Errors in Home Design That Lead to a Less Welcoming Atmosphere:
When setting the stage for a get-together, you desire your guests to feel like they belong. However, unwittingly, certain design choices may unintentionally make your visitors feel a bit out of place in your abode.
Fortunately, these design faux pas can be swiftly tide over with a few expert suggestions to make everyone feel at home. It's high time to conduct a thorough checkup of your dwelling, readying it for your upcoming festivities.
- *Malka Helft*, the founder of Think Chic Interiors
- *Liz Goldberg*, the founder of Carolyn Leona Design
01of 07## Extreme Clutter—or Scary Barrenness
Striking the right balance in clutter is critical. A cluttered space, particularly when it's littered with footwear, boxes, and coats, may give off an unkempt image. On the other hand, an overly empty space can make it seem like the home itself is deserted.
Quick fix: Incorporate intentional clutter if your home looks too sparse. Add a mix of meaningful and beautiful items, such as a select assortment of books, and a few striking pieces of artwork. Make sure to include some vacant spaces on the shelves or coffee tables to prevent an avalanche of clutter.
If your space seems to be suffering from an excess of clutter, decluttering is the solution. Ensure that each item on a shelf or countertop serves a purpose and truly brings you joy.
02of 07## Insufficient Seating for Visitors
Providing adequate seating to accommodate your guests can be challenging, especially when dealing with limited space. However, perching on a chair edge or the hardwood floor is not an appealing alternative.
Quick fix: Introduce temporary seating options that can be pulled out for special occasions. Consider small stools or ottomans, disguised beneath a console table, or turn an ottoman-equipped coffee table into a makeshift bench. Throw in some dining chairs that complement your living room color scheme.
03of 07## Uncomfortable Seating
Comfort is key to keeping guests lingering in your home. Stiff or uncomfortable chairs can leave guests feeling uneasy.
Quick fix: Test the comfort of chairs before purchasing, and prioritize comfort over aesthetics. Consider upholstering dining chairs to make them more inviting for future dinner soirees.
Worried about stained upholstery in your dining room? Opt for treating the fabric with a protectant spray like Scotchgard instead of covering it with plastic, which can make the room appear inhospitable.
04of 07## Lack of Curtains or Blinds
Window treatments can help regulate the light and transform any space, including your living room. However, neglecting window treatments can leave the light intensity uncontrollable during gatherings.
Quick fix: Enhance your design by adding window treatments. Goldberg emphasizes that adding window treatments can make your space appear softer and complete. A well-selected set of window treatments can also manage light by filtering harsh sun rays without depriving the room of natural light.
05of 07## An Excess of Pillows
While decorative pillows can add a cozy touch to your sofa, excessive pillows may overwhelm your guests or force them to navigate around cushions while attempting to sit.
Quick fix: Streamline your pillow collection. Helft suggests limiting the number of cushions on a standard 7- to 9-foot sofa to three 20-by-20-inch pillows, plus a pair of small or lumbar pillows. Rotate the pillows occasionally to provide a fresh look without overdoing it.
06of 07## A Museum-like Atmosphere
Antique furniture pieces and fragile decorative items can make guests feel nervous about potentially damaging everything. An underlying museum-like atmosphere can be visually stunning, but it may not create a relaxed ambiance for your guests.
Quick fix: Relax the elegance in your decor. Goldberg stresses that using durablmaterialsand textures can help put guests at ease.
07of 07## Harsh Lighting
Bright and cold white lighting can create a hospital-like atmosphere rather than a comfortable setting for socializing. Overreliance on overhead lighting may not achieve the perfect balance.
Quick fix: Introduce softer lighting in your home to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Consider using floor lamps, table lamps, or wall sconces to supplement overhead lighting, and experiment with different light bulb wattages and colors to achieve the desired ambiance.
Easy Solutions: Luckily, this issue can be easily resolved: Consider purchasing a desk lamp or table lamp that brings the light closer to you. Trade in those chilly light bulbs for ones with a warmer color temperature (or even better, go for intelligent light bulbs so you can adjust the lighting according to your preference). Dimmer switches are also a great option to soften the light and can be easily installed on your existing light fixtures.
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After reading the article from RealSimple about decorating tips and techniques for a welcoming home, Malka Helft and Liz Goldberg both highlighted the importance of addressing two common issues: excessive clutter and lack of adequate seating for guests. To combat clutter, incorporate intentional clutter with meaningful and beautiful items, and declutter by ensuring each item serves a purpose and brings joy. For seating issues, introduce temporary seating options or upholster dining chairs to make them more comfortable. Keep reading RealSimple's Decorating Tips and Techniques for more ideas to create a cozy and inviting home.
