Design Detail: Warm Welcome

January 26, 2026

As we welcome a new year, I’m thinking about what makes a welcoming home. The kind that brings people together, encourages gathering and conversation, and where family and friends linger a little longer. A home that is elevated, yet approachable and comfortable.

Whether it’s dinner parties with friends, weekend guests, or game nights with the neighbours thoughtful design and intentional choices can transform your home to one that welcomes with ease.

Here are my go tos to creating a home that not only welcomes people in, but encourages them to stay a little while longer.

Flow

A well designed, welcoming space begins with good flow. How do the rooms in your home relate to one another? Does your kitchen open up to the living or dining area? Is there a natural place for guests to gather?

Resist the temptation to move to open concept. Instead think about sight lines, how your eye naturally travels in a space. And how your guests move through your space.

Anchoring areas with soft seating, like ottomans or accent chairs can help define a space and encourage conversation. A bar tucked into the corner or banquette in the breakfast nook, can create moments for gathering without interrupting the rhythm of a home. A home that flows intuitively makes hosting feel effortless.

Thoughtful Details

Design is in the details. Small, thoughtful elements, like a well stocked bar or coffee station, beautiful soap in the powder room, and well appointed guest room, all say you’re welcome and I’m glad you’re here.

Another detail important in setting the tone of a space is layer lighting. I talked about it in greater detail here. Ambient ceiling lights, sconces, table lamps and candles all help to define how a space is meant to be used and enjoyed. It also helps to set the mood – warm and welcoming.

Connection

A welcoming home encourages connection. While that often means conversation it can also mean space that allow people to be together but not necessarily talk. Think reading nooks that create a space to cozy up with a good book or play a game of cards. A breakfast nook to start the day with a quiet coffee or share the paper with a loved one. Don’t forget outdoor spaces, perhaps a fire pit to end the evening or loungers for an afternoon nap.

When a home is designed with connection in mind, it transforms from a space to visit to one to remember.