There’s nothing like coming home after a long day. Does your home welcome you? With a chill still in the air and many places under a blanket of snow, it’s comforting to step inside and feel instantly cozy, welcomed, and at peace. If your entry feels cold or uninviting, here are a few simple, practical ways to make it more welcoming (excerpted from my book, Love the Home You Have).
- Keep your entry tidy and uncluttered so your house is a place you love to return to and hate to leave.
- Light a candle and switch on a few lamps to create a warm, inviting atmosphere as you and your family come in.
- Play gentle music when you arrive; it can set the perfect tone for a relaxing evening.
- Use timers to automatically turn on lamps, start the heat on cold nights, or have a coffeepot or crockpot ready with a warm drink, appetizer, or dinner.
You can set the mood for your home in many small ways.
Another affordable way to add cozy character to your entry or living room is to explore secondhand shops for unique finds. Look for umbrellas with wooden handles, vintage walking sticks, repurposed metal buckets, plant stands, crates for organizing, interesting tables, rustic frames, and distinctive artwork. These pieces bring personality and a sense of history without a high price tag.
In The Inspired Room, I share many tried-and-true decorating tips, including ways to add color and texture, mix patterns, and simple formulae that make arranging and styling rooms feel manageable. My goal in the book is to help you create comfortable, welcoming spaces using what you already own. If you’re missing a few pieces, I offer straightforward suggestions for what to hunt for next.
I poured my heart into this book to encourage and help you craft rooms you’ll love being in right now—spaces that can grow and evolve with your style over time.
You’ll also find ideas and encouragement for homemaking and decorating on any budget in my New York Times bestselling book Love the Home You Have. Both books focus on practical, approachable solutions so your home feels like a retreat, no matter its size or style.
Happy winter nesting!
For more inspiration and resources, explore paint color ideas, flooring answers, and items from my home shop.
Paint Colors
Flooring FAQ
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