“Home is the nicest place there is.” — Laura Ingalls Wilder.

As the saying goes, there’s no place like home. A special place where we live, gather, rest, work, and host our favored guests.

Whether you plan on living in your house for many years or you have a plan to move soon, there are several factors that can help create a more inviting home. This list of valuable hints incorporates everything from a few simple updates to a total re-design. Here are our top five — and each one is relatively simple, do-able tip for making a house truly feel like a home.

Step Number 1: Work that curb appeal.

Try to think about the first impression guests have when looking at the outside of your home. Add some form of symmetry to help create a tailored and cohesive look. For example, try matching large planters on a front porch and freshly trimmed evergreens in your landscape, paired with a high-impact and colorful welcome mat.

Step Number 2: Make a welcoming spot for visitors.

One of the top priorities for an entryway is minimal clutter, to add charm to the front of the house. Perhaps a cozy corner with a luxurious feel, paired with layers of cushions and well-appointed furniture — that’s also aesthetically pleasing. Oftentimes, this space is the entry to multiple rooms in the house, so a clean look helps set the tone for the rest of the home.

Step Number 3: Arrange seating for natural conversations.

Where you designate your largest seating matters, particularly when it comes to helping guests to feel like they’re in a suitable place for engaging in conversations. Another trick is to use odd numbers of chairs, giving guests who arrive alone a natural- paired conversation partner. 

Step Number 4: Add delightful decorative moments.

Open shelving is a definite option for displaying decorative touches, especially when you add collections or decorate with artwork, recipe books, or plants. Because the kitchen is most often the central focal point of the home to gather and celebrate, open displays on floating shelves can lend a more relaxed, welcoming vibe. (Pro tip: don’t incorporate too many, or cleaning them could become cumbersome.)

Step Number 5: Incorporate plant life.

Try placing some appealing plants to help bring the outdoors inside. If artificial plants simply aren’t your thing, consider treating yourself to some seasonal fresh flowers displayed in a gorgeous vase or Mason jar.

Whenever you’re thinking about moving to Pittsburgh, southwestern Pennsylvania, or the surrounding area, we can help address any concerns about your moving day. Just contact us at 1-800-810-2635. At George Moving & Storage, we have over 40 years of experience and expertise as Pittsburgh movers, plus full-service relocations throughout the USA. Contact us to learn more, or request a free quote today.