12 Apr How to Create a Website That Feels Like Home
You know that feeling when you walk into a space and instantly feel welcome? The light is just right, the colors are soothing, the furniture is thoughtfully chosen. Everything is balanced and works. Your shoulders drop, you take a deep breath, and maybe even kick back with a cup of tea—or a glass of wine. Whatever your preference.
That’s the feeling I strive for when building websites.
Your website isn’t just a digital business card or an online résumé—it’s your online home. It’s the space where your work lives, your clients visit, and your vision comes to life. And when it feels like you, it becomes a place where connection, trust, and transformation can begin.
Here are five ways to make your website feel like home:
1. Create Visual Harmony
Just like in a well-designed room, every visual element on your site should feel intentional. Choose a color palette that reflects your brand’s personality and evokes the mood you want your audience to feel—whether that’s calm and grounded, bright and energetic, or refined and artistic.
Use consistent fonts, texture or background images, and plenty of whitespace to give your site a sense of flow.
When everything works together—visuals and layout—your website becomes a place of ease, not overwhelm.
2. Keep the Navigation Simple and Intuitive
Good home design considers how people move through a space—and your website should be no different. Ever heard of feng shui? If everything is in alignment, the whole flow and feeling of your home shows. The same is true for your website. Clear, intuitive navigation helps visitors (or should I say guests) find what they need without confusion.
Stick to a clean menu with just a few clearly named key pages, and guide your visitors with buttons and calls-to-action that feel like a gentle nudge—not a push.
3. Add Personal Touches
A house becomes your home with all the little things you love: the art on the walls, a well-loved coffee mug, the way sunlight hits your favorite reading nook.
On your website, including personal touches will set you apart. Use your own photos (yes, even iPhone photos in natural light can work!) if you can, although stock photography works well too. Write in your own voice, and share what’s uniquely you. If you have a favorite phrase, use it. If you’re obsessed with something totally unrelated to your business, let it show. I’m an avid gardener and houseplant collector, so you’ll see plants in my brand and everywhere in my life.
4. Embrace Breathing Room
Ever been in a cluttered space and instantly felt stressed? A crowded website has the same effect.
Design with breathing room in mind. Use space generously. Don’t just copy and paste your Word doc onto the site. Break it into smaller, easy-to-read sections.
Let your content shine without fighting for attention. When visitors aren’t overwhelmed, they’re more likely to stay, explore, and connect.
5. Extend a Warm Invitation
Whether it’s a welcome mat at the door, a pot of soup simmering on the stove, or a candle burning, warm invitations make all the difference.
On your site, this could be a thoughtfully written introduction, a gentle call-to-action, or a friendly way to say, “I see you—and I’m here to help.” Instead of a pushy sales pitch, think of it as an open door.
Hint: every website should include a CTA—a call-to-action, the next step you want visitors to take once they’ve landed on your site. Just telling them about you isn’t enough. How they engage—and either buy from you or book your services—is the key.
Ready to Cozy Up Your Website?
You don’t need a complete overhaul to create a more inviting online space. Just a few thoughtful changes can make your site feel more like you—and more welcoming to the people you’re here to serve.
Want more tips?
I’ve gathered my favorites in a free guide:
The Art of a Welcoming Website: 5 Tips to Instantly Make Your Website More Inviting and Engaging
Let’s turn your website into a space where your dream clients feel right at home.