've tried to get into homey things but I just can't
Am I the only woman who doesn't get it?

I can never understand why people wouldn't want a nice home! For most of us it is the biggest purchase of our lives, so I think it's normal to make it look it's best. Doesn't have to be rammed full of stuff, but it should be a reflection of you/your interests, because that's what makes it your home. I consider myself a 'homey' person, but I only buy what I love, not what Instagram tells me is in fashion. I try to buy classic pieces, that won't date quickly. I'm not into clutter, but I do like items that are displayed attractively (and yes, as per your OP that may include a tray with a candle on it)!

I like going out as well, but there is nothing like the feeling of coming home. To being enveloped in your own sanctuary, away from the world. Making an effort to create an attractive, homely, comforting space, is well worth it in my opinion. It lifts my spirits to see a beautiful bunch of flowers on the table, special photos displayed in pretty frames, art we love on the walls and the smell of fresh linen. I want my family to always have a strong sense of home and I hope my personal touches give them the same feeling of comfort and security they give me.

@NannyRed where did I say I lived like a student with pots under my bed

P.s I've name changed as I've just posted about my boyfriend and he might find out it's me.
Feel free to give me some advice on that thread if possible :-)

I've never not wanted a nice house but while I live alone it just feels pointless.
One day if I have kids,get married/move in with bf then it might be different and I've tried to like all the fancy stuff i just can't.

I’m pretty minimalist. I detest clutter. My best friends sister always used to say ‘it looks like you’ve just move it’. Each and EVERY time she came over. Funnily enough, I never used to say ‘It looks like an overfilled charity shop in here!’ When I went to her house . 🙄🤣. Actually, I liked her house (to visit), it’s very ‘homely’ but in a way I could never cope with - lots of chintz, home sweet home cross stitch, matching everything, with frills. Homely, but not my style.

Some friend redecorate then go out shopping for ‘finishing touches’ ie matching cushions, candles, ornaments, vases etc ‘to match’. Their rooms look like adverts for Next or whatever. They look ‘nice’ but soulless - to me.

I acquire or buy things I love and because I love them they work. For me anyway...and frankly that’s all I care about. If others like it too, great, if not 🤷🏻‍♀️

I’ve travelled a lot and lived in a lot of places temporarily. I can live very sparsely and it doesn’t bother me at all. I’d rather that, than somewhere massively fussy.

But if I buy something I need when I’m away, say a towel, I’ll always take the time to find one I like or I’ll buy a pretty sarong instead.

I’d never go out looking ‘for a piece’ - it’s just not me.

I've also had to google. 2.2 million followers. Am gobsmacked.
But then again i don't really like grey.

Because it’s nice to live in a cosy home that you have taken the effort to make nice. It’s more relaxing than a scarce little box.

I'm a minimalist however I do like a nice home! My one biggie is photo frames as I have a large area dedicated to family photo's.

Like you I am not into candles, flowers, ornament, throws and so on. I do like nice things which are quality though. I am not even a card person which is quite unusual I am told for a woman.#

I do like cushions though and have spent quite a bit of money on those, however that's another story.

I think op if you'd said, I have limited income, and whilst it's just me, I'd rather spend that money on my social life, clothes and make up.

No one would have batted an eyelid. Most people have been there.

But when you post, I don't any like nice things for the home, and nice is subjective, it can be anything from a piece of art, a cosy blanket, a framed photo, nice cushions, a pretty rug, or yes even a candle, then it becomes a bit unusual.

I don't have visitors but nice cushions and threes etc are appealing and comfy.

Also on weekend I'm not going out or having visitors, so I should stay in dirty and manky clothes?? I wear clean fresh clothes first thing, I feel better plus it makes me feel better and focused.

Throws*

I'd rather see a painting than stare at a brick wall. Why bother to do anything? Why get out of bed? Why have a bed when you have a floor? Why why why? Mysteries of the universe. Existential crisis on the horizon

longwayoff

I'd rather see a brick wall than a bad painting though.

Valid point speakout, cant argue against it.

My house is quite individual and reflects my tastes, but then I've worked in a design environment for a long time and it's an extension of that. It's a creative outlet.

I rarely have visitors but my house is packed with gorgeous bits and bobs and a shit loads of furniture it looks like something out of a victorian photo very very homely i love it andso does hubby! i dont need but i want!!!!

Give me a nice brick wall over 95% of paintings! 🤷🏻‍♀️🤣

IncrediblySadToo

That's how I feel too.

I rarely see artwork that I like enough or want to look at every day.

You’re not looking at much then.

I'd rather see a brick wall than a bad painting though

Why would anyone buy a painting they dislike to hang on their wall? Surely the whole point it they buy one they like?

As long as you don't have Live, Love, Laugh things up in your house you'll be fine. Every time I see that stuff I cringe

As long as you don't have Live, Love, Laugh things up in your house you'll be fine.
so what? As long as they don't put it in MY house, what's wrong with choosing items they like and make them happy.

Everybody believes they have taste, style and a sense of humour.

You’re not looking at much then

Or maybe we have discerning taste & don’t just hang up something because someone else thinks we should like it 🤷🏻‍♀️

Most people have something they once liked or just bought to fill the space and don’t even ‘see’ it anymore. It’s rare that it still brings someone joy or interests them
after a long time.

I’m in my 40’s. My tastes have changed over the years (thank god really 🤣). Nothing would appeal to me to be hanging there for years on end.

Or maybe you’re not looking at any original art. I wouldn’t put crap from chain stores on my wall but it’s unlikely that, of all the millions of pieces of art in the world, you couldn’t find something you’d love.

Alsohuman

It's a little more complex than that though. I have seen lots of artwork that is though provoking, stir up emotions, pieces I love, but wouldn't want to live with them everyday.
I may love a piece of artwork- but would I want it in my face every day?

I have a large ( shock horror chainstore) series of forest images on my kitchen diner wall. I live in a forested area and have a lot of natural wood in my home.
The images suit the space well , provide a calming atmosphere and tie in well with the outdoo/indoor feel of the room.
It's a neutral , non challenging image that acts almost like wallpaper. I don't "love " it, but I can't think of any piece of artwork I would want to look at day in day out.