In 2014 I began leading a women’s Bible study group that met in my home weekly. While great thought went into crafting each week’s lesson, just as much care went into preparing my home for my guests’ arrival. Leading that small group birthed in me a new desire and skill to make my home more inviting to guests. I wanted each person who walked across the threshold of my apartment to feel welcomed, at home, and comfortable. It didn’t take long for me to decide I didn’t want this just for my weekly small group members but for anyone who came to visit my home regardless of the occasion.

Having a house (or apartment) is one thing but turning that house into a place that feels like home is quite another. It’s not difficult, but it does require intentionality. Without further ado, here are four simple ways to make your home more inviting.

One|Make it aesthetically pleasing

This doesn’t have to be complex or expensive. Honestly, you may not even have to spend any money at all. Cleaning and organizing your space gives it an instant refresh. Clutter and mess distract and create a sense of urgency and anxiety. This is the opposite of being inviting and welcoming.

On the flip side, spending just a little money can give your space an extra oomph and make it that much more welcoming. An inexpensive way to do this is to invest in plants and flowers (fresh or faux). Plants have a way of naturally livening up a room without you having to put in much effort at all. I like to have a mix of faux and fresh flowers throughout my home as it’s easier to maintain for me personally.

Two | Make it smell nice

This is a big one for me. I absolutely LOVE making my home smell good. If you read my 2020 Fall Favorites blog post, you already know I am a big candle enthusiast. In my opinion, lighting candles is one of the easiest ways to make your home more inviting. Burning a candle relaxes people and sets the mood in your home.

If you’re not into candles, wall plug-ins and room sprays are also great ways to make your home smell good all day with no effort on your part.

Three | Make it cozy

When you walk into someone’s home, do you want to feel like you’re at a museum, or would you rather the space be comfortable and cozy?

Throw pillows and throw blankets are hands down the best way to turn your home from cold and lifeless to comfy and inviting. You don’t have to go overboard with this; just a few pillows on the sofa and some chunky blankets draped over the arm (or in a pretty basket nearby) will do the trick.

If you have hard floors (think tile, laminate, or hardwood), investing in an area rug is also a major key. Not only will a nice rug be visually appealing (see key number one above) but the softness will be a nice break from the hard coldness of the floor.

Four | Set the atmosphere spiritually by inviting God in

This one is quite different from the prior three but to me it is the most important and effective way to make your home more inviting.

When I first started leading my small group, I knew that many of the ladies coming in were dealing with a lot of heavy mental, emotional, and spiritual baggage – much of which was beyond me to handle in my own strength and wisdom. To navigate this, I would pray before every group meeting. I prayed for every woman by name. I prayed over our lesson for the day. I prayed over the general atmosphere of my home – that it would be inviting, calming, and peaceful. I prayed over my own heart and mind. I COVERED the entire night and my entire home with prayer and invited God to come in and meet us all at our point of need.

Realizing how peaceful this made our meeting, I carried this practice into my everyday routine. Whether there is a group meeting at my home or not I like to fill the place with prayer. I also like to let worship music play softly throughout my home. Sometimes I’ll switch it up and play a sermon instead. I make it a point to integrate God’s word into my home either via music, the spoken word, or with signs displaying scripture on the walls.

I have learned that regardless of what a home looks like, if you will honor God with your space and make room for Him, He will show up. And when He shows up, peace shows up. When He shows up, freedom shows up. The best way to make your home more inviting and peaceful is to invite the Prince of Peace Himself into the room.

Your turn …

 These are a few things that have worked well for the Rutledge home. Talk to me in the comments. What are some things you do to make your home more inviting?