There’s nothing like arriving home after a long day. Does your entry make you feel welcomed? With chillier weather and snow in many places, stepping through the front door should feel warm, calming and inviting. If your entry currently feels cold or cluttered, try a few simple, practical steps to create an inviting arrival—ideas adapted from my book, Love the Home You Have.
- Keep the entry tidy and uncluttered so your home feels peaceful the moment you walk in.
- Light a candle and switch on a lamp or two to create a cozy, welcoming atmosphere.
- Play a bit of music when you come in to set a relaxed tone for the rest of the evening.
- Use timers for lamps, heating, or even a coffeepot or slow cooker so warmth and comfort are ready when you arrive.
You can shape the mood of your home in small, affordable ways.
An easy, budget-friendly way to add character to an entry or living room is shopping secondhand. Look for unusual finds that add personality—wood-handled umbrellas, vintage walking sticks, repurposed buckets or plant stands, wooden crates for storage, quirky tables, and rustic frames or artwork. These pieces bring warmth and a collected, lived-in feel without a big investment.
In my book The Inspired Room I share many tried-and-true decorating tips: ways to add color and texture, how to mix patterns, and practical formulas for arranging and styling furniture. Those simple methods help you create comfortable, welcoming rooms using pieces you already own.
If you don’t have every item you’d like now, the book offers clear guidance on what to look for next—so you can build a home that reflects your style over time without feeling overwhelmed.
I wrote this book to encourage you to make rooms you’ll love to spend time in now, spaces that can evolve with you and your tastes.
For more ideas on homemaking and decorating on any budget, my book Love the Home You Have offers practical encouragement and simple solutions to make your home feel more inviting and comfortable.
Happy winter nesting!
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