Feeling at home is more than just being in a place where you sleep and eat. It’s about creating a space that reflects your personality, provides comfort, and invites others to feel equally at ease. Sometimes, it’s not about what you add to your home but what you eliminate from it.
Let’s talk about 14 things I stopped doing that transformed my home into a more inviting space. Let’s explore these changes together.
1. Cluttering Space With Too Many Decorations
In the pursuit of making our homes look stylish and trendy, we sometimes tend to overdo things. Too many decorations can make a room look congested, chaotic, and less inviting.
By reducing the number of decorative items, I was able to create a more relaxed and comfortable atmosphere in my home. Key items that reflect my personal style or hold sentimental value are now more noticeable. Instead of an overwhelming array of decorations, I now have a carefully curated collection that tells a story.
2. Neglecting Natural Light
Natural light plays a significant role in making a home feel warm, welcoming, and lively. Previously, I used to cover my windows with heavy drapes, which blocked the sunlight.
By switching to lighter, sheer curtains, I was able to let in more sunlight, which instantly brightened up my home. Now, my home feels more spacious, brighter, and inviting during the day. Plus, it’s a great way to save on electric bills!
3. Ignoring Fragrance
The scent of a home can significantly influence how inviting it feels. I used to ignore this aspect, not realizing that unpleasant or even neutral odors could deter visitors.
Now, I use scented candles, diffusers, or fresh flowers to keep my home smelling pleasant. Remember, the key is to go for subtle and refreshing fragrances, not overpowering ones. A good-smelling home is indeed a welcoming home.
4. Overlooking Personal Touches
I used to follow interior design trends to the letter, ignoring the fact that my home should reflect my personal taste and memories.
By adding personal touches like family photos, favorite books, and travel souvenirs, I’ve managed to make my home feel more inviting and personal. These items show that real people live here and tell a story about who we are.
5. Not Having Enough Seating
The lack of adequate seating can make guests feel unwelcome. I realized I didn’t have enough comfortable seating options for visitors.
I addressed this issue by adding a few more chairs and even some floor cushions for casual get-togethers. Remember, the more comfortable people are, the longer they’ll want to stay.
6. Keeping Walls Naked
Empty walls can make a home feel impersonal and cold. I used to ignore my walls, thinking they were just boundaries.
By adding art, mirrors, or even wall plants, I added personality to my walls. This not only made my home more aesthetically pleasing but also a lot more inviting.
7. Ignoring the Power of Colors
Colors have a huge impact on the feel of a room. I used to stick with safe, neutral colors, which, although not offensive, lacked warmth and personality.
By introducing warmer tones and my favorite colors into my home, I was able to create a space that feels more personalized, vibrant, and inviting.
8. Avoiding Greenery
I used to think that plants were too much work and made a mess. However, I’ve realized that greenery can significantly enhance the inviting atmosphere of a home.
By incorporating houseplants into my space, I’ve added a sense of freshness and life. Plus, they also act as natural air purifiers!
9. Overlooking Comfort
In pursuit of a stylish home, comfort was often a forgotten factor. Everything looked good but didn’t necessarily feel good.
By investing in comfortable furniture and soft furnishings like throw blankets and cushions, I’ve created a home that invites relaxation. After all, your home should be your sanctuary.
10. Not Utilizing Mirrors
I used to think of mirrors purely as functional objects for personal grooming. I overlooked their potential as decorative items that could make a space feel larger and brighter.
By strategically placing mirrors across my home, I’ve managed to make my rooms feel brighter, larger, and more inviting.
11. Keeping Lighting Too Harsh
Lighting sets the mood in a home. I used to rely on harsh, bright lights, which were far from inviting.
By introducing ambient lighting options like table lamps, floor lamps, and dimmer switches, I’ve created a warm and cozy atmosphere that’s perfect for relaxing or entertaining.
12. Ignoring the Entryway
The entryway is the first impression of your home. I used to neglect this space, leaving it bare and uninviting.
By adding a welcoming rug, a mirror, and a place to put keys and coats, I’ve made my entryway an inviting introduction to the rest of my home.
13. Keeping Floors Cold
Cold, hard floors can make a home feel unwelcoming. I used to leave my floors bare, which contributed to a colder atmosphere.
By adding rugs and carpets, I’ve added warmth, texture, and comfort to my floors, making my home feel cozy and inviting.
14. Holding onto Things That Don’t Spark Joy
I used to hold onto items that I didn’t love or use. This only contributed to clutter and a sense of chaos.
By adopting the KonMari method and only keeping items that spark joy, I’ve managed to create a home that feels peaceful, organized, and inviting. It’s a continuous process, but it’s worth it.
