The art of creating a welcoming home
- The International
- Jun 1
- 4 min read
In her reflections on interior design, Maja de Silva shows how creating a welcoming home begins with understanding the people who live within it.
Photographs: Maja de Silva
Text: Maja de Silva
Today, we are surrounded by endless interior design trends, inspiring images, and an overwhelming selection of furniture and décor. Yet despite all the options available, creating a truly welcoming home is not always easy. A home should feel balanced - neither overcrowded with things nor too minimalistic and cold. It should feel personal, comforting, and alive.
Designing around real life
When I meet my clients for the first time, I always begin by listening. They share their dreams about their home, their needs, daily routines, and lifestyle. From there, we slowly begin shaping the vision together. We explore inspirations, discuss colour palettes, textures, fabrics, rugs, curtains, proportions, and finally move into the practical side of the process: planning, functionality, and solutions that truly work for their lives.
Letting the space guide you
To create a home that feels inviting, we have to connect with something deeper. A home is, in many ways, an extension of you and your family. You give it its energy, warmth, and personality. When we build from that foundation, the bigger picture slowly begins to emerge. I truly love being part of this process - together we create a design path to follow. Of course, there can be surprises, changes, or distractions along the way, but it is important to stay patient, trust the process, and remain connected to the original vision.
Every home is different. Some spaces are large and open - others are small and cosy. One of the best things you can do is work with the flow of the space instead of against it. Explore the possibilities, consider different options, and make thoughtful decisions. Some homes naturally invite bold colours and artistic expression, while others feel best in softer natural tones with a calmer atmosphere. Neither is right nor wrong. What matters most is that your home reflects your personality and supports the way you want to live.
When you choose furniture, décor, and solutions that genuinely speak to you, something magical happens. Your home becomes more than just a place to live - it becomes your personal sanctuary, a unique and welcoming oasis.
Thinking openly
There is no single layout formula that always works. Instead, I recommend tuning into the space and building from there. Include colours, shapes, and materials you truly love, and do not be afraid to experiment. Comfort is also essential. Choose sofas, chairs, and armchairs that invite people to sit down, relax, and stay awhile.
Think openly about layout possibilities. Play with textures and fabrics to create depth and warmth in a room. Ask yourself what “welcoming” truly means to you. Is it a cosy place for conversation? A calm retreat after a busy day? A lively family space filled with laughter?
When arranging a sofa area, consider what your room allows. In larger rooms, two sofas placed opposite each other can create a beautiful, sociable atmosphere. An L-shaped arrangement is another wonderful option, especially for family gatherings, movie nights, conversations, snacks, or board games with friends.
I also love flexible solutions. In some homes, instead of using a large, fixed L-shaped sofa, I have created layouts that combine one sofa with a pouffe. This gives much more freedom. The pouffe can be moved around depending on the mood or activity - used as a footrest, an extra seat, or even a coffee table with a beautiful tray placed on top. Flexible layouts make a home feel more dynamic and adaptable to everyday life.
If two sofas are not possible, consider adding an armchair. It can become part of the main seating area or create a separate reading corner that can easily be moved when guests arrive. Armchairs themselves can bring so much personality into a space. They can match the sofa collection or become a statement piece in a bold colour, floral fabric, or sculptural shape. It could be a swivel chair, a swing chair, or even a cosy beanbag. Personally, I have a swing chair at home and absolutely love it.
“When you stop designing for perfection and start designing for real life, your home begins to tell your story. That is what transforms a space from simply beautiful into truly welcoming.”
The details that bring a home to life
Lighting is another important element in creating a welcoming atmosphere. In my vision, a beautiful home always has balanced layers of light. Natural daylight is essential, but it is equally important to add practical lighting and softer ambient light. Ceiling fixtures and hanging lamps provide functionality, while floor lamps and table lamps create warmth and mood. Lampshades, especially in the evening, bring a cosy, comforting feeling to a room.
Accessories also play a meaningful role. While they may seem like small details, they often bring the soul into a home. A vase with fresh flowers, candles, decorative cushions, soft blankets, artwork, sculptures, or plants can completely transform the atmosphere of a space. These are the pieces that make a home feel lived in and loved.
Some of my favourite items in my own home are vintage clocks, brass candleholders, custom paintings, rustic picture frames, woven baskets, and handmade plant pots. The larger baskets hold shoes in the hallway, while smaller ones organise bathroom essentials. Functional pieces can still be beautiful.
Most importantly, allow yourself to enjoy the process. Play with layouts, textures, colours, and objects that make you happy. We spend so much of our lives indoors, and our homes should support us, comfort us, and inspire us every single day.
I hope this inspires you to create small or big changes in your own home - and to design a space that truly welcomes both you and the people you love.
