What Makes a Home?

When my mum passed away, I found myself standing in her house, surrounded by everything she’d collected over the years. I used to tease her about her "dust collectors," those little knick-knacks she cherished, like her assortment of rubber ducks in the bathroom. But as I looked around her home, I realized that these things—these seemingly insignificant items—held memories that defined her space. They were the details that made her house feel like her home. This experience made me wonder: what really makes a house a home? Is it the objects we fill it with, the people we share it with, or something else entirely?

Personal Belongings: More Than Just "Stuff" — For many, the belongings in a home carry deep personal meaning. They become markers of our stories, our experiences, and even our identity. As I sorted through my mum’s things, I held on to those four rubber ducks, not because they had any monetary value, but because they embodied a little piece of her. These items were the echoes of her personality, her humour, and her presence in a way that almost felt alive. Personal belongings can make us feel rooted, safe, and even nostalgic. They’re reminders of the people, places, and experiences that have shaped us. But are they enough to make a place feel like home?

People and Relationships: Sharing Space, Sharing Life — Another thought that struck me was how much we associate home with people. Whether it's family members, friends, or even pets, the beings we live with, or even just frequently invite into our space, often define how comfortable or "at home" we feel. I think of the countless family gatherings, cosy afternoons, and quiet evenings in my mother’s home that made the place more than just a collection of rooms. People bring energy, laughter, and companionship into our lives, filling our homes with shared memories and creating spaces where we feel understood and connected. Even in an unfamiliar place, the right company can bring a sense of belonging that turns any house into a home.

The Atmosphere and Feel: An Intangible Warmth — Beyond belongings and people, there’s an intangible quality to home, a feeling of warmth, safety, and peace that exists even when we’re alone. My mother's house, for instance, always had a distinct atmosphere. It wasn’t just the familiar scents or the soft lighting; it was the sense of calm and comfort that filled every corner. This atmosphere is often created by the routines we establish, the small comforts we surround ourselves with, and the moments of solitude or reflection. It’s a reminder that sometimes, what makes a home isn’t visible at all but felt deeply. Our home is our sanctuary.

The Flexibility of "Home" — Finally, the concept of home isn’t fixed. It evolves as we do, adapting to new people, and new phases of our lives, even new fashions - remember the avocado bathroom suite and woodchip wallpaper?! For some, home can be multiple places, a favourite room, a childhood house, or even a temporary apartment that provides comfort during a transitional time. The psychological importance of a home can never be underestimated.
Maybe "home" is a blend of people, belongings, and feelings, each coming together to create a space that feels uniquely ours.

What Makes a House a Home for You? — Reflecting on what makes a property feel like home is a deeply personal journey. For some, it’s all about the familiar faces. For others, it’s the belongings they hold dear. Or perhaps it’s the atmosphere they create, or the peace they find within its walls.