It is arduous to define the term homey. It is relative, with its description varying from person to person. Nevertheless, anyone can differentiate between a house that feels homey and another that does not. Every aspect and element of the residence delivers that unique sense and feeling, allowing an individual to determine.
Overall, a homey house will feel warm, accessible, lived-in, and loved. It would remain well-kept and have a distinct character of its own. In other words, it would represent or reflect the personalities of each of its residents to a specific extent.
A house gains a sense of hominess after people live in it for a long time. It is possible to achieve it even if the home is relatively new or if a family moves in and lives in a new residence.
In this article, let us deliberate on 12 ways to do so.
1. Appropriate Lighting
A house will never seem cozy and homey if it has dim lighting inside or outside. It stands true, even if the people within the home are jolly and loving. It can get owed to the dark and depressing mood that such lighting provides or delivers.
For that reason, a significant element of a homey house lies in its lighting and arrangement. An individual can choose two approaches in this aspect. They can either keep a room or hallway well-lit and bright at all times of the day. Otherwise, they can use layer lighting or light sources. Both the options have the ability or capability of making any space appear welcoming and warm.
Another thing to consider here is the strength or glow of the lights. The best choice lies with soft lighting that gives an approachable and friendly feeling. Conversely, fluorescent and harsh overhead lights may deliver a hostile or unreceptive sense.
2. Artwork and Pictures
Empty and bleak walls can make a house seem abandoned or gloomy. Thus, an individual can fill up the walls with artwork or pictures. It helps provide a feeling opposite of the first case. They can hang up some paintings, family photographs, or portraits. In addition, they can put up some significant achievements such as their college degree or excellence certificate.
However, the size of the pictures or artwork that a person puts up on their walls should get considered. They must get decided according to the wall dimensions. On top of that, they must not get placed too close to one another, giving off a cluttered look. It helps ensure that the wall hangings suit their background. On top of that, it guarantees that they do not stick out like a sore thumb.
3. Rugs Or Mats
Like walls, a floor may seem bleak and deserted if they remain bland. In the worst cases, it may seem that they suck the life out of the living space, making it appear grim and unwelcoming. An individual can rectify that by using a rug or mat. However, it should have an appropriate color scheme, design, and pattern.
Besides making a room look more appealing, a rug or mat allows for additional comfort for the base of the feet. In addition to that, they can cover up any blemishes or imperfections that may be present on the floor.
Although a rug or a mat may be expensive, they serve as a beneficial one-time investment that can last for years and provide various benefits.
4. Plants
In several cases, a person may find it is arduous to make flat rooms seem lively and lived-in no matter what they do. In such instances, a potted plant is all it takes to solve the issue. Foliage can add color to the room, improve its air quality, and even rid the home of detrimental toxins. On top of that, they can keep the residents from feeling alone and lonely.
An individual can choose various plant types and sizes. However, the best option for busy people is succulents. They require minimum care and can still live for an extended period.
5. Color
Colors play a significant role in an individual’s perception of various things. For instance, light and bright shades provide a feeling of calmness, comfort, and acceptance. On the other hand, dark hues can make a person feel rejected. For that reason, colors are essential elements in making a house seem homey.
An individual can choose shades of green, pink, blue, or yellow to make a house seem bright and lively. Also, they can add various patterns and contrasts to them. Dark and neon colors should get avoided as they give the opposite effect.
6. Cleanliness
A house can seem lived-in and welcoming only when it remains clean and tidy. No person would like to enter a home that appears disorganized and cluttered and has everything scattered here and there. Thus, regular upkeep of the house is necessary.
An individual should decide and maintain a specific space for each thing. Everything should remain dust-free. Extra or hidden storage spaces help substantially here by allowing people to store unnecessary objects and items inside. They can do so even on short notice to keep them out of others’ eyes.
7. Scent
Each house has its distinctive and characteristic smell. It represents the people living inside and their lifestyle to a specific extent. This scent may be pleasant or unlikeable. Irrespective of its kind, an individual can use various means and methods to change it. They can do so to allow others to perceive it as homey. It is possible by using room sprays, scented candles, dehumidifiers, or incense.
However, they must get used for a considerable time. It ensures that their smell remains even if an individual ceases their use. In other words, they must not get replaced frequently.
8. Home Improvements
The primary purpose of home improvements is to make various tasks and jobs convenient and effortless. It can consist of washing clothes, preparing food, cleaning, etc. In other words, they increase comfort in daily lives.
Besides making everyday work undemanding, home improvements also help a house seem homey. They highlight the concept or idea that people live inside the home and go about their daily activities there. Thus, it provides a sense of warmth and friendliness to others.
9. Comfort
Home is where a person returns to at the end of the day and relaxes. For that reason, it must be comfortable and cozy for them, allowing them to feel secure and at ease. Only then would the house seem homey to them.
An individual can do various things to increase the comfort of their homes. They can use soft and fluffy cushions, cozy fabrics, curtains, and multiple other elements. The more relaxed they feel due to these things, the homier a house can seem.
10. Sounds
An entirely quiet and noiseless house can seem desolate and unwelcoming. Suppose you get back home and find it completely silent. In such cases, you may feel as if the home itself appears to be rejecting you. For that reason, a house must have the bare minimum sounds to become homey and approachable.
The sources of these sounds may be children’s laughter, music playing, or even the noises made by pets. Automatic sensors or chimes can also work in some cases. Anything that can make an individual feel accepted and recognized plays a role in such scenarios.
11. Personal Touches
Whenever a person lives in a house for some time, they set things according to their preferences and convenience. In addition to that, they add various personal touches here and there. For instance, they may place their watches on the right side of the bed stand and hang a picture slightly tilted. These aspects make the house more welcoming and homey to them.
Adding more and more personal touches can increase the welcoming nature of a house. They do not need to get created intentionally and with many strategies. Everyday actions, habits, and instances are enough to develop and sustain them for a long time.
12. Mirrors
Mirrors can serve two purposes inside a house. They can help a person view themselves and groom themselves. They can do so whenever they need to leave the premises or attend a function. In other words, they aid a person in looking professional and tidy. On the other hand, a mirror can also serve as a decorative item. It can hang on the wall as an ornament.
On top of that, a mirror can make a room appear broader than it is in actuality. It does so by reflecting the light coming from a natural or artificial source, creating an illusion.
A mirror makes it seem as if people live inside the house. It provides the perception that individuals go there at the end of the day. It stands true, irrespective of the object’s use. That is why it can help increase the homey nature of a home. It gives a unique or distinct personality to a room or hallway. In addition, it reflects the styles and characters of the various residents of the house.