Tips for Making Your Home the Most Inviting Yet

Having a home that is inviting - that beckons to visitors and lingers in the minds of guests - makes for both an enjoyable and memorable place. There's an added benefit to creating a home that is inviting to guests: it's often more inviting to you, the owner, too, says Mike Greeff, CEO of Greeff Christie's International Real Estate.

Below are a few tips to try that will help you create a home that welcomes everyone who walks through its doors.

Let your front door and entryway set the inviting tone first

Don't underestimate the inviting power of some good curb appeal. A quick front stoop clean and a bright welcome mat does wonders. A quick trick for an inviting entryway is adding a big, green leafy plant right next to the inside of your front door.

Make room for guests' belongings.

Create an obvious place for guests to hang their coats and bags so they feel at home right away. If you don't have a coat closet, you can make a creative coat hanger for a wall with just about anything.

Use colour and other design tricks to pull eyes through your space

Consider a guest's first view of your space and pay special attention to designing the furthest point of that view. For example, paint the far wall across from your front door in a bold accent colour, adding fun art or lighting, or anything else that will capture attention. This will almost, quite literally pull guests into and through your home, creating this feeling that they want to stay and explore your space.

Make sure that your seating arrangements are easy and comfortable

You might not mind moving a chair out of the way to get behind the dining table, but guests don't normally feel comfortable in spaces they don't understand how to navigate. Small homes especially need to be on the lookout for this uninviting culprit. The idea is to make moving through your home obstacle-less.

Go overboard with soft textiles

This might be the most obvious suggestion on the list, but it's also the most effective. Opt for plush rugs or layer them up so that your space looks warm and luxurious. It is also suggested that you go for deep furniture, floor pillows and soft ottomans to really bring home that warm and inviting feeling.

Soften straight and harsh lines

Lots of straight, harsh lines, especially those on very modern upholstery - can look unpleasant and work against trying to create an inviting space. Tricks like incorporating round rugs can help, as can other round objects like pillows. Having a soft throw blanket over a corner of the couch can break up a straight line and make it seem more inviting.

Create themed photo collages

Displaying pictures is a great way to let people know who or what is most important to you and also adds a personal touch to your home. Make a framed collage to add to an empty wall by choosing a bunch of pictures that have a common theme, like a family holiday or special event.

Scent your home accordingly

The power of smell plays a key role in making your home welcoming. A great smelling home is always inviting and draws guests in. Opt for lightly scented candles that everyone will love or fresh, fragrant flowers are also an option.  

Do not feel like you have to follow all of these tips and tricks to the T. When you are planning and designing your home, make sure to stay true to your own unique style and personality. Your guests will definitely take notice and feel welcomed if your house matches your personality.