Don't Let Down Your Guests
We’ve all wondered what house guests notice first about our home. It’s the reason we deep-clean carpets and mop the ceiling before anyone shows up. We hate to burst your bubble, but guests likely won’t notice scrubbed windows…they will, however, pay attention to bathrooms and kitchens. With that, let’s take a look at which areas actually deserve the attention!
1. Landscaping
Landscaping greets guests before you do, and it’s the first thing they notice upon arrival. Freshly shorn lawns and maintained garden beds look far nicer than abandoned yards. Your front lawn doesn’t have to be perfect, but it deserves a little TLC.
2. Front Door
Guests are bound to notice chipped or stained front doors. Decorative wreaths and fresh coats of paint keep front doors inviting, which is how you want house guests to feel. You can always throw your personality into the mix with funny doormats, too!
3. Entryways
Now that your guests are indoors, they’ll take note of entryways next. Are there piles of smelly shoes by the front door, or a cute storage bench? Your entryway is one of the first things that greets guests, so Ii’s important to keep them free of clutter and unnecessary storage.
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4. Odors
Like it or not, those air freshener commercials are right—we go “nose blind” to certain odors. Whether pet hair or sports equipment, clear the air of unpleasant smells before guests arrive. Grandma doesn’t need to inhale a noseful of cat litter.
5. Host Skills
Have you offered anyone a drink? Asked to take their coats? No matter how long you’ve known them, guests notice hosting skills. While you don’t need to treat best friends like the King’s Guard, you can still make sure they’re comfortable.
6. Clean Bathrooms
Nobody wants to use dirty bathrooms. Yours should be part of a weekly cleaning schedule anyway, but it’s especially important when guests come over. Scrub the toilet, sweep the floor, and make sure faucets are clear of spittle. It also wouldn't hurt to have an air freshener in there!
7. Lighting
Guests appreciate good lighting as much as you do. Fluorescent overhead lights are way less appealing than warm, soft lighting. The right lighting sets the right mood and can make or break the atmosphere, so don't be afraid to turn on the little bulb.
8. Pet Hair
Now that we’ve taken care of pet odors, let’s talk about pet hair. It’s no surprise that our furry friends shed, but it might surprise guests to see stray hair clumps in the carpet or under dining room chairs. Even if guests don't necessarily mind, you don't want hair on their nicest outfits. Give the place a once over and get rid of Fido’s tumbleweeds.
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9. Visible Dust
While you don’t have to dust every nook and cranny of your house, you should still do a quick sweep of visible surfaces. Guests might not notice dust on a windowsill but they’ll probably spot it on mantlepieces. (Don't forget to dust unsightly fingerprints off the television, too!)
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10. Clutter
There’s nothing wrong with a little clutter—it shows homes are well-loved and properly lived in! The thing is, you don’t want junk to eat up dining room space or clutter end tables. When those knick knacks impede basic surfaces, it’s time to break out the trash bag.
11. Full Trash Cans
Speaking of trash, guests notice bins filled to the brim. Not only does overflowing trash leave lingering odors, it’s also less convenient for guests who need to toss anything away. If that trash can is full, empty it before company!
12. Houseplants
Houseplants tie any room together…when they’re taken care of. Brown leaves and crusty soil don’t look good, so it’s time to call TOD on ancient plants. If you have a black thumb, invest in faux plants for a little greenery.
13. Decor
Guests soak in decor, so you can bet your boots they notice wall art or coordinated color schemes. It’s a good thing, too, because the right decor makes a perfect conversation starter. Your style choices also make your home more inviting.
14. Accent Pieces
Did you find a funky chair on the side of the road? Buy a stunning bookcase on Facebook? Those accent pieces tie a room together and make a house unapologetically yours, which is the kind of personalization guests love! Even a simple accent chair can stand out in the best way.
15. Temperature
Don’t roast guests alive. Don’t freeze them, either. Comfortable temperatures keep house guests around longer, all without needing a blanket or feeling like rotisserie chickens. Temperature also plays a role in plant life, so adjust the knob to keep everyone cozy.
16. Books
They’re not called “coffee table books” for nothing. Flip-throughs like Humans of New York or 1000 Record Covers make terrific conversation starters; books give guests something to glance at and can also show off your passions.
17. Personal Touches
Let’s give them something to talk about! Personal touches like travel souvenirs or DIY decor highlight your personality—and impress guests. They notice the little things in and around your home that show off who you are. Not only that, but it's the perfect chance to share stories about your beloved finds.
18. Messy Kitchens
Even if you’re not planning to spend a ton of time there, give the kitchen a good once-over. Guests won’t appreciate unpleasant compost odors or sticky countertop spills. A sink full of dishes also attracts fruit flies, which is the last thing you want at the dinner table.
19. Plain Walls
Plain walls are kind of a drag, and it’s one that guests often notice. Huge, empty walls are just begging for a little artwork, so don’t be afraid to indulge in the odd piece. Support small local artists or grab the latest canvas from Michael’s.
20. Overall Layout
Though there’s not much you can do about it, guests still notice the overall layout of your house. Archways and half walls can be just the thing to get them talking, whereas strange layouts or asymmetrical rooms can cause a bit of a head scratch.
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