There is a distinct difference between a property and something that feels like home. This difference will vary for many people, but there are some core features that just cannot help but shout out, “People live here.”

Whether you are curious about how to make your family home more cozy or are welcoming a new member, this piece is going to take a look at what really makes a house a family home.

A Bit of Mess

As much as it can be nice to live in a home that is like a showroom for a little while, it is not necessarily realistic. Not only that, but a bit of mess can show that people are living their lives and enjoying themselves rather than worrying about what the place looks like. Whether it’s pots and pans from a family dinner, leftover mess from a games night, or toys strewn about the place after hours of fun, a little bit of “lived-in” mess shows that life has happened.

A Pet to Cherish

While you don’t need a pet to make a house a family home, there is no denying that animals make a fantastic addition to many families. They teach love, empathy, and care and can be really funny to have around – all of which add to shared experiences as a family. It is up to you what animal you choose; just make sure you are able to commit to them and their care properly. Be sure to register with a vet that specializes in the breed and species you opt for before you welcome them to the family.

Remember, a pet is not just for Christmas – it’s for their whole lives! Only get a pet if you all really want one and are prepared to give them everything they need.

A Comfortable Space

A large enough space that everyone can enjoy is a luxury these days, especially with the prices of houses. But, if you are fortunate enough, being able to have a relaxing space filled with comfortable furniture could make the world of difference to people wanting to hang around. Try not to choose furniture that just ‘looks the part’ and opt for things you all will really want to snuggle down on instead.

Personal Belongings

It can be really tempting to hide all of the family photos and kids’ drawings and replace them with wooden “live, laugh, love” signs, but nothing makes a house feel more like a home than personal belongings and items on display. So, go ahead, show off your boy’s questionable tractor drawing, and display the vase your teen made in college. Surround yourself with pictures of your adorable pets and fond memories. This makes your home as unique as you are and reflects lots of good things that you have in your life for everyone to see and be reminded of.

Sleeping in Your Own Bed

Nothing quite beats sleeping in your own bed. As you get older, your mate’s couch or even a hotel room can feel a little off and prevent you from getting a restorative night’s rest.
Coming back home to your own room and having your own bed to sleep in is something that is so different to sleeping in any other room, and many people will find that they have that distinct recognition when they are having to spend a night elsewhere. Not only that, but you are also with the people you love just across the carpet, too, which can contribute to feeling relaxed and safe.

A Place to Socialize

Whether you are one of those families that pile into each other’s bedrooms to have “meetings” or you prefer to congregate in the kitchen, having a place where everyone can hang out together, chat about the day, and enjoy each other’s company can definitely be seen as an essential for many homes. Whether it is you and the kids, a house share of friends, or you are the hostess with the ‘mostess’ – having a designated place to do this can make the world of difference between a house and a home.

So there you have it – these are some of the ways in which you can turn your house into a family home!