9 Common Things That Make Your Home Feel Uninviting
Today, we're going to look at nine common decorating mistakes that can make your home less welcoming. You might be surprised to hear that some things you're doing to your home might make it less inviting. We also have some quick and easy tips to make your guests and family feel at home in your space.
Table of contents
1. Your entry is a disaster
No matter how big or small your home is, there will always be an entry area that people must physically pass through to reach the rest of your home. Your entryway is going to set the tone for the rest of your home, as it's the first thing that guests see when they come over, so do not gloss over it.
A cluttered entryway will give off chaotic vibes before anyone enters your home. It's not that you can't have anything in your entry, but keep it neat.
Declutter and try putting down a nice rug, hanging a mirror, or some artwork; if there's space, you can add a bench, chair, or stool.
No matter how small your entry is, you should always try to carve out a drop zone for your keys, wallet, and other items you won't need again until you leave the house.
2. Low quality sheets
A lot of people neglect their bedrooms and choose to spend more money on high-traffic spaces like the living room and the kitchen, which is understandable. Even if you've deprioritized the bedroom for the time being, you can and should still try to make your bed a cozy and inviting place to unwind after a long day. Having low-quality pilling or scratchy sheets is uncomfortable.
One way you can treat yourself is by using silk bedding.
It's known to have many benefits, including keeping your hair and skin hydrated and reducing sleep wrinkles.
3. Your house is too clean
Is there such a thing as a home being too clean and tidy? Apparently, yes, there is. According to a recent survey, many people prefer a home that is relaxed and a little messy over one that is super clean and tidy. The research revealed that some people specifically said that minimal, spotless, and tidy houses feel cold and lack a sense of comfort.
There's a balance here. Your home shouldn't be dirty or a total pigsty, but a little mess can be more inviting than you might think.
4. Overly minimalistic decor
To each their own, right? If you are into ultra-minimalism and you feel comfortable in your home, then by all means, ignore this. But generally, having too little decor in your home can make it feel sterile and uninviting. If your home is devoid of not only color but also a bit of personality, but just things in general, it can feel unwelcoming and like it lacks a soul.
5. Using only overhead lighting
Overhead lighting is fine, and it has its uses. Still, if you never use any other kind of lighting, like table lamps, candles, or indirect ambient lighting, your home can feel uninviting and one-dimensional.
The best way to create a warm and inviting atmosphere in your home is to mix different light sources.
Table lamps, floor lamps, candles, string lights, and solar lights outside also vary the light intensity with dimmers.
Think of lighting not just as a way to see what you're doing but as a way to set the mood in your space. Avoid using fluorescent lighting at all costs.
In the areas where you want the option to relax, make sure you're using warm-temperature light bulbs or smart bulbs that allow you to change the light temperature and intensity.
6. Not using curtains
I wouldn't say that curtains are always the best way to go. It depends on your room, your view, your exposure, how much privacy you need, and your overall aesthetic. But in general, adding curtains to your windows can make a space feel more cozy and inviting.
Fabric softens hard surfaces like window frames, making a room feel more inviting and intimate.
7. Your flooring is cold
If your floors are cold, your whole home feels quite uninviting. I've been in old homes with beautiful stone floors, but they were freezing, and it's just not pleasant.
The obvious solution is to, of course, add area rugs. Not only do they add warmth and coziness, but they also help to absorb noise. Even in places with a warm climate, I think fully stone concrete or tiled floors can feel a bit uninviting.
You can still use area rugs in that case, but you should go for lower pile options and flat weaves instead.
They'll take the edge off the cold feeling without smothering your floors and making your home feel hotter than it already is.
8. Your walls are bare
Many bare, undecorated walls can make a space feel sterile and uninviting. Not every wall needs to be covered in framed artwork or photos, but even just adding a few key pieces can make a huge difference.
Mirrors, artwork, shelves, a TV, or wallpaper are so many options for breaking up a boring wall.
You're not limited to physically hanging things on the wall itself. You can break up a bare wall by placing something in front of it, like a bookcase or something tall, like a big plant or a floor lamp.
9. A home that smells bad
Various things can cause your home to smell bad, like pets, garbage, smoking, mildew, mold, and certain stale cooking smells. If you're afraid that you've gone nose blind, which means you can't smell the smell of your home anymore, then ask a friend or relative to come over and tell you honestly what your house smells like when they come in.
Once you've identified and eradicated any foul smells that may be lurking, if there are any, then the next thing I suggest you do is focus on creating pleasant smells in your home.
Scented candles are great, but many people identify coziness with smells like a Sunday roast cooking in the oven, so your home doesn't necessarily even need to smell like a fragrance. Ultimately, choose whatever scent you and your family like best.
Decorating mistakes that make your home uninviting
So there you have it! Nine decorating mistakes that might be making your home feel a little less welcoming than you'd like. Remember, a welcoming home is a comfortable home, so don't be afraid to add your own personal touches and create a space that reflects who you are.
Even small changes can make a big difference, so why not give some of these tips a try and see how they transform your home's atmosphere? Now get out there and start making your home a haven!
Comments
Join the conversation