Housekeeping
5 Things Guests Notice About Your Home
Photography by Eymeric Widling
Housekeeping
5 Things Guests Notice About Your Home
Are you hosting a gathering this summer? Here are five things your guests might be silently noticing about your home.
When you invite someone over, you want everything to be perfect: delicious food, a warm atmosphere, a presentable interior. But the reality is that your guests will probably take note of (but never talk about) a few things around your home.
So, rather than rushing around every time you have a visitor, it's helpful to know what really stands out. Here are five details your guests notice—sometimes without even realizing it—and simple tips to make your home more welcoming.
1. The Guest Room
A squeaky sofa bed, an air mattress that deflates during the night, scratchy sheets...even the most polite guests will avoid telling you they slept poorly. However, uncomfortable bedding can really impact an experience.
How can you fix it? Test your setup yourself! Spend a night there, or at least a few minutes. This will allow you to check the comfort of the mattress, the freshness of the sheets, and even the presence of light or noise that could be disturbing. And if you can't find a better option than a sofa, opt for soft pillows and a cozy blanket.
Here's the bedding we're getting the best sleeps in right now.
2. The Ambient Smell
Your home may smell clean or like lavender, but to someone outside, it may be perceived as overpowering—or worse, as an attempt to mask a bad odour. Conversely, a faint smell of damp, trash, or litter never goes unnoticed.
What can you do? Go outside for five minutes to get some fresh air, then come back in and breathe deeply. This simple technique will help you better perceive the true scent of your home. Clean sensitive areas (trash cana, bathrooma, pet beds) and favour natural scents like fresh flowers, discreet candles, or essential oils. And most importantly, change the water in bouquets regularly!
Here are our favourite fragrances for the home.
3. The Temperature
Too hot? Too cold? Your guests may not tell you, but a poorly regulated house can quickly make them uncomfortable. Extreme temperatures can even ruin a good time.
The ideal temperature is between 20 °C (68 and 72°F), depending on the season. Don't hesitate to offer your guests a small blanket or a fan so they can adjust as they wish.
4. Too Much/Too Little Clutter
A disorganized home (dirty dishes, damp towels, dusty floors) gives the impression of neglect, even if the welcome is warm. But conversely, a house that's so spotless it resembles a showroom can also make your guests uncomfortable—and fear they might make a mess.
Clean the main rooms (bathroom, kitchen, living room) and tidy away any personal items that are lying around. There's no need to eliminate all traces of life: a book on the table, a cup of tea, and a few well-placed objects make the space warm and lively.
5. The Atmosphere
It's not so much the decor that your guests notice, but what it says about you and your style. A home that's too impersonal can feel cold and unwelcome, where they won't feel comfortable settling in.
To warm up the atmosphere, add a few personal touches like photos, travel souvenirs, and handcrafted items. And above all, be yourself! A welcoming home starts with a relaxed host who puts their guests at ease, regardless of the decor or matching tableware.
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