A home is commonly associated with feelings of safety, warmth, and coziness. Most people want guests and visitors to feel wonderfully welcome and comfortable in their space and here are a few ways to make that happen.
1. Spaciousness & Versatility
Many apartments and houses are either over-cluttered or bland in design which means that when people come over, they are not entranced and do not wish to continue exploring. Declutter your space, paint some accent walls, and hang up large mirrors so the area looks bigger and more interesting and any guest that comes over wants to have a good look around.
Having a space that is relatively easy to navigate for first-time visitors is very important so they are not colliding with furniture or stumbling over a spot that is private or personal.
Hang up signs to show guests where the powder room is for example and if you want a private workspace, do not position it near your main living area. Create a floorplan that works well with your comfort level, allowing guests to have the freedom of walking around and feeling ‘at home’ without disrupting any inhabitant’s privacy.
Having conversation-worthy art positioned in your main living area can help guests break the ice and strike up a conversation without feeling any awkwardness.
2. Set The Right Tone
Ideally, your entryway needs to set the tone for anyone’s stay in your home. The entryway needs to be practical (there should be a spot to lay down keys and bags and hang up coats or put away shoes) as well as welcoming.
A welcome mat is a must as are plants or flowers and a lamp or two emitting warm, pleasing light. Having personal, homely touches like a house portrait can make any visitor feel they have entered a warm, loving home.
Plants, vases, or flowerpots are a must-have because green is a very relaxing color, intrinsically linked with nature, and a refreshing feeling. It can have a subconscious effect of relaxation and plants create oxygen too!
3. Use Cozy Accents
Coziness is what really makes a house a home so pay special attention to cozy, soft fabrics such as velvet and plush. Have an abundance of soft pillows and cushions in not just the bedroom but in the main living room and even the dining room.
Floor cushions can provide additional seating for a greater number of guests and their colors can be made to match the furniture for a feeling of synergy in the room. Throw blankets are a must if you want anyone to feel really comfortable in the colder weather or in air-conditioning.
Some homeowners consider curtains as a needless luxury but they are practical beyond just maintaining privacy as they prevent heat from seeping in through the windows and they also keep cold out during the colder months. Opt for a double rod situation that lets you have feather-soft chiffon curtains drawn during the day and thicker curtains were drawn at night.
If you are unsure about how to match curtains with a grey or monochromatic wall then know a major design rule is to stay in the neutral category with only a hint of color added in so beige or even white is an ideal choice.
Coziness is not just about fabrics but also includes the use of candles, aromatherapy devices such as an essential oil diffuser, and the availability of snacks and drinks when guests come over to hang out or watch a movie. If you know about particular comfort food that appeals to someone who is coming over, make sure to be stocked on that front.
Comfort applies to pets too so invest in a great quality vegan leather dog collar that is soft and comfortable and will keep your furry friend happy as they go about their day.
4. Smells Like Heaven
One of the most welcoming aspects of a home is how it smells. While it is fine for a home to smell like food (if the space is small and the kitchen is part of an open-plan design) it should have a therapeutic vibe to it and generally smell great without any potential allergens.
The first way to have a great-smelling home is to make sure it is clean and disinfected (although strong products like hydrogen peroxide can have an unpleasant odor too). Use scented candles, diffusers, oil burners, or even scent sticks to spread joy and wellness, and certain herbs when planted in flower pots like lavender, mint, or basil give off very soothing smells too.
