What gives a home a friendly atmosphere?

The people who live in it make the most inviting homes actually. Ofcourse cleanliness and decor matters. But if you have everything but not the love in the hug you give your guests when you invite them in all the beauty is lost! I have a lot of pictures, some framed line art on the walls but my rooms are essentially not full of ruffles and delicate items at a hands length , since most (not most nearly all of them) of my friends have little children I have put all my delicate things inside my curios and keep no candles etc either on the table, most the things used in decoration are non-breakable kind of stuff the kind usually even if a kid pulls down will not cause any damage to the kid or to me. I do light up some nice candles and put them on the table nothing is more warm and inviting as the smells of lavender or the smell of baking apple pie!I hate cutting flowers so I have silk ones instead. I do have quite a few pictures like you but I have put them at different places so that people do not feel there are too many photos! If you ask me I love the thought of having photos it tells the story of a person without even knowing them.... what say you?

For me, as I am a neat-freak, the house is always clean. Not neccesarily as clean as I would like, as I have a two year old, and with young children, you tend to have to lower your standards. (: (I'm sure you remember those days), but also, we have great lighting in our house, and a lot of windows. My favorite room in our home is our sun-room. WE have a rocking chair out there, and all of our book shelves full of books. TO me it is the most inviting room in the house, we love to grab a book, and settle in for the evening in that room. In the summer, we leave the windows open, and let the breeze blow through. No matter how many people we have over, or for what occasion, we all tend to gravitate towards that room. We will miss it dearly when we move, as we are only renting the place right now. I think we would buy the house, just to keep that room, if we could! (:

Well I think mine is my collection of Dolphins lol As I have Dolphin Pictures and Ornaments all over even 3 Dolphin Clocks lol So I think that is what gives my Home an Appeal

I think first and foremost the family within the home makes it most inviting, followed by flowers and warm-coloured furniture and decoration. I think what makes my home friendly is the richness and warmth of the wood floors, bookshelves, cd stand and display cabinet, (which has interior lighting, giving more warmth), the open fire and the richness of the terracotta furniture and curtains, mixed with the somewhat paler... almost peach with terracotta leaves... wallpaper. I too have several pictures on the wall and quite a few photographs of my grandchildren, and over top of the fireplace hangs a large needlepoint picture my Mum sewed for me, of a teddy bears' picnic. lol. I often cut a few flowers from the garden and bring them into the house too, and I guess the red pods on my chili plant radiate some warmth. When the fireplace is not in use, I have a large vase of fabric poppies with dried wheat and corn stalks mixed in, to continue the warm feeling from the fireplace. That's it, I think. Thank you for this discussion, Cloud and Brightest Blessings. Please note: I have posted a discussion on Life, its ups and downs, but it may not be quite what you think. You can find it on this URL if you would like to. lol... http://www.mylot.com/w/discussions/977791.aspx

I hope my home feels friendly when people visit. I too have loads of photos and drawings my kids did when they were younger. My home is very relaxed and not at all sterile in its look, and usually a bit messy! I have two large sofas that are very warm and inviting, but of course its my hospitality that makes it the most inviting!lol

I would think it is more the people inside. Even a cramped, dirty, smelly place might make someone want to visit if the occupants are very warm hosts. :P Of course, it would be a bonus if the house is "properly" arranged that conveys warmth and comfort. But as I said, I think it would be more of a bonus. We have some pictures about but personally, I am not keen on pictures. For one, there is no picture on my desk. It is actually a telling sign - there are people who just need to have pictures of their loved ones on their working desk.

Nice, friendly atmosphere, being made welcome, not too cluttered, good cooking smells and loving family members

The atmosphere at home depends on the members of the family, how they greet and welcome others...

Well to me what makes a home friendly and inviting is a home that looks like its lived in. I dont mean these places that are high polished and not a speck of dust anywhere or where yor affraid to sit or touch anything, I like a place where kids have runned around and there seems like theres real family history around. My house has alot of nik naks that are odd and get people asking questions you know conversation starters. I like people to feel when they come in they can sit down and relax and not hav to worry about spilling anything or breaking something. This is what makes a house inviting to me.

For me I think its the smell that hits you when you first enter a room. So Ive chosen vanilla candles and vanilla air fresheners. It smell likes somethings baking in my kitchen. And too me thats very friendly and homey.

Whatever feels like that house is lived in. I love family photos and that certainly gives a house character. I also like a house that actually looks lived in...in other words, it's not perfectly neat when you first walk in. If I see the newspapers spread out and the sneakers lined up against the wall, then it feels like home to me. From a decorative standpoint, I love beautiful throws and soft pillows on the furniture. I also love scented candles. That to me says "your welcome in my home and I hope you enjoy yourself here".

I think a clean but lived in room invites people in, not a room that you're afraid to touch anything in, and by lived in I don't mean cluttered, but friendly. I have our scrapbook out on the coffee table and people loved to pick it up and look through it. When family comes to stay with us, I don't want them to feel like a guest, like they have to ask if they can have something to drink, I usually have coffee made and cups, spoons, sugar and creamer all accessible so they can help themselves. I think part of the atmosphere in the home comes from your outlook, is it happy, is there always stress or drama. I don't feel comfortable in a house that is 'overly' clean. I have seating arranged so that everyone can watch tv, or just visit comfortably. I also love windows, and have them open as much as possible to bring the outside, sun, fresh air, sounds, inside.

A small and nicely built home where everyone can meet each other each morning.nicely lit living room..a garden in front full of flowers,few chinese decoration in the living room itself.A large ganesh ji's idol which can be seen at the entrance.I think it is peaceful and cozy there.