Most of us have walked into a home that was so cozy, comfortable and inviting that we instantly felt at home. However, many of us struggle to recreate the same feeling in our own home. There are many things universally thought of as cozy additions to a home such as a crackling fire, homemade bread and mugs of hot chocolate. · Your home should smell inviting. Instead of plug-in chemical air fresheners use potpourri, spiced cider or citrus slices simmering on the stove, or lightly scented burning candles to make your home smell cozy. In winter, spicy and earthy smells such as pine boughs or pine cones dipped in cinnamon are preferable. Be careful to use unscented candles on the dinner table as strong scents will interfere with the taste of food. · Use soft, natural fabrics when possible with seating that has plenty of cushiony comfort. Bring in a variety of textures such as rough textured wood, smooth stone, distressed iron, shells in a bowl, natural branches in an arrangement, etc. Juxtapose those textures with a plush rug, velvet pillows, cashmere throws, all which invite you to touch. Be sure to leave a throw draped over the ottoman, back of the sofa, foot of the bed. · Repaint an uninviting room with warmer paint colors or add an accent wall. White walls are very off-putting. Yellow based neutrals, bronze, mocha, etc. will instantly make your room more inviting. · Use window treatments to soften your home. Use curtains or valances to hide the edges of window casings and soften the walls. If you have high ceilings it is especially important to make sure you have plenty of drapes to soften an expansive wall with a large window. · Always have soft music on if you are expecting guests. If the windows will be open, turn on the water fountain or hang a wind chime away from the house for a soft distant jingle. · Finally, take a minute to look around your space. A décor that is too sparse is hard to make cozy. However, the opposite is also true. Having too much in a space will cause visual clutter. Most important of all, remember your guests will notice your fresh flowers, personal photographs and the nice smelling soaps in the powder room more than they will notice a perfectly clean home. Your home will be more inviting if it feels authentic and is a reflection of you and your personal style. And as always, a relaxed host and/or hostess is most important of all ...read more
By J Hettinger Interiors December 01, 2010
Furniture shops specialize in selling furniture for the home. Most stores offer their clientele a wide selection of furniture styles to accommodate different tastes. Sales associates can help customers locate the perfect piece of furniture. If they are unable to do so in the store, they may be able to... ...read more
When a loved one dies and it is up to you to plan their funeral you have to consider everything they want. You have to decide what hymns they would want read, scriptures and who they would want to speak on their behalf. Planning a church funeral can be easy with the help of your minister or clergyman. ...read more