Research reveals top 40 things that make a house a home

A spokesperson from Furniture Village, which commissioned the research, said, “This fascinating study confirms that it’s a combination of favorite pieces of furniture along with all those familiar little touches that make a house a home.

“It’s clear that having furniture you love – like your own bed and your own spot on the sofa – is really important at the end of the day.

“But it’s the simple things like family photos, flowers in a vase, and a well-stocked bookshelf that can instantly make your home the place you want to be.

“We can also see that while bedrooms, living rooms, and kitchens score highly as places for homely touches, having distinct spaces carefully designed for entertaining friends, connecting with family, and keeping tidy and organized all help people feel happy, comfortable and relaxed at home.”

The research also revealed the living room is the biggest priority when it comes to making their house homely, followed by the main bedroom and the kitchen.

Decorating also has a big impact on making a house a home according to 53 percent, although 79 percent admitted they feel they will always have outstanding jobs to do.

More than a quarter of those polled, via OnePoll, said a home has to be completely redecorated to feel like it’s their own.

And a third also feel accessories have an influence, while 44 percent turn to furniture to make a difference.

A further 46 percent feel a home represents an owner’s personality, which explains why artwork, a full bookshelf, and personal treasures, such as festival tickets on display, also made the list.

It also emerged more than a tenth of adults polled buy home accessories as often as once a month, and on average homeowners redecorate a room every five years.

And 60 percent believe it’s important to have a warm and inviting space.

When it comes to inspiration to make a house homely, a quarter look at furniture stores, the sixth turn to social media and 12 percent browse estate agent websites.

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Furniture Village’s spokesperson added: “Home has always been an important space, and that’s particularly true right now as so many of us are spending more time than ever in our homes.

“This research clearly shows the importance of taking time to make the space feel homely and inviting for all the family.

“As well as emotional touches such as memories made and kids running around the house, it’s important to have beautiful high-quality products which the whole family love and which add a touch of personality to the place.”

Top 40 things which make a house a home

1. Sleeping in your own bed
2. Family photos
3. Your own spot on the sofa
4. The memories made in the home
5. A fridge full of food
6. A bookshelf filled with your books
7. The smell of freshly cooked food
8. Freshly washed bed sheets
9. The location of the house
10. Natural light
11. Plants
12. A dining table
13. Your children in the house
14. Fresh towels
15. Flowers in vases
16. Candles
17. A fireplace
18. Having the bed made
19. A large TV
20. Blankets and throws
21. Children’s paintings on the wall
22. Artwork
23. Hosting dinners for friends and family
24. A large wardrobe with clothes hung up
25. A dressing table with your belongings like jewelry and makeup
26. Shoes by the front door
27. Fridge magnets
28. Children’s toys in the house
29. A TV in the bedroom
30. A doormat
31. Cookbooks in the kitchen
32. Lots of storage
33. A bedside table setup
34. A rug
35. Newly painted walls
36. Memorabilia like festival tickets on display
37. Matching kitchen appliances
38. Matching furniture in each room
39. A certain air freshener scent
40. A big wall mirror