When we invite guests over to our home, we want them to feel comfortable and welcome during their stay. While we all have the best of intentions, making our house seem completely open and welcome isn’t always the easiest thing to do. To create a welcoming and cozy vibe, it’s important to start with the decor of your home. Making small adjustments to certain aspects of your home will transform it into a relaxing oasis that guests won’t want to leave.
- Entryway
First thing’s first. Start with the front of your house. The front porch or stoop of your house is the first thing guests see, and sets the tone for the interior of your house. Before guests arrive, sweep away debris and dirt to make the area clean. Add a classic welcome mat, or a more quirky one that reflects your personality. Large planters full of bright flowers make the front of your house pop and welcome guests with their friendliness. Complete the look with a wreath on the door and you’ll have a happy and welcoming entrance to your home.
- Seating arrangements
It might seem strange, but how you arrange the furniture in your home helps to set the tone of welcoming and comfort. In social areas, like the family room, make your seating intimate, so guests are close-by when talking and interacting. If seating is too far away, it can feel odd and alienating. Also, when you choose furniture, choose couches and armchairs that are plush and soft. Your visitors will sink into the furniture and never want to leave.
- What’s That Smell?
The last thing we want to hear when friends and family visit is “What’s that smell?” in a negative way. Filling your house with a pleasing scent covers up any unwanted odors and puts guests at ease as they walk through the door. Whether you use candles, diffusers, or wax warmers, try to find one scent that you really love and stick with it throughout your house. Clashing scents can be unpleasant or even give your guests a headache.
- Stay awhile sign
Decor also has the capability of making your guests feel welcome in your home. Hang a sign with a welcoming message for instant comfort. For example, hang up a “Stay Awhile” sign to give your visitors the message that they can stay for as long as they would like. This sign should be in a public place, like the family room or kitchen, where your guests are likely to hang out.
- Plants
Adding touches of nature to your decor instantly makes your house feel friendlier. Be creative with adding plants to your home. Use large, outdoor planters and tall plants or small trees for more of a statement. Don’t have much space? Simply arrange a few potted plants here and there around your bookshelves and tables. If the thought of trying to keep a plant alive terrifies you, opt for fresh cut flowers instead.
- Plush Carpet
When you slip off your shoes and step onto a plush and cushiony carpet, you instantly feel more relaxed. Add soft and plush rugs or carpets to your decor for a more homey feel. If you have hardwoods, consider purchasing thick and fluffy area rugs instead of flat ones. This will make your house feel more luxurious. Already have rugs that are thinner? Not to worry. You can purchase a rug pad for underneath the rugs you already have to instantly make them feel softer and more absorbent of your footsteps.
- Personal Touch
Adding a personal touch to your home always makes a house feel more inviting. Too many neutral or minimal decorations feels impersonal and cold. No matter your style or interests, seeing unique pieces of art or interesting figurines will make your home seem loved, and what’s more welcoming than that? Don’t be afraid to let your personality come out.
- Blankets and Pillows
Nothing says cozy like a soft fluffy blanket or pillow. Make sure there are ample blankets around the house for guests to use when they are cold, or just want to get more comfortable. Throw pillows also make your house seem more inviting and make a chair or couch a more comfortable place to lounge.
In the end, it only takes a few qualities to make a house feel cozy and welcoming. Start implementing these aspects one at a time to achieve the ultimate comfortable abode. Be careful though, if you make your house too welcoming, visitors will start asking to spend the night!
