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How to Design a Warm & Inviting Home

2025-01-14
8 min read
eminent member
Katie Ruhberg
Senior Designer
living room with fireplace and TV frame

Make Every Room Warm, Welcoming, & Beautiful

How to design a warm and inviting home starts with thoughtful touches that combine style and comfort. From incorporating warm wood tones to layering textures and highlighting personal decor, each choice contributes to creating a space that feels cozy and welcoming. Below, we’ll walk through a variety of ideas inspired by recent projects, showcasing how strategic design elements can make a house feel like home.

open concept home with high white ceilings

Warm Wood & Upholstered Furniture

Warm wood tones and upholstered furnishings work together beautifully to create a cozy, inviting atmosphere. In our Dreamy Lake Home Design, the open floor plan could have felt cold, but the combination of soft, upholstered furniture and touches of walnut and bronze brings warmth and balance to the space.

living room with two sofas highlight the use of neutral colors

Use a Cozy Color Palette

Warm and neutral tones, such as taupe, caramel, and terracotta, add depth and comfort to any space. Subtle, cohesive color schemes ensure that the room feels inviting while allowing decor elements to shine.

media wall with floating credenza and TV

Incorporate Natural Elements

Natural elements, such as greenery, stone, and wood are a beautiful way to bring nature indoors and add warmth to a space. In a lower level remodeling project, a cozy media room provides the family with the perfect place to enjoy their favorite movies and shows. To infuse a touch of architectural elegance, we framed the TV and floating credenza with two stone columns, typically found in fireplace designs.

entryway with blue velvet bench and hooks above

Pay Attention to the Entryway

Your entryway is the first impression of your home and sets the tone for what lies beyond. A welcoming entry can be achieved with simple yet impactful touches, such as a bench, warm lighting, and a textured rug. These elements create a space that feels both functional and inviting.

bathroom vanity with ottoman and blanket

Add soft touches to furniture

Layering soft textures instantly enhances comfort. Think plush throws, cozy cushions, and inviting fabrics. Even unexpected spaces, like a bathroom, can benefit from a soft touch—such as an ottoman draped with a throw blanket, adding a luxurious, welcoming vibe.

dining room table and floating serving table with decor

Design with What You Love

Personal decor makes a house feel like home. Sometimes, a single item can inspire an entire room design. For example, in our Minneapolis Prairie Revival project, the room’s color tones were centered around a striking sculpture. A custom mirror was crafted specifically to reflect and highlight this piece, making it the focal point of the space.