10 Ideas to Make Your Home Feel Warm and Welcoming
Learn the secret to creating an inviting home that everyone wants to spend time in
Laura Gaskill
25 June 2019
Houzz Contributor. I cover decorating ideas, Houzz tours & the monthly home maintenance checklist. My favorite pieces to write center around the emotional aspects of home and savoring life's simple pleasures. Decluttering course + discount for Houzzers: https://www.lauragaskill.com/welcome-houzzers
Houzz Contributor. I cover decorating ideas, Houzz tours & the monthly home maintenance... More
When a home is warm and welcoming, you can feel it the instant you walk through the door. You’re put at ease, like you’ve just exhaled a breath you didn’t even know you were holding. But what is it that makes a home inviting? If you want to feel more comfortable and cozy at home, these 10 thoughtful touches — including swaying porch swings, neighborly front yards and cushy couches — can help.
1. Sway on a Porch Swing
Can you think of anything quite as welcoming as a good old-fashioned porch swing? Sway on yours while waiting for a friend to come over for dinner, or take your morning coffee out to the porch on a summer morning. Even if no one is sitting in the swing, neighbors strolling by will appreciate the cozy scene.
Browse porch swings in the Houzz Shop
Can you think of anything quite as welcoming as a good old-fashioned porch swing? Sway on yours while waiting for a friend to come over for dinner, or take your morning coffee out to the porch on a summer morning. Even if no one is sitting in the swing, neighbors strolling by will appreciate the cozy scene.
Browse porch swings in the Houzz Shop
2. Add a Neighborly Front-Yard Feature
Hanging out in the front yard is a great way to meet your neighbors. But if your yard is like most, there’s probably nowhere to sit! Make your front just as appealing as the back by adding a pair of Adirondack chairs, a picnic table or even a fire pit. When surrounded by lush plantings, your front-yard hangout can feel both welcoming and just private enough.
See more of this neighborly front yard
Hanging out in the front yard is a great way to meet your neighbors. But if your yard is like most, there’s probably nowhere to sit! Make your front just as appealing as the back by adding a pair of Adirondack chairs, a picnic table or even a fire pit. When surrounded by lush plantings, your front-yard hangout can feel both welcoming and just private enough.
See more of this neighborly front yard
3. Strike a Warm Note at the Threshold
The entry is the first part of your home visitors see. Set a warm and welcoming tone by making sure the entry is well-lit and clutter-free. Supplement an overhead fixture with a table lamp for more even lighting, and provide a seat for setting down bags or taking off shoes.
If clutter tends to build up in this area and you don’t have a closet, consider adding a chest of drawers where you can stash mail, papers and other get-out-the-door essentials. Finally, add a personal touch — a framed photo, vase of flowers or small painting — to give visitors a taste of your decorating style.
Find an interior designer on Houzz
The entry is the first part of your home visitors see. Set a warm and welcoming tone by making sure the entry is well-lit and clutter-free. Supplement an overhead fixture with a table lamp for more even lighting, and provide a seat for setting down bags or taking off shoes.
If clutter tends to build up in this area and you don’t have a closet, consider adding a chest of drawers where you can stash mail, papers and other get-out-the-door essentials. Finally, add a personal touch — a framed photo, vase of flowers or small painting — to give visitors a taste of your decorating style.
Find an interior designer on Houzz
4. Put Family Photos on Display
What you choose to put on your walls tells a story, and while artwork you adore certainly has its place, it’s the family photos and kid-made art that will really give your home a personal touch.
Hallways and stairwells can be ideal for family photo galleries, since it’s easy to stop and get a closer look. And don’t be afraid to include some candid and imperfect snapshots on your photo wall. The feelings and memories a photo calls up are more important than having a perfectly staged shot.
How to Design a Family Photo Wall
What you choose to put on your walls tells a story, and while artwork you adore certainly has its place, it’s the family photos and kid-made art that will really give your home a personal touch.
Hallways and stairwells can be ideal for family photo galleries, since it’s easy to stop and get a closer look. And don’t be afraid to include some candid and imperfect snapshots on your photo wall. The feelings and memories a photo calls up are more important than having a perfectly staged shot.
How to Design a Family Photo Wall
5. Warm Up Your Kitchen
The kitchen is so often the central gathering place of the home. Make yours more pleasant for cooks and guests alike with fresh flowers on the table, a comfy spot to sit, colorful tea towels and small speakers so you can stream music.
And don’t be afraid to add color: Paint the cabinets, walls or kitchen chairs to give your room some joie de vivre.
How to Love Your Kitchen More, Right Now
The kitchen is so often the central gathering place of the home. Make yours more pleasant for cooks and guests alike with fresh flowers on the table, a comfy spot to sit, colorful tea towels and small speakers so you can stream music.
And don’t be afraid to add color: Paint the cabinets, walls or kitchen chairs to give your room some joie de vivre.
How to Love Your Kitchen More, Right Now
6. Channel Cozy Bed-and-Breakfast Style
It’s so easy to let clutter collect in the bedroom: a pile of books here, a basket of laundry there, and pretty soon it’s a mess. Reclaim your bedroom as a peaceful, cozy space to recharge in by channeling the look and feel of a charming bed-and-breakfast. Remove the clutter, make the bed with fresh linens, hang an art print on the wall, launder the curtains and open the window to freshen the air.
If you’re looking to do more than clean and declutter, consider repainting your bedroom a calming or cozy hue. Then treat yourself to a few little bedside luxuries, like a water carafe, good-smelling candle and bud vase.
Set the Mood: 4 Colors for a Cozy Bedroom
It’s so easy to let clutter collect in the bedroom: a pile of books here, a basket of laundry there, and pretty soon it’s a mess. Reclaim your bedroom as a peaceful, cozy space to recharge in by channeling the look and feel of a charming bed-and-breakfast. Remove the clutter, make the bed with fresh linens, hang an art print on the wall, launder the curtains and open the window to freshen the air.
If you’re looking to do more than clean and declutter, consider repainting your bedroom a calming or cozy hue. Then treat yourself to a few little bedside luxuries, like a water carafe, good-smelling candle and bud vase.
Set the Mood: 4 Colors for a Cozy Bedroom
7. Invest in Cushy Couches
In the living room, comfort is king. If you have the space, consider a big, comfy sectional — these modular pieces can seat a crowd and instantly make a space look more inviting. Or pair a sofa of any style with an upholstered ottoman that invites kicking back and putting your feet up. No matter the size of your space, opting for the most comfortable couch you can afford is a wise place to prioritize in the budget.
Browse sofas and sectionals on Houzz
In the living room, comfort is king. If you have the space, consider a big, comfy sectional — these modular pieces can seat a crowd and instantly make a space look more inviting. Or pair a sofa of any style with an upholstered ottoman that invites kicking back and putting your feet up. No matter the size of your space, opting for the most comfortable couch you can afford is a wise place to prioritize in the budget.
Browse sofas and sectionals on Houzz
8. Choose Materials That Improve With Age
Good-quality natural materials such as leather, solid wood, woven baskets and pure wool blankets tend to age well. In fact, the dings and scratches that come with their normal wear and tear actually put guests at ease — instead of worrying about where to sit or set down a cup, everyone is free to relax! If you’re shopping for new furniture, consider going with reclaimed wood, vintage leather or new pieces that have that imperfect, wabi-sabi look.
See more of this converted Victorian schoolhouse
Good-quality natural materials such as leather, solid wood, woven baskets and pure wool blankets tend to age well. In fact, the dings and scratches that come with their normal wear and tear actually put guests at ease — instead of worrying about where to sit or set down a cup, everyone is free to relax! If you’re shopping for new furniture, consider going with reclaimed wood, vintage leather or new pieces that have that imperfect, wabi-sabi look.
See more of this converted Victorian schoolhouse
9. Book Yourself a Reading Nook
A warm and welcoming home isn’t just about welcoming family and friends — it’s about creating spaces that make you feel completely at home and at ease too. And what could be better for solo comfort than a cozy corner filled with cushions and a shelf full of good books within reach? Perk up your favorite reading corner with a comfortable chair or daybed (in case your reading turns to napping), good lighting and a snuggly blanket. Then pile on the books and tuck in.
15 Cozy Book Nooks and What They Want You to Read
A warm and welcoming home isn’t just about welcoming family and friends — it’s about creating spaces that make you feel completely at home and at ease too. And what could be better for solo comfort than a cozy corner filled with cushions and a shelf full of good books within reach? Perk up your favorite reading corner with a comfortable chair or daybed (in case your reading turns to napping), good lighting and a snuggly blanket. Then pile on the books and tuck in.
15 Cozy Book Nooks and What They Want You to Read
10. Create a Warm Glow Indoors and Out
If you change just one thing about your home to make it more warm and welcoming, let it be the lighting. To create a warm, welcoming glow, aim to have lots of soft light sources rather than a single bright one. Indoors, put dimmers on overhead fixtures, and supplement them with table and floor lamps, ideally with at least three light sources per room.
Outdoors, make magic with string lights above seating areas and candles or lanterns on tables — you can’t help but be tempted outdoors with light this lovely.
Your turn: What makes a home feel warm and welcoming to you? Tell us in the Comments.
More on Houzz
8 Ways to Create a Neighborly Front Yard
10 Friendly Furniture Pieces for a Comforting Home
Find pros to help you create the home of your dreams
Shop for furniture and accessories
If you change just one thing about your home to make it more warm and welcoming, let it be the lighting. To create a warm, welcoming glow, aim to have lots of soft light sources rather than a single bright one. Indoors, put dimmers on overhead fixtures, and supplement them with table and floor lamps, ideally with at least three light sources per room.
Outdoors, make magic with string lights above seating areas and candles or lanterns on tables — you can’t help but be tempted outdoors with light this lovely.
Your turn: What makes a home feel warm and welcoming to you? Tell us in the Comments.
More on Houzz
8 Ways to Create a Neighborly Front Yard
10 Friendly Furniture Pieces for a Comforting Home
Find pros to help you create the home of your dreams
Shop for furniture and accessories
Related Stories
Houzz Tours
Houzz Tour: A Midcentury Home With a Strong Indoor-outdoor Link
By Becky Harris
A nature-inspired renovation has given this ranch house a relaxed mood and a connection to the outdoors from most rooms
Full Story
Kitchens
10 Smart Storage Tips for Your Kitchen Bins
Keep kitchen rubbish stylishly tucked away with these clever solutions
Full Story
More Rooms
The 5 Most Popular Laundry Rooms on Houzz Right Now
Get decorating ideas for your laundry or utility room from these most-saved photos on Houzz
Full Story
Gardens
How Do I Create a Drought-tolerant Garden?
By Kate Burt
As summers heat up, plants that need less water are increasingly desirable. Luckily, there are lots of beautiful options
Full Story
Houzz Tours
Houzz Tour: Warm Tones and Luxurious Surfaces in a City Townhouse
An earthy colour palette, hidden storage and well-placed texture add character and practicality to this London home
Full Story
Gardens
5 Inspiring Before and After Garden Transformations
Check out what a difference designers have made to these once dull plots, visually expanding spaces and creating privacy
Full Story
Houzz Tours
Kitchen Tour: A Gorgeous Extension With a Leafy Glasshouse Feel
By Kate Burt
When the owners of this terraced house extended, they were keen to retain its period feel and highlight the garden
Full Story
Gardens
How to Disguise Rubbish and Recycling Bins Outside Your Home
Need to hide unsightly bins in your garden or driveway? Take a look at these clever ideas for inspiration
Full Story
Renovating
21 Ways Designers Are Incorporating Arches Into Homes
By Kate Burt
Everywhere we look on Houzz right now, a cheeky arch pops up. How would you add this timeless architectural feature?
Full Story
Lifestyle
How to Improve the Air Quality in Your Home
Want to ensure your home environment is clean and healthy? Start by assessing the quality of your air
Full Story
I love the cozy look of the bookcases around the doors. The ultimate cozy room!
#6 "If you’re looking to do more than clean and declutter, consider repainting your bedroom a calming or cozy hue. Then treat yourself to a few little bedside luxuries, like a water carafe, good-smelling candle and bud vase."
Dinky nightstands by the bed and a dinky lamp on only one side that isn't even tall enough to read by and where is the room for the "water carafe, good-smelling candle, and bud vase?" The colors are blah, the patterns on the pillows are horrible, there's no texture, and the bedspread and curtains are skimpy and wrinkled. "Cozy bed and breakfast style", I don't think so. What were you thinking?
M