Children's paintings, fridge magnets and shoes by the door are among the items which makes a house a home.
Related: Photos make a happy home – why we should be displaying more to boost our mood
A study by Furniture Village of 2,000 homeowners has revealed what transforms a house into a home. Sleeping in your own bed topped the list, with 65 per cent of people saying that their bed made a house feel like their home.
A further 48 per cent said that having a dedicated 'space' on the sofa made them feel at ‘home’. Personal touches including children’s paintings on the wall (20 per cent), fridge magnets (19 per cent) and even shoes by the door (19 per cent) also help complete a place.
'This fascinating study confirms that it’s a combination of favourite pieces of furniture along with all those familiar little touches that make a house a home,' says a spokesperson from Furniture Village.
'It’s clear that having furniture you love – like your bed and your 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.'
The research, by Furniture Village, also revealed the living room is the biggest priority when it comes to making a 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 per cent. However, 79 per cent admitted they feel like they will always have a never-ending to-do list of jobs around the house.
More than a quarter of those polled, via OnePoll, said a home has to be completely redecorated to feel like it's their own.
Almost half (46 per cent) feel a home represents an owner’s personality. This explains why artwork, a full bookshelf and personal treasures, such as festival tickets on display, made the list of what makes a house feel like home.
10 things that 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
'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 organised all help people feel happy, comfortable and relaxed at home,' explains Furniture Village. '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.'
'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.'
Related: Hacks for a happy home – 12 storage hacks to help organise around the house
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