Guest Post - Just Bought a Home? Here are 12 Things You Need to Make it More Inviting

Why is it that, no matter the potential, a new home often feels cold and uninviting? To warm it up, it takes life—people, excitement, conversation, dinners! And to achieve all of these things, your home has to be a place where your friends and family want to congregate. Luckily, we’ve got a great list of brilliant ideas, all of which say “come on in and stay awhile” without saying anything at all.

A Well-Stocked Bar Cart—One of the things that makes guests feel welcome in any home is a beverage. Having a well-stocked bar cart—complete with lots of wine, of course—signifies to them that you’re happy to whip up a special drink to make them feel welcome. You don’t have to invest in anything too expensive, just make sure you have the basics, like vodka, gin, tequila, rum and whiskey plus a few good mixers.

A Personalized Welcome Sign—What better way to literally make your home more inviting than to hang a sign that says, “Come on in!” right at the door? Whether with a personalized address sign or front door plaque with your name on it, this is an awesome way to add some personalized pizzazz to the casa so everyone feels warmly welcomed. 

Great-Smelling Candles—We don’t know the exact science behind it, but there’s something really real about the way certain smells make you feel. For whatever reason, lighting candles or burning aromatic oils can immediately elicit strong feelings of comfort and coziness. Go for spicy, sweet and seasonal scents—anything that warms you to the core! Clean smells of cotton and linen can also encourage a fresh start.

Some Kind of Fire Element—In the way that candles warm you up psychologically, fires do so physically. You don’t have to have a raging wood-burning fireplace to achieve that delightful fireside feel. You can recreate it with the help of a tabletop electronic fireplace (yes, these are real and they are actually amazing) or, if you’re looking for something easy and free, play a full HD fireplace YouTube video on the TV.

Lots of Cozy Blankets—The last thing you’d want is for your guests to enter your home and be overcome with a stiff, cold or formal vibe. Peppering some super-soft wool blankets around the living area is an awesome way to encourage guests to kick their shoes off, get comfy and hang out. This one is crucial if you plan on hosting any binge-watching get-togethers.

A Nice Set of Drinkware—We’re not saying you have to roll out the red carpet for your guests, but there is something sweet about serving them with some nice glasses and dishes. We hate to say it, but it may be time to upgrade from your mismatched glasses from college and invest in some pieces that actually go together. Don’t worry though, you don’t need to spend an arm and a leg on fancy new glassware and dishes. You can get some really nice stuff on sale or second hand at the thrift store or flea market.

A Personalized Cheese Tray or Cutting Board—There’s something so sweet about kitchen decor that is practical and meaningful. Take the personalized cheese tray or cutting board, for example. These accouterments add a personalized touch to the kitchen while setting you up to create amazing charcuteries and appetizer spreads for your grazing guests. Give one as a housewarming gift to yourself!

Plush Rugs and Furniture—As crazy as we are about minimalist, modern and industrial design styles, they just don’t scream comfy. You can still get the ultra-chic and mod vibe if you go with upholstered furniture featuring contemporary silhouettes and soft, shag rugs with a high pile. If you’ve got the room, select oversized, overstuffed furniture in soft materials. Few things are more welcoming than a big, comfy couch!

Music That Sets a Chill Vibe—One of the first things you’re going to want to do when you move into your new home is to set up those Bluetooth speakers in all the primary living areas. Make sure you’ve got one anywhere guests tend to congregate, including the living room and kitchen. Just make sure to choose tunes that are relaxing and welcoming, and play them at a lower volume. Jazz and lo-fi hip-hop are two of the best options. 

Lots of Personal Photos and Knickknacks—You know how they say to de-personalize the house when you’re selling it? Now’s the time to re-personalize it with your most cherished photos and mementos. Get creative about hanging your favorite photos. Consider having those photos printed on home décor items like throw blankets and pillows or spend an afternoon designing and creating a show-stopping gallery wall.

A Stash of Snacks—Don’t ever let your guests go hungry! Make sure to keep some easy snacks and finger foods on hand at all times to ensure that you’ve got something to offer whoever comes through the door. Create a snack basket that you can bust out anytime you or your guests feel their bellies rumbling. Stock it with crackers, nuts, dips and a few sweet treats.

Good Lighting—Do not overlook the power of good lighting! Nothing makes a space feel colder or more sterile than too-bright lights. Make sure to swap out all those old, energy-hogging incandescents for warm-toned (2,500 to 3,000 Kelvins) LED bulbs. If you’re making any upgrades, consider installing dimmers on your lights so you can control light levels at all times and create warm, cozy or romantic environments on-demand.

Bonus: Friends and Family

The most important thing you need to warm up your new place is loved ones to share it with! Whether you host a big housewarming party, invite your closest friends over for game night or go all-out with a meticulously themed dinner party, it’s the love and joy from those around you that will make the space feel special and warm. Happy hosting!

Author Bio: Ashley Peterson is the Director of Marketing at GiftsForYouNow. Her favorite part of her job is connecting others with sentimental and personalized gifts that foster lifelong memories. Ashley is also a mother of 2 and enjoys spending time with her family exploring the outdoors.

Guest Post - 6 Designer Tips for a Comfortable and Cozy Home

Having a home where you can relax and not have to worry about a thing is something many home dwellers have strived to achieve. 

Regardless of the size of your house, a slight change in the décor of your home can greatly influence your emotions. Which means that giving your home a makeover, with items that are appealing and soothing for one’s eyes, can enhance the positive feelings of anyone being surrounded by that ambience. 

If you too wish to have the best comforts provided by your house, let us assist you. Below we have written some of the tips that can help you create a home where comfort and coziness are in full bloom. 

Get Creative with Shelves 

Shelves can be counted as ideal storage places. They help in creating more space around the room, and they keep your collected items in plain sight for you to take them out or put them back in whenever you want. And it wouldn’t hurt if you're going to add a touch of creativity to it. 

Having a shelf, occupying at least one side of the wall, will not look overbearing- well as long as the shelf isn’t filled to the brim with overflowing items. One of the best aspects of a shelf is that it is not limited to only storing books in it. 

And even if you do have a lot of books to keep on the shelves, you can always change their positions by placing some books vertically and some horizontally. You can also add a few showpieces of your choice or potted plants next to the books. 

Add Warm Lighting 

Warm blankets, soft pillows with warm lights, illuminating the room, is the perfect combination to get yourself a pleasant and comfortable atmosphere. 

You can recreate that look in any or every room depending on which one you are most likely to go to, and relax at. You can put up some fairy lights around the ceilings or have them hanging on the walls. If you feel like emphasizing the warmth even more in a room with bland colors, you can add variety in the lighting such as using candles, bulbs, fairy lights, etc. in one place for more illumination. 

Also leave the cushions, blankets, and pillows in a clutter. This way, it can make people feel like they can sit and relax wherever they want amidst the warm and cozy environment. 

Get Creative on the Walls 

The walls of your home are the canvas of your personality. You can go all out in decorating this space based on the things you love and the things you want your guests to see. 

There is a variety of things you can experiment with, on your walls. If you are an artist, you can start up your personalized art gallery. You are free to choose whether you want to frame your artworks and hook them on the walls or simply stick them on as they already are.

You can even place your family photos or hang ornaments with unusual appearances to give that unique vibe and dynamic quality which looks extraordinary yet soothing to the eyes.  

Update the Textures 

Texture partnered home decoration pieces give more than just comfort. Pillows, rugs, and wall hanging with textured patterns provide a three-dimensional aspect and more depth to your room. 

With the right combinations, you can instantly change the look of your home for the better. Fabric textures such as cashmere and velvet work well with animal prints, winter-themed patterns and even bold and bright color tones. 

An example can be by keeping your coffee table as a focal point by opting for a wood-based material. You can further add a table runner and placemats- preferably of neutral texture. Choosing linen napkins for the table set can also increase the appeal of its appearance.    

A Touch of Green 

One of the best ways to bring back life into the house is by giving way to Mother Nature and let the plants take root in your home. 

Plants can be kept anywhere in the house whether it be your kitchen, your room, or even your bathroom. And what’s even better is that you can customize the pots according to your tastes. You can choose warm shades such as terracotta or brass tones. You can also choose to have them in a basket made of seagrass for a more natural effect. 

You don’t have to worry about bugs either. Many plants ward off bugs, and if you want to place plants near your bedside, you will find that there are several home remedies for bed bugs that you can use to stay clear of any bug infestation. 

If you aren’t good at taking care of plants or have to travel away from home for days, then you can also opt for fake plants. They can look just as good as a real plant, and you don’t have to worry about watering them now and then either. 

Don’t Forget The Rugs!

For the ideal relaxing home makeover décor, having a few rugs around the house is an absolute must. These luscious pieces of fabrics practically scream warmth and comfort. A wooden or tile floor can be great investments, but they can get real icy during the winter season. 

Having rugs around the house increases the warmth and comfort of the place. You can easily swap places from sitting on the sofa to sitting on the floor. Your comfort is therefore not comprised, and you can quickly wrap them back up and store them in closets when the weather becomes warmer. 

Closing Note 

Comfort should always be the topmost priority. And the benefits of a comfortable home are not only pleasing to the guest but to you, the owner, as well. The above tips are just some of the ways you can live in your ideal home where stress and sadness are the last things on your minds. 

Author Bio:
About Michelle Joe: Michelle Joe is a blogger by choice. She loves to discover the world around her. She likes to share her discoveries, experiences, and express herself through her blogs. You can find her on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook.

Guest Post - Home Design Projects That Can Be Done in a Weekend

The thought of giving your home a makeover may seem intimidating. Ideas of renovating, or even moving out some of the old and replacing it with the new, feels like a commitment of both time and money. But it is the small touches like a new piece of wall art or an attention-grabbing centerpiece that have the ability to make a home feel cozy and tasteful. Fortunately, there is no shortage of projects that can improve your home in just a couple of days time.

Fill Your Walls With Stories

Adding to your walls is what makes a home uniquely yours. Whether you choose to display family photos, handed-down trinkets or décor that exhibits your personal style, walls are essential—quiet literally—in bringing the home together. You just need to determine what stories you want to share. Collections are a great way to display your interests in a striking way. You may have a compilation of pictures, vinyl records or decorative plates, and all it really takes is fixing them to the wall in whichever formation you desire to create a statement piece. Placing your collections tightly in an irregular formation or overlapping them does a brilliant job of creating a textured accent wall for added dimension. If you find yourself without a collection to display, you can easily enough find or make one of your own.

A more recent trend for dorm rooms and homes alike is creating personalized canvases. Whether it’s a simple “welcome to our home” or you are pulling quotes from your favorite authors, what could be more telling than a phrase that speaks specifically to you? Personalized canvases can be painted in any number of ways but lettering can also be created from fabrics and old magazines.

Using unique shelving devices is another great way to add a bit of personal flair to the room. By merely fashioning a sturdy piece of string through an old board, a hanging shelf can be made to display whichever items best complement the room. Should you prefer a more traditional shelf, try buying a plywood board and fasten brackets that are unique, such as recycled piping or vintage brackets that can be found in a second-hand store. For the book lovers and collectors who appreciate the aesthetic appeal that bindings offer, utilizing floating bookshelves allows the opportunity not only to display your favorite stories but also emit the gift of illusion guests will forever be intrigued by.

Creating One-of-a-Kind Windows

Arguably, windows are the most important feature of any home. They are the intersection that connects the inside to what the outside world has to offer. While rooms are often designed so that we may appreciate the view, light and sounds provided, having a barrier of privacy is also essential. Luckily, this can be achieved with style. One such way is by adding a bit of life to your blinds or shades. Roller blinds, or blackout shades, do a fantastic job of keeping out the light for a reasonable price. For a personalized shade, try sewing or even gluing on a fabric that complements the room’s décor.

If your goal is to keep the sun at bay, blackout curtains will do the trick. But if you only wish to gain a bit of privacy while allowing the light to stream in, privacy screens are an easy DIY project that are also aesthetically pleasing. All you need to do is measure the dimensions of your window while taking into account the area you wish to be overlaid. Generally, privacy curtains are used for the lower half of the window, so it is easiest to follow the line of the lower window sash. Doing this will also allow you to insert the screen into the lower window casing on days when you want to let in the breeze. After stapling together the screen panels, finish by sewing on a lace fabric of your choice. Frosted glass is also another option, though more permanent and sometimes uneven if applied to a larger glass surface. To add a bit of design, try laying stickers or decals on the glass before using the spray. Once it has dried, remove the stickers to create a truly original window.

If you have little ones running around the house, functionality and safety are probably your top priorities. However, that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style. There are tons of great, modern window designs and treatments that will give your home the appeal you’re seeking and keep your children safe. One of the best options for child-safe window blinds is a cordless blind or shade, which has grown in popularity over the years and is now available in almost every color and style to fit your exact taste. They are easy to install and can work wonders in transforming a space.

Give Old Furniture a New Makeover

With minimal time and effort, a broken down piece can be reclaimed to look new and original. Painting is almost always the best way to refinish furniture. This can be as plain as applying a couple of fresh coats of paint, but you can also get as creative as you want by applying stripes, fun designs and decals to produce one-of-a-kind furniture. For furniture that has had a tough run, try running a bit of sandpaper over the finish for a distressed appearance. By constructing a rougher surface to a piece with existing scars, you can achieve the ultimate shabby chic look. A less conventional option is wrapping it up. Decoupage with magazine clippings, fabrics or actual wrapping paper to add an artsy element to any piece. Unfortunately, not all furniture can be saved. If a piece is worth salvaging, you can give it a new purpose, like taking the drawers of an old desk and converting them into decorative baskets or knocking out the bottom and using the remaining frame for a new and unique shelving unit.

What better way to spend your weekend than by adding crafty new touches to your home? Updating doesn’t need to require a lot of time and effort. With a bit of imagination, the whole family can have fun helping to make your home as cozy and original as possible.

Author Bio: Kenneth Gordon serves as the Assistant VP of Factory Direct Blinds. Kenneth is responsible for overseeing the planning, development and execution of all Factory Direct Blinds marketing and advertising initiatives. Before joining Factory Direct Blinds, Kenneth served 6 years in the United States Air Force as a Military Police Officer. Kenneth enjoys spending time with his two sons and beautiful wife Brittany when he’s not working or writing.