We all aspire to have a home that not only looks beautiful but feels welcoming too – a place where family and friends always feel comfortable and relaxed. However, certain habits can prevent us from achieving this. Once I recognized these bad habits and made a conscious effort to change, I noticed a significant improvement in the atmosphere of my home. Here are the 13 bad habits I dropped for a more welcoming home.
1. Cluttered Spaces
Clutter is not only visually unappealing, but it also creates a chaotic and unwelcoming environment. I realized that having too many things around made my home look messy and disorganized. I decided to declutter regularly and keep only what I really need or love. This has made my home feel more spacious and inviting.
2. Lack of Natural Light
Natural light is essential for creating a bright and welcoming environment. I used to keep my curtains closed most of the time, which made my home feel gloomy and unwelcoming. Now, I make sure to open my curtains every morning to let in as much natural light as possible. It has made a huge difference in the overall atmosphere of my home.
3. Ignoring Small Repairs
Ignoring small repairs like a leaky faucet or a squeaky door can make your home seem neglected. I learnt to tackle these small repairs promptly. Not only did this prevent them from turning into bigger problems, but it also made my home feel well-maintained and cared for.
4. Neglecting Indoor Plants
Indoor plants can make your home feel lively and fresh. I used to neglect my indoor plants, which made them look sad and unhealthy. I now make sure to water them regularly and give them the care they need. They have become a beautiful and welcoming addition to my home.
5. Overdoing Decorations
While decorations can enhance the look of your home, overdoing them can make it feel overcrowded and overwhelming. I used to have too many decorations, but I’ve since learned to keep it minimal. I now focus on a few statement pieces that add character without causing clutter.
6. Not Cleaning Regularly
A clean home is a welcoming home. I used to put off cleaning until the weekend, which made my home feel untidy during the week. I now make sure to clean a little bit every day, which keeps my home tidy and welcoming at all times.
7. Keeping Old, Worn Out Furniture
Old, worn out furniture can bring down the overall look of your home. I used to hold on to old furniture for sentimental reasons, but I’ve since learned to let go. Replacing old furniture with new, stylish pieces has made my home look more modern and inviting.
8. Ignoring the Entryway
The entryway is the first thing people see when they enter your home, so it’s important to keep it clean and inviting. I used to ignore my entryway, but I’ve since made it a priority. A clean, well-decorated entryway sets the tone for the rest of the house.
9. Poor Lighting
Poor lighting can make your home feel dark and unwelcoming. I used to rely on a single source of light, but I’ve since learned the importance of layering lighting. Using a combination of ambient, task, and accent lighting has made my home feel more warm and welcoming.
10. Having a Closed Floor Plan
A closed floor plan can make your home feel cramped and unwelcoming. I used to have a lot of walls and partitions, but I’ve since opened up my space. An open floor plan creates a sense of spaciousness and allows for more social interaction.
11. Not Personalizing Your Space
Your home should reflect your personality. I used to follow interior design trends without considering my personal tastes, but I’ve since learned to incorporate elements that I love. Personalizing my space has made my home feel more unique and inviting.
12. Ignoring Outdoor Spaces
Outdoor spaces can greatly enhance the overall appeal of your home. I used to neglect my outdoor spaces, but I’ve since made them a priority. A well-maintained garden or patio can make your home feel more welcoming.
13. Not Having a Place for Everything
Having a place for everything makes it easier to keep your home tidy. I used to let things lie around, but I’ve since organized my things in a way that makes sense. This has not only made my home look more organized, but it also makes it easier for guests to navigate.