What makes a house feel like home?

[Brimful]

I know, sorry, not an AIBU really, but can I ask for advice how to make a house feel all homey and cosy?

It's just DH and I rattling around our place, we are both quite minimal by nature decor wise and I like white walls, neutral furniture, with splashes of colour coming from paintings, cushions, rugs.

But I can't seem to make the house feel like home. Granted, being minimal doesn't help as I hate clutter but what makes your house 'home' and not just some rooms your stuff is in?

I find it hard buying anything that doesn't have a specific purpose or use, for a long time I had to budget and only buy essentials but now I'm financially better off I can't seem to break the habit of being frugal.

Hoping for inspiration!

So many people saying clutter and pets.
I've always had cosy homes without those things.

Lighting, soft furnishings and pieces that you have collected over time make a house cosy. Clean and clear and minimalist can be cosy, it's all in the textures and soft furnishings. Things like your photos, op and if you choose furniture to be beautiful and practical, you home will come together over time.

This thread has lots of tips and ideas but find out what cosy means to you. No point getting candles, plants and pets if you don't like them.

Cosy will mean something different to all of us.

I'd say 'a dog' too, but mine is always either right beside me or right behind me, so I never see a room with her in it!

Sheepskin rugs and tactile things look cosy, also 'natural' things, bark, wood, flowers, wool.

Photos, dimmer lights and this time of year a Christmas tree

@Fluffycloudland77 so sorry about your cat, I hate it if my cats aren’t home (like when you get back from holiday and can’t collect them until the next day). Just not the same and sorry yours is permanent xx

Thank you, that’s very kind of you. I’m obsessed with cat proofed gardens now.

I’m determined to never lose one like this again.

Candles, plug ins, cosy thick throws for the sofa

Honestly lIghting will make all the difference. Look up interior lighting or similar that will explain the different types of lighting to layer.

Also - for me, things that are cosy - throws, candles, and personally I’m a fan of lanterns etc. Stuff that makes you comfortable.

It’s so subjective though, some of what people have described here is my idea of a living hell and the complete opposite of cosy, piles of magazines and post as someone suggested and clutter just makes a house feel chaotic to me, I like peace, calm and tranquility in my home. You need a home that makes you feel cosy, so if a minimalist look is more your thing then I think a few throws some cushions, a rug or two and some soft lighting would cosy it up without doing a 360 on the style you actually like and feel comfortable with.

nice thick curtains, and for me I like alot of photos and pictures on the walls so I can see the people who are special to me wherever I am. Nice lamps are good too. Throws on the sofa to use when you snuggle up and watch a film. And as cliche and cringe as it sounds, the person you are sharing the home with is what makes it 'home's for me