ABSTRACT
Our tours of the home followed narratives structured in relation to the material physical home, which was simultaneously used as a device for self-representation. The sensory elements of home are temporary. The use of sound to create particular atmospheres of home that are expressive of both mood and self-identity and are consciously used to create moods and inspire particular activities was common amongst the author informants. Music might be used to create a temporary atmosphere of self and home at particular times of the day. Malcolm was engaged in a project of home that was expressive of his biography and identity, using housework practices, visual display, textures, music, smells and creating atmosphere. For Malcolm this involved starting from scratch to make a home on a next-to-nothing budget, combining things he’d found with gifts, cheaply purchased items and his creativity and energy.
