What feelings do people experience when they walk into your home? Does it feel cold and stiff, as if they have walked into a museum and they can’t touch a thing? Or does it feel warm and welcoming?
I don’t think we give much thought to the feelings evoked in others when they step through the door of our home. But it’s something you might want to consider, especially with the holidays just around the corner.
Colors can speak a lot about you. Bold, vibrant colors or patterns may be your thing but keep in mind that for others, it could bring on feelings of anxiousness. Sometimes bright colors are just too much for others to handle.
Neutrals tend to have a more calming effect. But if that’s not your thing, then by all means use the colors you prefer. After all, it is your home. My point is that you just might want to consider how others feel when they see them.
But colors aren’t the only thing that stirs up feelings in a home. So does the state of it. Clutter evokes feelings of chaos. Order tends to bring up feelings of assurance.
Your decorations can even speak to others. If your home contains a lot of family pictures, it can make others feel more welcome, as if people really do matter most. Whereas expensive antiques might make someone feel uncomfortable, afraid to break something.
Again, this isn’t about the “right” or “wrong” way to decorate your home. It should be what you like, not what others prefer.
The point is to be aware that how you adorn your home will cause a reaction in others, obvious or not. And it might be something to take into consideration as you prepare to entertain others in your home this upcoming holiday season.
So…what does your home say about you?
Related Articles:
Creating an Inviting Dinner Table
Furnishing Your Home So It’s Practical and Pleasant
Photo by phaewilk in morgueFile