June 17, 2011

Five Ways to Create a Happier Home

Robert Doyle READ TIME: 3 MIN.

UPPER SADDLE RIVER, N.J. - From legendary June Cleaver and Bree Hodge of Desperate Housewives to stay-at-home dad Cameron from "Modern Family" and other admired homemakers, hosts and hostesses, they all seem to know the secret to creating a welcoming home that one looks forward to returning to.

While there are a variety of elements when designing a space that can make it a favorite with family and friends, by following a few worthwhile tips, it can be simpler than ever to create a warm and hospitable home that would pass muster with the most discerning guest.

  • Clear the Clutter: Few things welcome others into a home more than one that is open and orderly. Guests and homeowners alike feel calm in a space that is under control, where papers, bags, shoes and everything else is in its proper place. Focus on tidying one area at a time. Throw away what is not needed and store the rest so that only a few items are left on counters and tables.

    To maintain the clutter-free environment, after each space is cleared, do a daily evening sweep of the home, putting away stragglers left on counters and other surfaces. After a little work, the result is a clutter-free home that feng shui experts agree, is one that invites happiness and growth.

  • Let the Light In: It is well known that lighting can set the mood in any space - it can increase energy and elevate your mood. To ensure an upbeat home, make sure it is well lit. As natural opposed to artificial light has been proven to be a mood booster, stimulating the production of feel-good brain chemicals, replace tired window treatments with more contemporary styles that allow you to transform light to create just the right ambiance.

    Silhouette� window shadings and Luminette� Privacy Sheers from Hunter Douglas offer the ultimate in variable light control. Both feature fabric vanes and sheer fabrics - Silhouette shadings on the horizontal and Luminette sheers on the vertical. The vanes rotate for varying degrees of light control, and when closed, total privacy. The sheers diffuse and filter light beautifully, creating a warm and welcoming glow all can enjoy. Both collections have been recently updated with new fabrics, refreshed color palettes and exciting design options. Among them, Luminette sheers are now available with exclusive new decorative hardware in smooth or fluted rail styles and three final options.

  • Create a Fragrant Foyer: An often-shared childhood memory is visiting a beloved family member where the aroma of cookies baking or a delicious dinner in the oven welcomed you into the space. You can do the same in your own home, minus the culinary skills and work.

    To create an inviting first impression without being kept in the kitchen, simply place a vanilla, caramel or floral diffuser by the front door. Diffusers include oil jars or pots with wooden reeds that release subtle fragrance into the air. Every time someone enters or leaves they will remember the pleasing smell, one that is associated with a home that delights all the senses.

  • Add Signature Tasty Treats: Along with adding a fragrant aroma to keep visitors coming back, it doesn't hurt to also offer a signature sweet. Try placing candy dishes around the home filled with wrapped confections or put a clear cookie jar in the kitchen to fill with the family's favorite baked goods. For a happy and healthy home, keep a colorful basket of fruit out for anyone to grab-on-the-go.

  • Design a Balanced and Personalized Decor: The ultimate host or hostess knows one's home d�cor can bring about harmony. One way to accomplish this is to consider scale in the space. For instance, if there is a bookshelf on one side of the room, add one to the other to strike a more harmonious balance.

    Another way to create a soothing interior is to decorate with a base of neutrals, only using pops of bold colors on pillows and other decorative accents. To visually expand a space try coordinating the window fashions with the wall color as low contrasts keep they eye moving around the space. To make the room appear smaller, create high contrast between the windows and walls. Lastly to reaffirm the jovial home and its inhabitants, add family photos of fun and memorable outings for all to see...and smile.

    Win over family and friends by following a few simple steps to create a welcoming home not only they, but you, will look forward to spending time in.

    by Robert Doyle

    Long-term New Yorkers, Mark and Robert have also lived in San Francisco, Boston, Provincetown, D.C., Miami Beach and the south of France. The recipient of fellowships at MacDowell, Yaddo, and Blue Mountain Center, Mark is a PhD in American history and literature, as well as the author of the novels Wolfchild and My Hawaiian Penthouse. Robert is the producer of the documentary We Are All Children of God. Their work has appeared in numerous publications, as well as at : www.mrny.com.

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