When decorating a house where to start?
If you've recently moved into a new home and find yourself faced with blank walls and empty rooms, fret not! Decorating your house from scratch doesn't have to be an overwhelming task. With these tips, you'll swiftly develop an action plan, allowing you to dive into the enjoyable process of decorating.
Get Past the Initial Overwhelm
From the initial walkthrough of your dream home to the surreal moment of holding the keys, one lingering question remains: How will I decorate all these rooms? Transforming your new house into a personalized haven requires thoughtful planning and time, acknowledging budget constraints and realizing that this project might span several years.
Define Your Style
To embark on this journey, start by defining your decorating style. Clearly outline your personal preferences to avoid getting sidetracked by conflicting styles during the decorating process. Take the time to discover your unique tastes, avoiding the pressure to fit into predefined categories. Establishing a style, whether it's light and airy with coastal vibes or a blend of traditional and transitional elements, provides a focused foundation for your decorating journey.
Set Your Color Scheme
Once your style is clear, select an overall color scheme. Whether opting for light and bright tones, warmer hues, cooler tones, or bold colors, choose a cohesive palette that flows seamlessly from room to room. Keeping walls neutral, such as white, light gray, greige, or tan, creates a versatile backdrop for furniture, rugs, and accessories.
Consider Fixed Elements
Account for fixed elements like trim, millwork, and cabinets, as they influence design choices. The color of trim and kitchen cabinets, for example, plays a pivotal role in achieving a cohesive look. Determine accent colors (1-3) to enhance your neutral backdrop, ensuring consistency throughout your home while varying intensity and saturation for visual interest.
Define the Function of Each Space
Before diving into design ideas, identify the function of each space. Understand whether a room will be solely for relaxation, TV watching, or if it needs to serve multiple purposes like a playroom or home office. This step sets the foundation for practical design decisions.
Visualize with Mood Boards
Organize your ideas by creating mood boards for each room, starting with the most frequently used spaces. Whether focusing on one room at a time or adopting a more organic approach, gather inspiration from platforms like Pinterest and Instagram. Begin with a central inspiration piece, such as furniture or a rug, and design the rest of the surrounding space.
Shop with Confidence
Take your time when shopping, as rushing may result in regrettable purchases. Waiting for the perfect piece ensures a more satisfying end result. Begin with larger furniture pieces, allowing you to layer in accessories like window treatments, art, throw pillows, and decorative items over time.
Consider an Online Designer
If the decorating process becomes overwhelming or time-consuming, consider services like Modsy. Provide them with information, dimensions, and photos of your space, and they'll create a virtual rendering of your room. You can then shop the entire curated space, making the decorating process more convenient.
Remember, decorating your new home is a journey that should be enjoyed, so take your time, plan thoughtfully, and revel in the evolving beauty of your personalized space.