There’s no better feeling than walking into a home and feeling like you’re warmly welcomed. It’s like a mug of steaming hot chocolate on a chilly evening, or a glass of ice-cold punch on a windy summer afternoon — simple things, yet they’re the ones that make a house a home.
If you find that your abode doesn’t give you those snuggly feelings, chances are every guest you invite over are suffering the same lack of welcoming energy, too. Although the presence of your loved ones helps with making your space homelier, the addition of lively decor and certain design elements are still indispensable, as they will retain the warmth of your dwelling even if after your guests leave.
That said, take note of all these qualities of an inviting home, and incorporate them in your bland and bleak space to transform it:
1. A Simple but Well-decorated Entryway
The entryway or foyer should be the first thing that greets your guests as they walk into your home. The space acts as the usher for your guests, giving them a glimpse of the overall vibe of your abode. The decor doesn’t have to be over-the-top; simply lay a beautiful rug on the floor, put up a large mirror on one side of the wall, and hang a great art on the other. A classic “welcome” mat will also add more warmth to the space.
If you don’t have room inside the house for an entryway, your porch and front door can act as one. You can paint the front door with a bold color to make a statement right off the bat, or stick to simpler but eye-catching elements, like lanterns on either side of the door, or a pergola on the porch. The key is to create a space that will awe your guests before they see your entire home.
2. Decorative and Mood Lighting
Table lamps, floor lamps, lanterns, sconces, etc., are more necessary than you think. They enhance your home’s aesthetics, and the moody illumination they provide helps in creating an alluring space.
You don’t need to have every kind of mood lighting in a single room. Hanging even just one lantern in the entryway can already boost its welcoming quality significantly. In the living room, use mood lighting with adjustable settings so that you can dim or brighten the space according to the activity you’re engaging in.
3. Shabby Chic, Country, or Coastal Interior Design
There are multiple different types of interior design styles, and they’re all undeniably beautiful in their own ways. However, nothing tops shabby chic, country, and coastal when it comes to being inviting. The organic elements that are the hallmark of these designs emphasize simplicity and comfort, and the beautiful, rustic barnwood beams in the ceilings evoke a nostalgic feeling, as if you’re back in your grandparent’s estate in the countryside or seaside, where you always hung out as a kid.
Therefore, if you think your minimalist, contemporary, or traditional space isn’t helping in making it inviting, try remodeling and adopting those three simpler and more romantic designs.
4. Textures
Have you ever walked into a room that feels inexplicably flat? That’s how a space normally looks like when texture is absent. The solution to this is to layer with rugs, pillows, and blankets. Think of the things you like to touch — like something smooth, fuzzy, or furry — and add those to the space. As a result, the flat room will now have more depth and coziness.
Turns out making a home more inviting is fairly easy, not to mention fun. Try transforming your pad with your family and friends, and let them be your critics to ensure that you’ve nailed making your home more welcoming and loving.
