In a time when technology and innovation are moving at lightning speed, folks are craving real connection—at work, with friends, and definitely, at home. (We see you, “analog rooms.”)
“A home tells you everything before anyone says hello,” says Hallie Malitsky, founder of Brooklyn-based Hallie Rose Design. “A welcoming home is simply one that gives them a reason to stay.”
The key to creating a home that exudes warmth and a sense of belonging is to consider all the senses. “The perception of a space is experienced not just with the eyes, but through touch, sound, and smell,” says Tracy Mowschenson, founder of Boston-based Tracy Interiors. You don’t need to embark on a full-scale renovation to transform your space. You can actually dramatically change a room’s atmosphere through soft furnishings, layered lighting, and inviting sound, Mowschenson says.
Start small with a scent because that’s something you’ll notice first, says Genna Jacobs-Freeman, co-founder of Atlanta-based Space Design Collective. Then consider sound, touch, and sight. “Build a room in this order and the visual layer will take care of itself, mostly because a space that feels good almost always ends up looking good, too,” says Jacobs-Freeman.
Get inspiration for your own cozy home with these seven simple designer-approved ways to give your home a warm and welcoming feel.
Create a layered lighting plan.
Lighting is crucial to the visual language of “welcome,” says Mowschenson. Layer lights at different visual and brightness levels. “Dimmers and warm colored bulbs are the key to avoiding an abrasive and jarring atmosphere,” she says.
People often make the mistake of relying on a single source of light, typically a harsh overhead light that feels more blinding than comforting. “I will say it plainly: Your overhead lighting is not your friend after 6 p.m.,” says Malitsky. Different light fixtures serve different purposes throughout the day—something a single overhead light simply can’t do.
And use the right light bulbs!
Speaking of a thoughtfully layered lighting plan, don’t underestimate the welcoming power of choosing the appropriate light bulb. “The right lightbulb changes everything,” says Malitsky “The hill I will die on: Never use any lightbulb from 4000k-6500k, which reads blue-white like a hospital corridor—it has no business being in a home.” Instead, a soft white 2700k dimmable bulb will provide you with options. “It has a slightly golden cast and it makes skin tones, wood grains, and warm textiles all read right and flattering,” she says.
Incorporate comfortable textiles.
Nothing begs you to stay and linger like comfortable textiles. “Plush pillows, cozy throws, soft rugs, and curtains—not only does this add warmth in the physical sense, but it also transforms the acoustics of a room,” says Mowschenson. Something as simple as a few cozy pillows can instantly turn a bare and echoey room into an inviting retreat.
Find a curated scent for your home.
If you want your home to feel instantly welcoming, bring in a curated scent, says Jacobs-Freeman. “I’m the person who treats the foyer like a five-star hotel lobby; I want it to feel layered, calming, grounded, and maybe a little bit transported,” she says. Smell is a highly powerful sense that plays a crucial role in how a space makes you feel. “Smell is incredible, it’s directly plugged into the limbic system, which is your emotional center,” she adds.
Knowing this, maximize the power of scent to create a welcoming sense of belonging in your home. “A home that smells intentional—and not like the ghost of last week’s take-out—registers as safe and somewhere you want to be,” says Jacobs-Freeman.
Invest in small luxuries.
Small luxuries can go a long way in making a home feel inviting. Try fresh flowers in a single variety for a calm and considered vibe, suggests Malitsky. “Put them in a beautiful vintage vase, because the vessel should be as personal as the flowers are fresh,” she says.
Whether you share a love of fresh flowers or you appreciate plush towels in the bathroom or a high-quality hand soap in the powder room, small luxuries elevate everyday routines and set a welcoming tone in even the most utilitarian areas of the home.
Ground the space with live greenery.
If you want to inspire a sense of conviviality and welcome within your home, bring the outdoors in. “In the visual sense, fresh flowers and live plants throughout the space bring life, color, and a touch of the natural world back into the home,” says Mowschenson.
For example, a tall floor plant introduces a sculptural element and a rejuvenating green hue into a room, but it also creates a connection with nature for a homey, grounding feel.
Soften the acoustics.
Sound may not be the first thing you think of when it comes to making a home feel welcoming, but it’s important. “A home that is acoustically abrasive—thick, hard floors, bare walls, and an HVAC system that sounds like bronchitis keeps the body in alert mode,” says Jacobs-Freeman.
Counteract this with design elements that have a softening effect, such as a cozy area rug, a plush sofa, or a soft blanket. “Soften the acoustics and you soften the space, which in turn softens the energy and softens the inhabitants of the room,” she says.
Maria Sabella is a lifestyle writer with a passion for home and interiors — from paint colors and holiday decor to the latest design trends. Her work has appeared in outlets including Better Homes & Gardens, The Spruce, BuzzFeed and Bustle.
