We Asked Designers What All Welcoming Homes Have in Common—And We Wish We Thought of This Sooner – Shared Article

Key Points

Layer lighting and display personal accents to make the space feel welcoming and lived-in.

Pair function and style with a console table, art, and simple storage for an inviting entryway.

Use greenery, soft textures, and cohesive decor to add warmth and balance.

I read this article HERE. By Ashlyn Needham

Maybe it’s the stage of life I’m in now, where I’m a homeowner, but I love how intentional it seems everyone is making their home’s design. Beautiful entryways are my love language, and I love those that set the tone for the rest of the house as soon as you walk in.

Creating an entryway that feels cozy and inviting starts with knowing the rules. After speaking to a few designers, I learned that there are a few things all welcoming homes have in common.

Here are six ways you can make your entryway feel more welcoming to make a statement about your home that’s reflective of you.

Meet the Expert

Morgan Blinn is the Lead Designer at Rumor Designs in Steamboat Springs, Colorado.
Yvonne Harty is a luxury interior designer at Harty Interiors in Sacramento, California.

Balancing Beauty and Function

things all welcoming homes have in common — Credit: Desiree Burns Interiors

Like most people, you want the entrance of your home to make an impressive statement for guests when they arrive, but also an area that you can use. Entryways come in handy to quickly stow your shoes, coats, mail, or other odds and ends as soon as you enter.

After all, you live there! That’s why Yvonne Harty, interior designer at Harty Interiors, says to embrace the “lived-in look” for a welcoming entry that feels like home.

“Welcoming homes aren’t perfect showcase homes where everything is staged beautifully,” she says. “Instead, they feel lived-in and collected with furniture pieces placed to encourage conversations.”

What are the best collected furniture pieces to showcase beauty and function? Harty says a console table with a large piece of art or mirror, decor, and fresh flowers goes a long way in this space.

“A welcoming home starts with a step through the front door,” Harty says. “Entryways are a great opportunity to wow guests and instantly make them feel welcome.”

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A Streamlined Design

While you’re embracing the casual glamour of everyday living, don’t forget to make the overall design streamlined. Morgan Blinn, lead designer at Rumor Designs, recommends choosing pieces that are cohesive in nature so everything feels curated and tied together.

“A well-curated entrance features practical, minimal pieces for a welcoming first impression,” she says.

You don’t have to showcase luxurious accent pieces or expensive furniture, but make sure all the pieces complement each other to define the space.

Greenery

A simple way to make a home feel welcoming and cozy is with some greenery. Setting a plant or two in your entryway along a table or on a shelf, maybe even in decorative planters tucked in the corner, goes a long way in design.

“Adding greenery instantly energizes a space, enhancing empty corners, shelves, and entryways,” says Blinn. “For those without a green thumb, high-quality faux plants work just as well.”

And it’s an easy way to add color naturally to the room!

Soft Textures

One thing you’ll notice in welcoming homes is the soft textures that feel natural and cozy.

Harty says, “Texture and natural materials instantly add warmth and make a home more inviting. It’s important in design to balance the room.”

She suggests layering your entryway with materials like linen, leather, or natural wood.

“Think soft rugs, pillows, throw blankets, table linens, window treatments, decor, or fresh flowers. Your guests won’t want to leave!”

Layered, Decorative Lightning

Decorative lighting is the perfect piece to make a statement, elevate your style, and make your home welcoming functionally—and Harty says it’s the most underrated design detail in most homes.

“Layer lighting with ambient, task, and accent lighting, warm light bulbs, wall sconces, and lamps sprinkled throughout the home,” Harty says. “This will definitely create a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. This way, different types of lighting can be chosen based on the time of the day or mood.”

Personal Touches

Lastly, what truly makes a home feel welcoming and inviting when guests first step in is a home that reflects you.

According to Harty, heirloom furniture pieces, artwork, family photos, or travel mementos make a home feel lived-in and encourage conversations. Thrift or antique stores are the best places to find items that resonate with your personal style or the look you’re trying to achieve in your entryway.

It’s also a great place to find a variety of items you and mix to create a design that’s unique to your home.

Whatever you decide to showcase as your personal touches, Blinn to definitely adopt the “less is more” philosophy.

“Focus on ambient lighting, touches of personality, and creative elements while maintaining an uncluttered space,” she says. “Clearing away excess decor that creates visual chaos is essential for creating a peaceful, inviting space.”

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