https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-your-house-a-home-what-helps-you-feel-at-home Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 29 Apr 2026 00:15:01 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-your-house-a-home-what-helps-you-feel-at-home/page/2#post-1003465 Sun, 11 Aug 2013 05:57:31 +0000 Elly 1003465@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh ladies! Angie, Biscuit's mom, Mary K, and Mandipa . . . I feel for you. I posted this thread because I've been feeling rather homeless. I've lived in 20 places since January of 2009.&nbsp; I've done a lot of living in homes I didn't like without things I find important to function, let alone being separated from pets, loved ones, and special treasures. <br />Currently between contracts I've landed back at my childhood home, but in reality I don't feel very respected here and have been battling everyone else in the household disrespecting my things (which have no home here) as well as the household and each other. I spent almost a month of my free time doing a massive deep clean because of it. I don't enjoy the dog. We recently lost a dear dog and a dear family member, I lost a dear friend, and our other dog had a cancer scare an a surgery and is aging too quickly. </p> <p>I was hoping this would be a boost, as I love relating to what people love! </p> <p>Angie, despite the sad circumstances I've enjoyed Greg's photos of your girls that show more of your beautiful home, in addition to Christmas photos. I always enjoy seeing how people's personalities are reflected in their homes and it has been a treat. </p> <p>I'm sending puppy loves from my avatar dog and hugs to each of you, along with well-wishes for your healing losses and new joys and recovery for your senses of home in the future. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-your-house-a-home-what-helps-you-feel-at-home#post-1003462 Sun, 11 Aug 2013 05:45:42 +0000 ManidipaM 1003462@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Now Angie's made me cry too! not too bad because unlike you and Mary, I can still recover my losses somewhat as well as having had a little time and distance to assuage the shock of coming home to find home destroyed. Books, art and crockery, as Angie mentioned, as well as some famiky photos, toys from my childhood I had saved for my kids and my grandmother's four-poster bed commissioned as part of her dowry are the main casualties---and some beyond recall.</p> <p>It was one reason I defined home in a more function-oriented way than in terms of beloved objects. Leaves me feeling less lost.</p> <p>But at least I have my favourite people still to help me populate it with memories and pleasures and other repositories of joy again. On that note, hugs to you both, Mary and Angie, though they can't replace the persons you are missing. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-your-house-a-home-what-helps-you-feel-at-home#post-1003137 Sat, 10 Aug 2013 18:52:44 +0000 MsMary 1003137@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Aw, big hugs back, Angie!!!&nbsp; Your light will shine again, too!&nbsp; XXX OOO times a million in this sad time!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-your-house-a-home-what-helps-you-feel-at-home#post-1003103 Sat, 10 Aug 2013 17:57:02 +0000 Angie 1003103@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, Mary. I wish I could soothe your pain. The light at the end of that tunnel WILL shine again. I hope you move back into a house that feels like a home as soon as possible. Hang in there. You are doing so well. (((HUGS)))</p> <p>Our doggies made our house feel like a home more than anything else. Now that they have both passed away we live in the same house that no longer feels like home. We moved through three continents with Jasmine and Rosie, and they made the most run down house in the French countryside feel like home. </p> <p>Other than our doggies, it's our art work, crockery, and books that make our house feel like home. A lifetime's collection that is irreplaceable. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-your-house-a-home-what-helps-you-feel-at-home#post-1002577 Fri, 09 Aug 2013 21:56:12 +0000 MsMary 1002577@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This thread has made me weep more than once, because I am feeling very homeless at the moment!&nbsp; Some of the things that made me feel at home in my beloved house were:</p> <p>1.&nbsp; My family<br />2.&nbsp; My pet(s)<br />3.&nbsp; A beautiful outdoor space<br />4.&nbsp; Past, present, and future "house projects" -- besides fashion, my house is my main creative/artistic outlet and I love to enjoy past projects while working on current ones and planning future ones!<br />5.&nbsp; All the little personalized touches I'd added over the years -- the magnetic knife rack next to the stove, the custom closets, the key rack next to the door, etc.<br />6.&nbsp; The space and equipment necessary to entertain as few or as many friends as I desire!</p> <p>At this point, I don't have any of those things and I am feeling very much adrift.&nbsp; but I hope/expect to be back in my&nbsp;house once the dust settles, though, and hopefully it will feel more like home than ever!</p> <p>In the meantime I have fixed up the Bachelorette Pad to be as comfortable and attractive as possible.&nbsp; It doesn't feel like home, but it does feel like a really, really nice hotel suite in which to stay while in temporary exile! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-your-house-a-home-what-helps-you-feel-at-home#post-1002554 Fri, 09 Aug 2013 21:27:19 +0000 Eliza 1002554@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I feel at home with my DH and adult children when they are around, but am also very keyed into&nbsp;our actual&nbsp;living space. &nbsp;Therefore art, physical comfort and convenience, as well as&nbsp;ambiance play roles in making me feel grounded. &nbsp;I like fresh flowers and candle light. &nbsp;I really appreciate simple beauty in my surroundings. &nbsp;I can find all of the above in a variety of places, including many that are only "home" for a short time.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-your-house-a-home-what-helps-you-feel-at-home#post-1002495 Fri, 09 Aug 2013 19:55:39 +0000 biscuitsmom 1002495@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't think I've ever felt truly *at home* anywhere :(&nbsp; I've always felt that I've moved into someone else's place and am just staying there </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-your-house-a-home-what-helps-you-feel-at-home#post-1002121 Fri, 09 Aug 2013 07:00:05 +0000 Elly 1002121@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Having loved ones and pets (Alicat, Joy, Shedev) around seems to be a common denominator for many of you, and rightfully so! Maybe this is a little corny, but home being where the heart is seems to ring true. Having a bed that is "complete" and made yours seems to be a theme (Ramya, lyn, Chewy), along with books and special decor, art, or travel souvenirs. </p> <p>Stacey, I'm glad you finally jumped in. I was waiting for someone to mention their coffee or coffeemaker! I loved your response and got a great feel for your personality and home, especially the bits about your son.</p> <p>Tex, I'm glad you joined in as well. I think the importance for you of sharing your home and being a good and welcoming host really comes across in the things that you highlight as important.&nbsp; </p> <p>Mandipa, I love how your practical function focused side came out, as well as your intellectual/emotional side. I can relate for the need for function in my home and wardrobe. </p> <p>Mo, I hear you on an inadequate setup feeling unwelcoming. Moving back and forth all the time would be hard on me, because after a certain amount of time having a temporary setup that doesn't completely function comfortably, let alone surround you with things that make you happy can make me weary. Despite being a traveler myself, I know I get tired of feeling homeless, or at least too far from home. </p> <p>Diana, funny enough I know what you and Louise mean. I'm kinda a neat freak myself, but I don't mind a little harmless "Elly and Sasquatch" dirt, but I won't walk on floors that haven't become mine through cleaning.&nbsp; </p> <p>DJ, I'm glad you mentioned how important food is to you. I can relate to wanting my kitchen stocked as I am acustomed. Not having all my tools or dry goods always dissappoints me because it is usually when I decide I have to make grandma's cookies or homemade carmel. </p> <p>Dianthus, I enjoyed your comment. I love how decor can change the feel of a house, and I do think it is a reflection of the personality and priorities of the decorators. </p> <p>Gaylene, I loved your description of collecting art with your husband. I love traveling and art and love to pick up a beautiful memory. I did not know that about duties. </p> <p>Rachy, I think that your taste in decor and fashion are a good reflection of your love of creativity and play. </p> <p>Donna, I am glad you mentioned the smell. I too largely use unscented stuff and leave windows open alot, and I often first notice the smells in others homes. That said, I also relate personal grooming smells and body chemistry from loved ones with home to an extent. </p> <p>Deborah, I enjoyed your description of your home as a safe orderly haven, how the people in your life populate your home with activity, and bringing home memories. </p> <p>Jules, I guess this is proof at how different people can be, although I can see how your style could definitely be peaceful, if not cozy. </p> <p>Ingunn, thank you for joining us. It seems like your describing more of an environment to hold parts of you, the people and things you care about, and an environment to live in.</p> <p>I'm really glad so many people responded. It has certainly got me thinking more about home. I expected lots of comments about family, coffee, and the functionality and decor of the space, but you all brought up small details that really aren't that small, and left out other things. </p> <p>I love to hear what people value, as well as what people prioritize when they put their houses together. </p> <p>I think for me, loved ones aren't enough to feel at home. I know at various times I've lived with people who I cared for deeply, but even with my family I often felt "homeless". I'm not OCD, but caring for the house, cleaning and maintaining it and showing respect for your fellow occupants is huge to feeling at home. Having a little space to function and claim is important as well. Good light is important to me because I am such a sun creature. I also need some quiet on occasion. Another big one is an escape route--- I hate feeling boxed in by other buildings, so I've got to be able to get out of town or to some open space or have a clear sight line.&nbsp; Feeling like I rate respect and space for my special things and to function is the huge one, and beyond that not being trapped in a box or cave is important. Memories are important, whether they be made there or brought. Like others, the bed is a big one for me, I love clean, smooth, warm and fluffy. A stocked kitchen with adequate counter space, and a good shower go a long way. </p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-your-house-a-home-what-helps-you-feel-at-home#post-1002085 Fri, 09 Aug 2013 05:51:34 +0000 Ingunn 1002085@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>To me, home is where myfamily is. I'm not really attached to particular places or furniture, maybe except my bed. Like Gaylene and Deborah, I like to be surrounded by books, and art and houseware brought home from my travels. I like light rooms that are not cluttered. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-your-house-a-home-what-helps-you-feel-at-home#post-1001791 Thu, 08 Aug 2013 20:39:24 +0000 texstyle 1001791@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think what makes our house a "home" is having food to share, some fresh herbs and sometimes wildflowers in a vase on the counter. Warm, earthy colors. A comfortable place to sit and visit. At least some artwork (I like framing photos I take of beautiful places). A comfortable bed and pillows. And esp. having people over to visit once in a while&nbsp;- that is something I feel I need to feel truly at home. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-your-house-a-home-what-helps-you-feel-at-home#post-1001700 Thu, 08 Aug 2013 18:14:47 +0000 Anonymous 1001700@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmm, excellent question.</p> <p>- A space doesn't feel like ours until it smells like ours.&nbsp;<br />- A made bed with tons of cushy pillows and soft sheets that invite me to un-make it. :)&nbsp;<br />- Coffee on hand. It's a sad day when we run out of&nbsp;coffee.<br />- My little DS's books on the coffee table and his blankies draped over a couch or chair. I'm such a neat freak at heart, and I&nbsp;relish how motherhood has smoothed some of those rough edges and made it easier for me to live with clutter.<br />- Books.<br />- Our personal decorating touches. DH and I have worked very hard to create a nice home on a budget. Home is where I express my&nbsp;true personal style, much more so than through fashion.<br />- Sunlight streaming through our kitchen windows in the morning.<br />- The cat.<br />- Our master suite. It's our cozy hideaway and is decorated in serene, muted colors chosen especially for their&nbsp;relaxing qualities. It's probably&nbsp;my favorite space in the house, and nobody sees it except us, which is more than OK with me! (Well, unless you're a 3-year-old who needs to wake up Mom and Dad on Saturday morning, ha ha.)&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-your-house-a-home-what-helps-you-feel-at-home#post-1001256 Thu, 08 Aug 2013 02:40:11 +0000 deb 1001256@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My pups, Books and bookcases in every room, music, art. Put them all together, stir them up, and I am home.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> </p> </p> <p></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-your-house-a-home-what-helps-you-feel-at-home#post-1000597 Wed, 07 Aug 2013 14:26:03 +0000 Jules 1000597@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm realizing that I truly prefer minimal furniture/"stuff" and also, white walls. I think because I grew up this way. Whereas someone who grew up with coloured walls (my DH and his sister) will often see white walls as unfinished/undecorated, I see them as relaxing and peaceful, gallery-like. Similarly with furniture arrangements. Having young kids, a relatively small home and lots of stuff, we certainly need furniture for storage (because I also hate clutter), but I really prefer a sparser arrangement wherever possible. "Cozy" is not really a goal for me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-your-house-a-home-what-helps-you-feel-at-home#post-1000448 Wed, 07 Aug 2013 05:31:37 +0000 lyn* 1000448@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My pillow. And my blankie </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-your-house-a-home-what-helps-you-feel-at-home#post-1000345 Wed, 07 Aug 2013 02:21:52 +0000 shedev 1000345@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My dogs. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-your-house-a-home-what-helps-you-feel-at-home#post-1000321 Wed, 07 Aug 2013 01:57:22 +0000 Anonymous 1000321@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>For me it's DH and my sweet dog. It's the greeting you get when you come in the door. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-your-house-a-home-what-helps-you-feel-at-home#post-1000274 Wed, 07 Aug 2013 01:25:54 +0000 Deborah 1000274@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My DH and DS are what make my house feel like a home, the sounds, the activity etc.&nbsp; Also order in my house (I am a bit of a neat freak) is one the things that make it feel like MY home and a safe haven.&nbsp;And this might sound silly but when we go on holiday we often bring something back... On various holiday we bought our kitchen clock, some coffee mugs, vases etc... I guess it's the memories the house holds:)&nbsp; And of course my fab walk in closet lol </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-your-house-a-home-what-helps-you-feel-at-home#post-1000241 Wed, 07 Aug 2013 00:51:52 +0000 DonnaF 1000241@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My husband being there.&nbsp; And the smell.&nbsp; Rather, other places not my home smell different.&nbsp; I don't use scented detergent or soap, so maybe it's the lack of a Tide smell? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-your-house-a-home-what-helps-you-feel-at-home#post-1000194 Tue, 06 Aug 2013 23:45:04 +0000 Gaylene 1000194@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Books, books, and more books. And our original works of art on the walls and on our shelves.</p> <p>My contractor couldn't get over my insistence in putting bookshelves in every room when we built our house. He kept asking me what I was going to put on the shelves and didn't believe me when I said books. I regularly give away books to friends and to schools just to keep things under some semblance of control. I also collect first editions and love to haunt second-hand book shops, especially in Europe and the UK.</p> <p>My husband and I also started collecting art years ago when we travel. We love to go to small, local galleries to get a "feel" for a place and usually pick up something that strikes our fancy. In most cases, it is easy to arrange shipment and most original works of art are exempt from duties and taxes. Smaller, unframed canvases, or sculptures, fit quite nicely into carry on luggage. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-your-house-a-home-what-helps-you-feel-at-home#post-1000173 Tue, 06 Aug 2013 23:05:05 +0000 rachylou 1000173@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Still thinking about it.</p> <p>This year's Decorator Showcase... there were a number of rooms I quite liked, but the one I'd probably live in was the "teen girl's room." It had a kind of Neil Gaimon <i>Neverwhere </i>theme, with a map of London on the ceiling and *like* an octopus chandelier coming out of Piccadilly Circus.</p> <p>Heh... the year before, I think it was also the teen girl room I liked. It had a giant square, low sofa. Pretty perfect for lying around and watching t.v. I hope this doesn't say something about my maturity levels... but probably does, hehe.</p> <p>Here's something: When I go into <i>other </i>people's homes, I always feel a great sense of recognition in other people's homes when I see chintz, an upright piano in the dining room or a baby grand in the living room, persian or turkish carpets, a Henry Evans print somewhere, an old pedal Singer sewing machine, mahogany, and those pressboard and glass stereo cabinets from the late '70s. Stacks of <u>old</u> <i>National Geographics, T&amp;Cs, </i>and <i>ADs</i> also help.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-your-house-a-home-what-helps-you-feel-at-home#post-1000076 Tue, 06 Aug 2013 20:37:41 +0000 ManidipaM 1000076@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My mattress---thickbouncyfirm. A hot shower (not one house I have lived in in this city in the last 10 years has had one, making me a proper grouch morning and night and very unsettled). Preferably with soft water. My bendy-back Jordan toothbrush. A stack of books and diaries by the bed. A kitchen with room and sturdiness for my heavy and humongous pots and pans. Large, well-stocked fridge (SO has Diana's habit!) And pantry ditto. Room for my favourite melty soaps and other girly stuff in the bathroom (wash bags make me unsettled). Space for floor-level seating...or expect crumbs in the bed, which I conversely hate. And like Diana said again, my dust on floors and my mess in the kitchen sink. Oh and my swiffer broom and vinegar spray...plus a minimum amount of rumple to show this is relaxing space. Dim yellow lights too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-your-house-a-home-what-helps-you-feel-at-home#post-999958 Tue, 06 Aug 2013 18:52:02 +0000 Anonymous 999958@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Must have my kittehs. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-your-house-a-home-what-helps-you-feel-at-home#post-999956 Tue, 06 Aug 2013 18:45:36 +0000 cheryle (Dianthus) 999956@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think it is the decorating touches - art, ornaments, color scheme that makes it feel home.&nbsp; My new home doesn't feel "homey" yet because I haven't done most of the decorating yet.&nbsp; </p> <p>I feel most comfortable in fairly sparse spaces with neutral decor and cool colors.&nbsp; I equate comfort with homey. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-your-house-a-home-what-helps-you-feel-at-home#post-999916 Tue, 06 Aug 2013 17:59:42 +0000 chewyspaghetti 999916@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The rest of the house can be a mes, but I have to get my bedroom sanctuary full dressed. It gives me a place to sleep and retreat, as well as dress. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-your-house-a-home-what-helps-you-feel-at-home#post-999902 Tue, 06 Aug 2013 17:49:06 +0000 ramya 999902@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My stuff; ) I photo frame, my bed; ) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-your-house-a-home-what-helps-you-feel-at-home#post-999895 Tue, 06 Aug 2013 17:41:42 +0000 rachylou 999895@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What an interesting question! I like questions.</p> <p>I don't suppose it's mess that makes me feel at home... that is, some evidence that someone has been doing something there, living life, wearing things out. Also evidence of personality - books, art, etc. Well, I guess it's still telling if people hide everything or keep nothing or everything is unused/brand-spanking new, but I find that total eradication of self disturbing.</p> <p>Other than that, I suspect I have an incurable case of Mario Buatta chintz disease. I am constantly relapsing...</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-your-house-a-home-what-helps-you-feel-at-home#post-999879 Tue, 06 Aug 2013 17:14:57 +0000 Mo 999879@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well, since I am moving right back into the unfurnished place in FL we just left in December, I can tell you that not having enough furniture and/or decorations can make it unwelcoming. &nbsp;(we didn't even get a couch last time)<br />I agree that your clothes in the closet, a matching set for the bed, towels for the bath, and the proper&nbsp;cooking utensils to make your meals are the starting points for feeling homey. &nbsp;(also did not have a wine opener the first week last time - big fail lol)<br />This time around a couch and rug in the front room is a must, along with a pub set to sit at for meals or computer time.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-your-house-a-home-what-helps-you-feel-at-home#post-999864 Tue, 06 Aug 2013 16:48:37 +0000 Louise 999864@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My cats x</p> <p>ETA Diana I totally 'get' the dust thing. I'm not the worlds best housekeeper either and can happily 'live' with my own dust but my toes curl if I go anywhere else that isn't clean x </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-your-house-a-home-what-helps-you-feel-at-home#post-999863 Tue, 06 Aug 2013 16:45:53 +0000 Diana 999863@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Agree with DJ, a fully stocked fridge and pantry. I inherited a tendency from my mother to panic if I can see the back of my fridge!&nbsp; ;)</p> <p>Also,<br />--my clothes in the closet (as opposed to out of a suitcase)<br />--books<br />--my particular soap/shampoo/other toiletries in the shower </p> <p>--my blankets/pillows/etc in the bed. At the very least, a bed that is not too tightly made up.&nbsp; In hotels, the first thing I do is untuck all the blankets, since I can't stand that feeling of being trapped in the sheets.&nbsp; I don't use top sheets at all at home (I have removable duvet covers instead that can be washed).</p> <p>And this is going to sound really weird, but my dust on the floor.&nbsp; I'm not saying that I want the floor to be dirty, more that I want the dust there to be mine.&nbsp; I walk around barefoot all the time when I am home.&nbsp; So when I first move into a new place, or am staying at someone else's home, the floors always feel weird to me even if they are sparkling clean.&nbsp; Other people's dust feels really gross also.&nbsp; Maybe it's psychological, or that the floorboards feel different than I am used to, or who knows, but it takes a cleaning of the floor plus a couple of weeks before the floor feels natural under my feet.&nbsp; I'm not the world's best housekeeper, plus I shed hair like a long-haired cat, so I admit my floors are not the world's cleanest floors, but somehow it's OK when I know it's <i>my (</i>or my husband's) dust underfoot. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-your-house-a-home-what-helps-you-feel-at-home#post-999855 Tue, 06 Aug 2013 16:34:31 +0000 DeclawedJaguar 999855@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>A fully stocked pantry and fridge make me feel happy and at home. I love to cook, I love to eat, and I could never feel at ease&nbsp;with no access to a fully&nbsp;functional kitchen. There are many other things, but food is absolutely paramount. </p>