How can you make your home warm and inviting?

Question

Answers staff note: This is the real Jeremy Ratnam, host of Power Cruisin' on Power 98 FM! To take part in the Y!ureka contest for a chance to win Dopod phones, register at http://yahoo.com.sg/answers

Answer 1

Gd Afternoon,

Well i have always found it inviting to areas where it is spacious, bright with warm coloured furniture, examples are... having the living room painted a light colour say pearl white, having warm coloured sofa red or somewhat of a dark colour which is not too dull, having a plain darker curtain like metallic dark grey, which is spread out to the sides to recieve the skys lights be it night or day,and of course a pool table if possible, having the entertainment area spread out with the speakers at each end and the extra two smaller speakers at the back of where those whatching tv would sit, maybe small stone fountain set near the main door would give the inpression of a natural spring, however the warm feeling would naturally be there as long as the owner of the house have a good sense of humour puts and his heart into his warm designs.

Answer 2

I think the most important thing about a warm and inviting home is based on the general vibe and the people within the house. Although furniture and other fittings play an important part, I feel that without the true genuine love, sincerity, hospitality and the condusive environment, a home can never be warm and inviting. It will be a nice-to-look-at, but cold on the inside kind of home.

A warm and inviting home can never be coordinated without these elements. My idea of a warm and inviting home would be decked with warm colors like orange, and cosy armchairs that you would spend a lazy afternoon in. Nothing too gadgety and hi-techie, of course it will have the usual appliances but nothing to fancy. The whole area will be lighted with warm white lamps. Oil paintings from Bali, Dark wood furniture, it doesnt have to be expensive or exhorbitant with soft music and nice smelling essential oils basking throughout. For the bedrooms, it will be floor beds, the kind that need no legs, and tea lights lining the corridor leading to the other rooms. If you visualise with me, you may just almost feel you are with me in this home.

We may stay in apartment houses which often cast a cold concrete appearance, but with the right elements which must definitely include the human touch, you can bring out the softness, the warmth, and the hospitality that is to come once you step into the home. Never mind the programs on the TV, never mind the noise by the road, once you step into this humble abode, its about interacting with each other, catching up, talking, laughing, smiling and having a ball of a time. With that happening, your neighbours would want to come in as well, and enjoy, not just a warm and inviting environment, but also a sort of long lost friendship.

The word 'home' is giving me the warm and fuzzy feeling already.

Answer 3

Throw a party for family and close friends. Some kids too. You will be surprised how warm the house will feel after that.

Could also change the drapes and place little angel figures around the house. Also creative little plaques that say sweet things that reflect warmth like "Home is where the heart is''. Place a minute sign in the toilet that reads - "Job not done till paperwork is complete."


Play soft and pleasant music and have premise scented with aroma once in a while or before guests arrive. Touch of potted plants in their right places. . Attempt to do things as a family. Simple things; share a meal, watch a Hallmark movie, take out the old family albums. Think loveful thoughts.

Remove as many old things (not people) as possible that serve no purpose or are eyesores. Invite newness into your life. Bring in new things that everybody can accept like maybe a new home theatre system.


But the most important ingredient of all is to have everyone at home do everything they do, with love. You will be surprised how the sun and more will shine into your home.

Answer 4

Warm and Inviting? The picture that I visualized was one of a cozy cottage, with a beautiful family cuddled around a warm fire burning in a brick fireplace. Unfortunately, this would not be a practical solution in Sunny Singapore. Just two words from that scenario ought to do the job! Cozy and Beautiful family. That would be the way I define warm and inviting.

A warm home, not literally (or the firemen would be hearing from me), would be one where you feel the love. That in turn would make it inviting too. In my opinion, the following would make any home feel warm and inviting.

Nothing better than a well kept home to tell you that people there care. A well organized home, clean and tidy always makes a good and lasting impression on its guests.

Not to mention the lighting. The right touch or form of lighting from (dim to brightness) would give of the perfect glow for the occasion. It can turn a mediocre looking room to va va voom! It would not hurt if the lighting helps accentuate the way we look.

The choice of the right shade of colour will add a sense of intimacy and coziness. Colours such as yellow, orange and red will add warmth to the room. It will make any room look cheerful and full of life.

Always accessorize. A warm, soft, yet rich rug will add instant warmth and texture to any room in the house. Throw blankets and pillows should be added to your sofa. Pillows in warm, rich colors on the living room floor would serve as extra seats for guests. Heavier fabrics like velvet also lend themselves to a warm and cozy feel. Potpourri and beautiful candles never fail to set a peaceful ambience in a home.

The most important part, make use of nature. Leave shutters open and windows clean to let the natural light stream in to illuminate the room. And adding a couple of potted plants would give it a natural feel.

The icing on the cake, would be a beautiful family, the epitome of hospitality. This would be the perfect garnish to an otherwise perfect recipe of a warm and inviting home.

Answer 5

I think the most important thing about a warm and inviting home is based on the general vibe and the people within the house. Although furniture and other fittings play an important part, I feel that without the true genuine love, sincerity, hospitality and the condusive environment, a home can never be warm and inviting. It will be a nice-to-look-at, but cold on the inside kind of home.

Answer 6

You have to feel warm and inviting when you are doing up your home. Your creativity depends on the mood. So do your home when you are feeling warm and inviting!!

Maybe remove the window frame but instead just put liners across the windows. It will look open and you will feel not so enclosed. Plant some easy-to-maintain plants around the window. Also, remove doors inside the house. Give it a very open concept. Have a puppy/kitten inside the house will help too.

Do not neglect the area outside your house too. Decorate the main door with little pictures or words and have a pretty and clean looking door mat.

Hope I answered your question. :)

Answer 7

A home can be warm and inviting depending on the theme chosen for the house. This theme have to follow throughout the house and not only in certain areas. For example, if I choose to have a Bali resort-themed home, definitely I will start picturing myself with wooden tilings and teak furnishings. Also, the colour scheme of the house is important. It is more advisable to use bright and warm colours to paint the house. Colours like red, black or any dark colours should be avoided as this will make the house look gloomy and uninviting. If possible, try to get a perpetual waterfall device as this will help to calm your senses and adds to beautifying your home. Fish tanks are also another way of adding an 'underwater' feel to your home. Hang up paintings or abstract art about yourself or anything that you feel are related to your everyday life.

However, I must advise that you do not overdo your house as this will give across the impression that you are merely showing off. Being a fabulous, friendly and caring host will also earn you bonus points. Last but not least, always make the guest feel at home and try cooking some special dishes for you and your guest to enjoy!

Answer 8

First, nice shrubs and flowers planted outside will give arriving visitors a nice feeling that someone who lives there cares about the view they are showing the world. Next, (and not to sound redundant) but a boquet (even if it is silk flowers) that will make the entry way colorful and bright. If you can put in a air freshner to give the incoming guests a nice subtle scent, it will start their visit out right. Warm colors, light that diffuses through the rooms through nice curtains and drapes, and good art or pictures will make things inviting. You do not want to clutter your house, but make the scene interesting and show a little of yourself off such as your hobbies (though hanging a moose head over the fireplace might be a bit much...lol). Make the house reflect you and your guests and friends will go away feeling that they know you better. While they are visiting, be warm and friendly too. The person living in the house can make even the most drab and dull home glow. Good luck and maybe you will do such a good job that Martha Stewart will have to feature your house on your show.

Answer 9

By being happy and cheerful and a hospitable host. Friendly, sincere and warm people automatically makes a home warm and inviting because when people are happy and relaxed, they give out good vibes. These good vibes will in turn be passed on to your guests who will feel welcomed.

And to enhance the good moods, a pleasant smell of baked chocolate chips cookies together with some light English afeternoon tea and voila! a warm and inviting home. =)

Answer 10

We may stay in apartment houses which often cast a cold concrete appearance, but with the right elements which must definitely include the human touch, you can bring out the softness, the warmth, and the hospitality that is to come once you step into the home. Never mind the programs on the TV, never mind the noise by the road, once you step into this humble abode, its about interacting with each other, catching up, talking, laughing, smiling and having a ball of a time. With that happening, your neighbours would want to come in as well, and enjoy, not just a warm and inviting environment, but also a sort of long lost friendship.

Answer 11

Congrats on your new place Jeremy. Although i may not be a follower of Power 98 but not to worry as I have started to be a loyal follower every morning to work since April 2006. Back to your question, I guess you need to make your place warm and inviting to yourself and your family first. I believe that if a home is a last place in your mind whenever you are out, then that is a "BAD" house. You need to fill invited to your own home before offering others to enjoy the warmness and invitation of your home.

So, be yourself and get the family (eh...only involve family that will be staying at your home PERMANENTLY, I believe you hear thi saying before; Too Many Cooks, Spoils the Soup rite?) for discussion and see what would be best and warm. Any please do avoid asking too many options, in the world we live in, there are all sort of ideas and concept and if we were to follow all of them, trust me, I will gurantee you that you will go off track and always remember, we are unique for what we are so make your home as unique as you can. But please, know the limit.

End of the day, you just need:

01) What you and your family feel and want for your home to create the warmness.
02) Reliable friends and family whose ideas and creativity are unique which you would approve on
03) Get an expert opinion (Interior Design & Renovation Service ompanies), well I believe that they are willing to share their opinion and ideas with you especially if you use them for your renovation.
04) Last but not least, home renovation magazines which you can find from any book shop.

Well, may you have the best deal and best luck with making your home warm and inviting. IT WOULD be great if I am invited too. Cheers... Brian