Have you ever walked into a beautifully furnished home and felt that it was…uncomfortable? There are a lot of small details that unfortunately can make even a well-considered home feel stiff. From the temperature of lighting to the height of artwork, there’s far more to designing a warm, welcoming home than meets the eye. If you’re able to get the areas below correct, you’ll find that your home will feel a lot more livable!

A Missing “Drop Zone”

While you might store coats and shoes in a designated out-of-the-way closet, guests need somewhere to put their belongings when they enter your home. Especially if you plan to have many people over at a time, it helps to have a coat rack, hanging hooks, a bench for sitting and removing shoes, etc. This way, guests know where to put their belongings without having to ask.

2. Poor Lighting Design

We cannot say it enough: lighting matters. One of the biggest problems we see in homes is the lack of proper lighting. Many homes are built with overhead lighting installed, which is great when you quickly need to see, or need a lot of light to get a task done. However, this type of lighting can be glaring and certainly does nothing to set an ambience in a room. When it comes to using overhead lighting regularly, we do recommend at least installing a dimmer switch.
On top of this, we’d advise adding in a variety of different types of lighting. A table lamp, floor lamp, sconces, picture lights, candles. All of these contribute to a comfortable atmosphere. Color temperature also matters. Cool, bluish lighting can make a home feel clinical and commercial, while warmer tones tend to create a more relaxed and inviting atmosphere.

3. Sharp Edges

Sharp edges being uncomfortable, who would have guessed? But, in all seriousness, a room filled with sharp edges is okay as long as it is balanced with softer curves. There are a lot of popular furniture styles, particularly mid-century modern pieces that have hard, angular lines, and that’s completely fine in moderation. However, be sure to add softer shapes, such as rounded coffee tables, curved sofas, or upholstered pieces, to create a sense of comfort. Mixing curves with straight lines helps a space feel visually dynamic while also softening the overall mood.

4. Hanging Artwork Too High

We love filling our clients’ homes with beautiful artwork. In fact, it has become part of what we are known for as an interior design firm. With years of experience in placing art, we’ve learned a thing or two about where a piece should go in order to make a space feel welcoming, rather than overwhelming.

One common mistake we see is that artwork is hung too high. This causes the art to feel like it is floating. The room loses its sense of grounding, which ultimately sacrifices the cozy feeling we desire. It also forces you to look up, straining the neck. As a rule of thumb, the center of the artwork should be at eye-level and all pieces should be hung along the same plane throughout a room.

5. Unsightly Electronics

Fortunately, technology keeps becoming more discreet. Hidden TVs and TVs disguised as art seem to be almost the norm now. However, that doesn’t mean that a lot of homes don’t still suffer from the plight of too many gadgets. A tangle of cords under a desk or bedside table, chargers left out in the living room, and kitchen appliances can take away from the beauty of your home. Even lamp cords can be unsightly, which is where a silk cord cover comes in handy. Whenever possible, try to conceal cables with built-in storage, or opt for furniture that can hide media equipment. This allows your tech to remain functional without dominating the aesthetic of your home.

Creating a Comfortable Home with Paula Interiors

Comfort in design is really rooted in what makes you feel good. We take a lot of time to get to know our clients and their lifestyles, which translates into homes that feel both beautiful and personal. The tips above are just a starting point, but we hope they will help you design a home that feels welcoming. If you’re considering a renovation or starting a design project from scratch, please get in touch. We’d be happy to discuss your ideas and walk you through the options for creating your dream home.