How to make a house feel homely

bilbodreams

I d like to make my home feel cosy. Some homes have that warm feeling, that kind of places where you just want to spend time in, where people want to drop y for a cuppa, We have recently moved back into our 2 bed terrace after being away for 6 years. It deserves to be loved and I'd love to make it homely.Have you got any suggestions?

maman

In the sitting room, I'm a big fan of table lambs. I think overhead lighting can be harsh. So a nice soft glow on a winter's evening is good.


Candles work well. I like tea lights in the hearth. Might light some tonight.:)

[Deleted User]

Hi BILBODREAMS we've painted all the walls in a colour called 'Buttermilk' it makes the house look as though the sun is shining even in the cold grey depths of winter, we've kept the woodwork white for light and have soft creamy brown on the floors. I love candles for mood lifting, have lots and home wouldn't be home without books so I've a floor to ceiling bookcase on one wall and that's adding colour with all the different covers. We've got some pictures on the walls painted by one of our DDs and some black and white photographs going back to Great great Grandma in a multi frame helps make the family feeling. Nothing we own is new, all of it is rescued or given to us or found second hand but it all sits happily beside each other and makes it HOME!!!

Witless

The difference between a house and a home?

Simple.

A dog.

[Deleted User]

Oh yes.....and a dog!!! we lost our old lad back in June and there is a gap where he was and neither one of us has been able to sit in his armchair yet, definitely a dog MAKES a house a home!!!

bexster1975

Hi

I think this is really personal. A lovely wall colour as Mrs LW mentions is an excellent place to start. I also second lamps for light or candles, especially in the winter. I think buying things you love will always make a house a home. Much of my stuff is second hand - often by choice but when I moved in out of necessity. But I bought what I really liked and so don't throw things out all the time. Lovely throws, cushions, rugs etc will cosy up your lounge and can be as expensive or as reasonable as you like. If you are looking for inspiration you could do worse than your home or style at home mags. Both are only £1.99 off the shelf. I have an electric coal - effect fire where you can just switch on the lights if you want. It's weird but it seems to make the room feel warmer. I think being laid back in your style will encourage visitors to relax. best of luck with it, I really love starting a new room project. Will be lots of fun

Bexster

pickledonionspaceraider

I think people want to drop round for a cuppa if you make them welcome - despite if you have threadbare carpets.

As long as there is a seat and a cup, that will be enough

bilbodreams

Thank you so much for your responses, they are very very helpful. This is quite important to me as I grew up in a very cold house, no proper heating, hardly any pictures on the wall, very bare in general. I love hunting for second hand things but I am not confident on where to put them and make them look their best, I suppose I need more practice! Got lots of ideas now.
PS and on the plus side I ve got a lovely dog ( she is a rescue dog, how very MSE! )

Rummer

People, pets, books and a small selection of things that you love that show your personality. In our home there are books in every room and in the public rooms there are items linked to our hobbies as well as pieces of art that we have chosen together. Warm colours help too. Although when it comes down to it the people are the most important.

tooties

Hi

Some house plants and/or flowers, some magazines and some cushions. A home needs to look lived in so a little bit of mess and clutter is perfect.

Regards

Tooties

marleyboy

The first thing I did to turn this house into a home was to put the family portrait up. as soon as OH got home,the first thing she said when she saw the picture was "Now its a home!" and smiled with pride.

Sometimes its the small insignificant things that make your house a home.