Cozy blankets, soft lit candles, and comfortable seating can make any home feel inviting and welcoming. These personal touches will make your home feel like your own, but they only represent the initial layer of home security. True home safety requires a multi-layered approach that goes beyond simple personalization to include more tangible, proactive assets.
Read on for how to make your home feel safe, warm, and welcoming for your family.
Tips for Creating a Safe Home
Safety is a fundamental need. It’s essential for your physical, mental, and emotional health. Your home should be your sanctuary, a place where you can feel fully at ease and calm. It shouldn’t be triggering when someone approaches your doorstep or when your dog starts barking for no apparent reason. You shouldn’t be worried during your vacation about the security of your valuables.
A security system is one way to have peace of mind over your property, whether you’re away on a trip, at the office, or simply sleeping during the night. These highly customizable devices can help remove stress before it shows up in your space. Choosing the right home security system will require a bit of research.
There are several different types available, ranging from monitored to unmonitored, traditional wired to wireless. Take your time as you look at the different options, evaluating the pros and cons of each solution. For those in larger homes, you may need more cameras or sensors throughout the house and the exterior; on the other hand, a condo unit in a building may only need a few sensors within the interior. If you have a smart device, some models will allow you to set up your monitor with Alexa or Google Home to control locks and lights from the convenience of an app.
Other tips for securing your home include keeping all doors and windows locked, regardless of whether you’re home or not. Improved locks, such as deadbolts, can help reinforce older door frames. Outdoor lighting, such as motion-activated or timed lights, can deter burglars by eliminating dark spots and corners and making intruders visible. In terms of landscaping, bushes or hedges should be trimmed so they don’t conceal windows or pathways. And if you have a garage, make sure it closes properly after you pull your car into its spot.
How to Make a Home Feel Warm
When you walk through your front door, you want to be greeted by warmth. You want to feel like you can put down your bags, take off your coat, and be greeted by a sense of comfort and softness.
Capturing this feeling will be different for everyone. Some may opt for warm-toned LED light bulbs to create a sense of coziness in a living room or family room. Others may choose to bring in houseplants and natural elements to make the den feel more alive. Layering textures and textiles is another way to warm up a space. Thick throw blankets, knitted pillows, and plush rugs can do wonders for changing up the atmosphere of a room.
Of course, a home can’t be truly warm if it’s not properly insulated. Drafts should be sealed around the door and window frames. A draft stopper can be placed under outside doors for extra protection. Ensure furniture is away from any heat vents or radiators. You’d be surprised by how certain items can shift over time!
An upgraded heating system may also be necessary, especially if you’re finding that certain areas of your home simply can’t warm up during the coldest months. These systems can be programmed for different times of the day, boosting efficiency and saving you money, too. Many of these upgraded heating systems can also be controlled from a smartphone app, allowing you to create a personalized heating schedule based on your family’s routines.
Ways to Capture a Welcoming Atmosphere at Home
Whether you live alone in a studio apartment in the city or are juggling multiple children in your expansive suburban property, a welcoming atmosphere is vital for emotional well-being. You want your space to feel as calm and peaceful as possible. While it may be easier for those who aren’t tripping over kids’ toys to create this type of environment, there are ways that every family can bring this welcoming vibe to their space.
Decluttering and creating a sense of order in your home can do wonders for your mental health. Find ways to create dedicated storage solutions that work for everyone in your family. For instance, a box for incoming mail can be placed on a higher shelf in the kitchen, while low storage bins are great for playrooms. Taking just a few minutes every day to tidy up your space — either before you leave in the morning or before you go to bed in the evening — can make decluttering feel less overwhelming in general.
For those who regularly invite friends or neighbors into their home, focus some attention on your entryway. This is the first impression someone has, so keeping it well-lit with an inviting doormat and a spot for guests to hang their coats and other belongings can instantly make your home feel welcoming. For overnight visitors, adding the Wi-Fi information on a card in the guest bedroom, providing a pitcher of water and a glass in the room, as well as a few essential toiletry items in the bathroom, are also nice gestures.
Final Takeaways
Making your home feel safe, warm, and welcoming requires a multi-faceted approach, considering security standards and personal touches. Focus on sealing your home from the outside in, prioritizing your family’s safety over the various additions you might want to include. Doing so will help provide you with a sense of calmness and allow you to truly enjoy your own space.
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