Some houses may be fully furnished and decorated with the finest fixtures money can buy, and still feel cold and uninviting. That is because a house is just four walls until some love, thought, memories and other intangible things are poured into it. Once this is done, it becomes a home sweet home. But that is just my opinion, so I have asked our team at SA Home Owner to tell us what they think makes a house a home.
Editor, Kerry Hayes:
The biggest compliment to me is when guests walk into my house and say: “This really feels like a home!” And there are a few things for me that create this feeling. My fireplace is one of my favourite things in my home; it lends a nostalgic feel to my living room, and when lit, makes the room a cosy haven for family and visitors. Candles are another trick that I use to create a homey feel – I love scented candles, and when I entertain, I get some scented candles burning in my entrance hall, with specific aromas (like breezy sea scents, night jasmine or fresh laundry – this one is wonderful for exuding that homely ambience) to create an immediate welcoming feeling as guests walk into my home. I use these in the guest bathroom as well, to add luxury and cosiness to this space.
Lighting is also extremely important in making a house feel like a home, and something I use very strategically in each space. Wonderful designer lamps with warm lighting create talking pieces as well as set a mood.
And finally, my pets. Home just doesn’t feel like home without pets making up part of your family. My two loveable dogs and cat complete my home, and make my return home each day very special and rewarding.
Deputy Editor, Trisha Harinath:
My bookshelf – for me, my books mean a lot to me so knowing that they have a proper place makes my house definitely feel more homely!
Digital Project Manager, Shereen Lurie:
I love to display objects that have personal meaning to me, so the decor of my room is dynamic and ever evolving as time goes on, by “building” the collection of bits and pieces from a variety of sources and travels. I find it completely dull when a room “comes straight out of a catalogue”, so my home is a mishmash of eclectic objects, textures and styles that somehow all work together. My favourite pieces include a bright red cabinet filled with vases and photo-frames; a beautiful oriental rug that really pulls everything in our lounge together; my mum’s paintings, which add tremendous interest and depth to each room; and most importantly, the wicker basket in the corner of the lounge, filled with my son’s toys!
Business Manger, Claire Morgan:
I always like to burn scented candles, so that the smell is warm and familiar, creating a calm ambience.
Art Director, Annie Fraser:
Warm earth paint tones tie in beautifully with the French Provencal-inspired furniture as well as two exquisite cats, beckon me home everyday!
Features Writer, Refilwe Boikanyo:
Displaying pictures of friends and family always makes me feel at home. It’s also a great way to decorate and is a reminder of all the things I’ve experienced.
Cape Town Regional Sales Manger, Debbie Zeelie:
My two beautiful dogs who rush to meet me at the gate when I arrive home! Once inside they snuggle up on the couch, and it immediately looks and feels like “home”.
Now it’s your turn. Go to the comments section below and tell us what makes your house feel like a home.
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