What’s the Difference Between a House and a Home?

While some people may treat those two words as synonyms and use them interchangeably, we believe there’s quite a difference between a house and a home. Simply, a house is a building, and a home is a feeling.

A house is an object. It is a structure that has walls, rooms, a roof, etc. You can find a house on a map. You can measure its square footage. You can renovate its rooms. A house has a mortgage. A house comes with property taxes. A house can be sold, turning a once-welcoming space into an unfamiliar structure.

A home is personal. It’s a place where you can relax and feel safe. You invite friends to your home. You create memories in your home. You live in your home. A home is where you have dinner with your family. A home is where you laugh (and cry). A home is a place you can miss, even if you’re only gone for a few days.

That’s why when we discuss and decide on story ideas for our annual home issue, we make sure the focus is on the home—specifically, living in your home. Looking at a beautiful multi-million dollar house can be nice, but it’s a grown-up version of show and tell that the majority of us cannot relate to. Instead, our goal is to inspire you with ideas and concepts that can help you live a more relaxed and comfortable life in your current home—no house envy required.

We hope this home issue will inspire you to make at least one small change that puts a smile on your face each time you see it. Personally, Gia was inspired to wallpaper the ceiling of her office while Justin added accommodations for a  family member with limited mobility. Once you’ve finished reading, we’d love to hear what this issue has inspired you to do. Please email us, message us on social media or even snail mail us (before and after pictures encouraged).