apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

I love all of these ideas and can relate to one of them. There has a drink that has been very popular in the restaurants and bars near my house. I love to make it for friends visiting that do not live in my area. It is called a Gatorade. You mix a flavored vodka and water and add a splash of sour mix. Which ever flavor of vodka you use is supposed to be the flavor of the Gatorade. I highly recommend it with mango vodka!
This may not be the most sophisticated drink, or the prettiest, but all of the ingredients are easy to always have on hand!

I think tips 3, 4, and 5 [especially 4 & 5] are cop-outs.

i'd add a friendly cat or dog and plants

Eclectic is newspeak for "clashing".
Dimmer switches are not necessary as long as you have several sources of lighting. Switch off the reading lamp and switch on the mood lamp.
Am I the only one whose favorite music is silence?
A house should smell clean, well aired and homey. If you need an air freshener, you are masking a problem.
My guests have their own preferences and I make sure I can offer a reasonable selection of aperitif.

I love the idea of a signature cocktail --- at least for one evening, not for a lifetime. But I don't think it frees you from cooking, or at least providing takeout or something.

And I agree with Bromelia that people have preferences and you must have something on hand for those that may not enjoy your signature drink.

Eclectic furnishings need not clash. Good taste is the key.

Something living! I'm not a big fan of houseplants in general but I like to see flowers or some other sign of life when I am in someone's home. Even an arrangement of real-looking fake flowers adds a nice touch if you can't keep the real ones around because of cost or pets or allergies.

I'd disagree with the music though. The bass should come from the music and not the system.

I agree that electric = clash, and unless you are REALLY talented, thrift store finds rarely work out and end up looking like hand-me downs or student-on-a-budget.

Flowers/greenery are a must for a well designed home, especially when entertaining.

eclectic doesn't have to mean "clash"......but it usually does

I like the idea of the siggy drink - mine is Espresso Choc Martini mmmmm, and i always light a candle for the great smell and ambience. I also have a few signiture apps that i serve when we have company. A fav or my friends is Beer Bread from tastefully simple, so so simple and i make a few dips and people just rave about it ....

smell is more important than most people realize. I used to work in a gorgeous showroom. we always received tons of compliments, but from the moment my boss hid a diffuser among the foliage in the entryway the compliments doubled. the key is to keep it something very subtle and neutral. it shouldn't be trying to emmulate any one scent, (oranges, roses, pine, etc.), but should be a blend you can't quite put your finger on, and it shouldn't hit you in the face when you enter the room. also keep the season in mind.

A signature drink always makes my home inviting ; ) for myself and others.

I don't have a signature drink, but I do stock up on Dollar Store drink decorations: paper umbrellas, swirly straws, Glo sticks, fold-out peacocks, etc. Silly things make people feel relaxed.

Living plants are definitely a must on this list as so many people have said. I invested in some beautiful houseplants that the florist said were kill-proof. I'm a pretty good gardener, but my apartment is extremely low lit, and I often leave for a few days at a time. 4 of them were only $1.50 starters, but they made my bored and empty looking space feel alive. I also splurged on a particularly resistant scented orchid. So worth the money.
Scent wise... I prefer fresh air, but in winter, cooking onions needs some covering up, so Nag Champa incense is perfect for a cozy, relaxed, and slightly eclectic feel.

Concerning mismatched furniture: stick with one shade of wood, one or two overall colors, one bright accent, and one or two 'neutrals'. This seems to work to unify my very mismatched open concept apartment. I have teal and bright green as overall textile colors, grey floors, beige couch, rugs that combine the grey and beige, and lots of bright red/reddish pink accents in the form of flowers, plant leaves, patterns on lamp shades, a bowl of apples, and the dress on the manakin in my work station. Despite the usual book, fabric, and painting clutter, it seems unified.

Signature drink? Water.

I agree about the lighting and the smell. People who don't care a fig about design still appreciate a nice-smelling environment. I recently moved here and every room has harsh, yellowy built-in overhead lighting that I NEVER use. It makes everything in the room, including the humans, look washed-out and sickly. Tons of natural light in daytime, and dramatic, flattering artificial light at night are both must-haves.

When my friends from out town visit they say its like a mini spa and relaxing weekend.
I thinks its the details that matter, my place and style are what they are.
I love music so having a good mix of good tunes is important I agree about the base it should come from the music.
Fresh flowers in every room I don't spend a lot bud vases are my friends. I have a scented candle that everyone always loves Archipelago Botanicals Wasabi Mint super clean smelling or Method the white one forget the name. Nice white fluffy towels, beautiful clean smelling soaps.
I make a couple of healthy dishes that can be heated up and thrown together if we stay up late. Always good coffee and fresh squeezed juice for the morning along with fresh bread and great jam.
A few really nice throws when hanging out in the living room because it can be drafty and I don't use the heater. I have a couple pair of washable slippers because I don't allow wearing shoes in the house.
Most important super clean house makes me happy and my dog he is so loving and the best entertainment.

BASS ^ did it again sorry.