Creating an inviting mood in your home is all about putting people at ease.

It’s about having surfaces in your home that don’t require coasters and upholstery that can handle life’s spills. Maybe that means having a nap-worthy sofa with stain-hiding slipcovers and plenty of pillows instead of a stiff, tight-backed couch with white silk upholstery. It’s putting comfort first with design elements that say, “Sit right down and have a glass of wine.”

Use the transformative powers of lighting to create a kick-back atmosphere. Use more lighting than you think you need but with lower wattage. So instead of three fixtures with 100-watt bulbs, have six with 40-watt bulbs.

Nothing should be off-limits or too precious to use. If you’re lucky enough to have sterling silver flatware, eat Chinese takeout with it. It’s all about mixing and enjoying the things you love, so you can enjoy them with people you love.

There’s also no reason not to make a hardworking area like your laundry room just as inviting as the rest of the house. With today’s open floor plans, it’s often near the kitchen, the home’s center of gravity and where everyone tends to gather. Tuck a cozy little lamp near the washer and dryer. All sorts of chic products are available to dress it up, and washers and dryers have never looked so good.

Extend the creature comforts to the outdoors with a deck lit with candles and cushioned wicker chairs that encourage into-the-evening lingering.

Just remember: it’s not about how you want your home to look, it’s about how you want it to feel.