Decorating Your Home: Where to Begin

There's something so exciting about decorating and styling your home, but on the flip side, there's also a lot to think about! Even though you might want to jump straight into the interior design side of things right away, it's essential to take some time out to make a concrete, well-thought-out plan. With this guide, we're hopeful we can set you on the straight and narrow. We'll run through the various things you must consider in advance while also breaking down the decorating process into different steps.

Some Things to Consider Before Getting Started

Are You Starting From Scratch or Incorporating Existing Furnishings?

Setting up an empty room is entirely different from building upon an already decorated room, meaning you'll need to alter your approach depending on your situation. Refurbishing your home can sometimes be easier as you already have something to work with, but it may be limiting if you have a completely new look in mind.

Do You Want Cohesion Throughout Your House or Stand-Alone Rooms?

Some people like their homes to have a cohesive theme running from room to room, while others prefer each part of the house to be unique. Although these options are the opposite of one another, both require careful planning.

Will You Still Be Happy With Your Choices in a Few Year's Time?

As important as it is to decorate your space according to your tastes, it's worth thinking about whether or not you'll still like the styles you've chosen further down the line. Try to assess if the aesthetic you're going for is simply in line with current trends or has more timeless qualities.

What's Your Budget?

Unfortunately, like most things relating to home improvements, decorating your house can be super costly. Before making any plans, give yourself a chance to create a realistic budget. Compare prices from numerous furniture and hardware stores to determine how much you're likely to spend on each particular room or in a given time frame.

A Step-By-Step Guide to Your Decorating Journey

Look for Inspiration

Between Pinterest, social media, home renovation TV shows, and decor magazines, you'll have so many places to look for inspiration. Even if you have a precise concept for your space, take some time to utilize all of these avenues to refine your vision. The downside to all of this information is that it can become overwhelming when you're inundated with ideas. As you gain a clearer sense of what you're looking for, it may be best to whittle down how much home content you open yourself up to!

Make a Scrapbook of Ideas

It may sound like a little juvenile, but creating a scrapbook is an excellent way to collate your ideas. Adding the likes of magazine cut-outs, printed photos, or fabric swatches into one place will allow you to see which elements work together and which may not. Additionally, this can help you clarify your thoughts and fine-tune the vibe you're going for. Dedicate a few pages to each room or area in your house, giving yourself plenty of room to compare a variety of options and aesthetics. 

Focus On One Room at a Time

When the time comes to start the decorating process, keep things simple and straightforward by giving your attention to one room at a time. This can be tricky when you have so many plans for how you want your home to look, but in the long run, you'll thank yourself for concentrating on just one aspect of your house. That said, this may not be so easy if you don't have too much time on your hands. If this applies to your circumstances, strip things back for each room and work on adding all the extras and completing each room at a later stage.

Start With Your Color Scheme, Flooring, and Furniture

Sometimes, figuring out where to even begin is half the battle, especially when you have so many plans for each space.Prioritize choosing the color palette you want to work from first, and then direct your attention to finding the right flooring and furniture. Once you've sorted these three elements, the rest will follow. It's normal to get caught up in finding the perfect lampshades, bed linen, mirrors, and curtains, but all of these components can come after. In short, don't let the minor things take precedence over the more prominent and noticeable aspects of a room!

Consider How Lighting Will Affect Each Room

Many people overlook the lighting of a room before finalizing their design plans, but understanding how this can affect a space is crucial. When you're picturing each room, ask yourself whether it gets much natural light or not. For example, you may want to use soft-colored furniture to liven up rooms with less light or add mirrors to accentuate naturally brighter spaces. Artificial lighting is a category of its own, and don't underestimate how much it can impact the functionality and ambiance of a room. In many cases, layered lighting works well. This means you can utilize a range of sources, including a main overhead light, lamps, and various other task-based or accentual lights.

Add Smaller Furnishings, Accessories, and Finishing Touches Later

When you've got the basics down, then you should move on to working on the smaller decorative features. These are the things that aren't always about function but center more around appearance and setting the tone of a space. Candles, ornaments, shelving, and picture frames are just some of the ways to enhance your home and give it some personality. In most cases, these items can be gradually added over time, so don't fret about finding the perfect mirror or cushions right away.

Learn the Ropes of Interior Design to Create Your Dream Home

Furnishing and decorating your home should be an enjoyable experience, and this guide will ensure the process is as rewarding and seamless as possible. With time, patience, and thought, you can create the home you've always envisioned!