Making your guests feel welcome in your home is more than just making cute appetizers and filling their wine glasses. Creating a home that is both comfortable and welcoming is about adding those special touches that will take your home from stuffy showroom to laid back luxury. Use these five tips to make your home so inviting, they’ll never want to leave, which can be a problem depending on *who* that guest is. :-)
1. Add light
Light is an incredibly useful accompaniment to interior decorating. Simple changes such as opening the blackout curtains of your windows, or installing a lustrous and warm chandelier can instantly transform a room from dark and dreary to bright and cheery. Consider using multiple light sources in your living areas to create a cozy atmosphere that oozes ambience.
2. Use warm colors
While crisp white walls are dominating the home fashion magazines, in real life they can feel a bit sterile. Using warm colors on your walls will make the room feel more intimate and relaxed. Try honey browns, burnt reds, and sapphire blues to take your room from a hospital waiting room to a place that begs a roaring fire and cuddle. Warm colors draw in your room, and they are a great way to make a large room feel smaller. This is very important in social rooms to make your guests feel closer, and the mood more informal.
3. Add throw pillows and throws
Throw pillows are a great way to add accent colors to your room, while making the seating more comfortable. Choose pillows that are versatile, with fabrics you wouldn’t mind someone leaning on. (Or taking a nap on.) You can also add soft fur or cashmere throws, which are perfect for snuggling under on the couch with a good book.
4. Bring out candles
Candles aren’t just for romantic evenings with your other half, although they are great for those as well. Lighting a few candles around a room instantly creates warmth and a serene environment. If the weather isn’t cold enough for a fire, light some candles in your fireplace to achieve the same cozy feeling you get in winter. Your guests will appreciate the extra touch, and the candles will help everyone to quickly relax.
5. Add items with personal meaning
It is important not to remove personal information from your home. Family photos, art from your travels, and knick knacks you just can’t part with, all have their place in your home decor. These personal items are the things that make your space belong to you, and take a room from boring and drab to one bursting with personality and charm. Don’t be afraid of clutter, choosing items that mean something to you will only enhance your space.
You don’t need to be an interior designer to create a home that is welcoming and cozy. Adding a few simple additions such as a table lamp and a fresh coat of paint can make all the difference in the mood your home portrays.
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