You have finally moved to the house of your dreams and are about to embark on a whole new journey. And while you may think that the hard part was over with you finding the perfect property, in reality, that’s far from true. After all, you can’t possibly live between blank walls, can you? To make the place feel like your own, decorating your home is something you will have to deal with sooner or later. However, doing it from scratch can seem especially daunting, even more so if you are dealing with it for the first time.
Thankfully, there are ways you can simplify the whole process. In fact, you can even turn it into a fun experience! If you decide to follow our tips and tricks, you will finally know where to start when looking to make the home homey.
Decorating your home 101: How to do it from scratch?
Chances are you are feeling overwhelmed and have absolutely no idea where to begin. Perhaps you have some basic concepts in mind but aren’t sure whether you’ll have the budget to implement them.
The good news is that a hefty wallet is not all-that-necessary. Affordable home improvements are definitely not just a myth. Plus, by approaching the project carefully and knowing which steps to take first, you will save yourself both money and nerves.
Decide on a style you like
Before taking action, you must figure out which style is it that you genuinely like. You can seek inspiration online by looking at various photos of already furnished homes. Once you’ve seen something that catches your attention, be it a piece of furniture, a lamp, a rug, or wall decor, save it for reference.
Pinterest is an especially handy tool here as it allows you to make a board where you can keep all these items together. This way, they will be easily accessible, plus you can visualize your ideas better with everything in one place.
Think about what you already own and how it fits the new design
Once you’ve chosen a style to go with, make a list of the things you already own. Compare them to see if they would fit your future home decor. Divide them into three categories, one being items you will keep, the second being those you will throw away or donate, and the third ones you will sell. If, in the end, you realize that your grandma’s rustic chandelier doesn’t really give off the modern vibe you are so keen on, it’s probably time to let go of it.
On the other hand, if it holds sentimental value, you can consider keeping it, just not on display. Portable storage units can be extremely helpful in these kinds of situations. It’s a type of unit you can keep on your driveway and have access to it anytime.
Think about whether the furniture you like is the furniture you need
You thought some furniture pieces looked good in the catalog? However, just because it looks beautiful doesn’t mean it is practical. Or useful to you, for that matter.
Before you start breaking the bank and buying unnecessary things, think about your needs. After all, the person who uses their living room as a greeting place doesn’t need the same type of furnishing as the person who spends most of their time lying on the sofa and binging tv shows. The first should prioritize the style, while the second comfort.
Make a plan
With a clear picture in mind of what it is that you want, it’s time to work on decorating your home. As a first step, you should make a list of all things you would like included in the house. Don’t bother yourself with price tags and measurements yet. Just write down everything you’ve ever dreamed of owning. A fancy armchair? Check! A lounge-bar? So be it!
After you’ve created a list, make a floor plan of the house to see which items actually fit the space and which you need to drop. You can do it the old-fashioned way, by using a pen and a piece of paper, or through the help of an app.
When decorating your new home after the relocation, you don’t want it to feel too crowded. To avoid that, you can follow some easy additional tricks. For starters, commonly used rooms require more space for walking. Think at least three feet. On the other hand, the room between tables and sofas should remain one to two feet.
The same floor plan can also help you figure out how to arrange the lighting. Consider enriching the area with various types of lights. From chandeliers, pendants, sconces, floor lamps, all the way to desk lamps and buffet lamps. If chosen and placed well, they can all make your house interior look more luxurious. Just bear in mind that each room is supposed to have three light sources, forming a shape of a triangle.
Once you have devised the plan, it’s time to talk finances and make the final cut. You can do it with the help of a spreadsheet where you will input the prices of all furnishing. Having them all in one place can help you see what fits your budget and what does not.
Shopping is an essential part of decorating your home
With the planning finalized, it’s time to do some actual work and go shopping! Of course, while doing so, you might realize some furniture on your list is pricier than you initially thought. But don’t worry! There’s a big chance that some other store out there has a better price for a similar item.
Choose a paint color and put accessories
Most people tend to choose the paint first; however, it’s best to leave it for the end. Besides, it’s easier to match the paint to the furniture than it is to match the furniture to the paint. To do it the right way, get color samples and compare them against the things you’ve purchased. You should also paint a small part of the wall to see how the color changes during the day.
With the perfect hue determined, you should be almost done decorating your home. However, for it to truly feel homey, you must add some accessories first. You want your art, your pillows, rugs, and vases to revolve around the big pieces of your furniture. You want them to compliment them, thus making the whole place stand out.
Author’s bio:
Sandra Jefferson is a full-time writer and interior design appreciator. She loves spending her days at home, sipping on coffee, and reading contemporary novels.
