One of the most exciting things about moving into a new home is finding ways to make your new place cozy and comfortable. It's important to create an environment that is relaxing so that you can really let your mind and body rest after a long day of work or play. An inviting atmosphere is also beneficial if you enjoy having guests over to visit on a regular basis. Many people believe that doing these things is difficult when actually making a few small changes is can be very simple!

The right paint color.

This is perhaps one of the most exciting things to decide when beginning to visualize what your new home will look like. The color of your walls can have a big impact on how you and your guests feel when walking into a room. Warm colors such as orange and red, create a welcoming atmosphere and can make even a large room feel quaint. On the other hand, when choosing colors for a smaller room it is often a good idea to go with lighter, cooler shades such as white or beige in order to make the room appear more spacious.

Adding a touch of rustic.

Surprisingly simple, adding a barn door to the inside of your home is sure to be a crowd pleaser while entertaining guests. A barn door is unexpected and versatile whether using DIY barn door hardware or purchased. This unique feature can be used as a divider between two open rooms. Mounting the door on a slider allows it to be opened and closed easily. Replacing a bedroom door with a small barn door is also a unique alternative to a traditional style. One unique aspect of this type of door is that it can either be painted to complement the surrounding color scheme, or it can be left completely raw.

Perfect lighting.

It is amazing how many options there are when it comes to lighting regardless of the size or color scheme of your home.  Something as simple as a lamp placed strategically in a corner with a dimmer switch can completely change the ambiance of the entire room. Perhaps a brighter kitchen is just what you need to make a more inviting place for your loved ones to come stay a while and enjoy a meal together.

Employing a statement piece.

Many homes are designed with hard flooring throughout. Usually either hard wood or tile is used, which allows for the placement of rugs around your home. A large room becomes instantly cozy and inviting with the perfect rug in place. Even if your home consists of mostly carpeted flooring, a nice rug will often add that little extra flair to make the home feel complete.

Personal decor.

Candles, place mats, wall hangings, and even strategically placed handcrafted items are sure to bring a more welcoming and cozy, lived-in environment for you and your houseguests. It is important to choose items that complement each other without becoming overwhelming or completely dominating the room.

Decorating your home in a style that suits you is a fun and exciting experience when you realize how many different ways there are to add your own flare. Bringing a unique element to your home will help you relax and feel that you are in the place where you belong. Applying these simple techniques is sure to create the inviting atmosphere for yourself and your houseguests. It is amazing how just a few small, easy changes to the decor of your home will completely change the way you feel about your home for years to come.

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Paisley Hansen is a freelance writer and expert in health, fitness, beauty and fashion. When she isn’t writing, she can usually be found reading a good book or hitting the gym.