It is an exciting and liberating experience to move into a new home. Among other things, it also means you have finally gotten rid of the college futon and the artwork of your roommate, and now you can decorate this space according to your taste. However, turning a new home into a visual treat is easier said than done. Even the most dedicated decorators do get overwhelmed at the sight of bare walls and a room devoid of furniture.
Challenging as it may sound, decorating a new home from scratch is doable. We have put together a guide that will help you to accomplish this undertaking like a pro:
Start With Decluttering
When decorating, less is more. So, before you step into the new place, discard superfluous items to stay ahead of the game. Sorting and arranging one’s belongings is something that many individuals relish and look forward to doing. However, for some people, the entire process is tedious and unappealing. If you fall into the second category, we recommend you take one room at a time. It will break down the whole process into small manageable steps. Get rid of all the unwanted stuff, keep a few old treasures, and make them your top priority.
If you find items that are still in good shape and feel you might need them in the future, you are better off keeping them in a storage unit. Unlike in the past, finding a storage unit is not difficult nowadays. For example, if you live in Boise, you just need to Google “Boise storage units” and get plenty of options in the results.
Determine Your Decorating Style
It is important to get clarity on your preferred decorating style right away. That way, you can keep yourself focused and not let the opinions of others distract you. However, with so many different styles out there, it might be difficult to figure out which one will work the best for you. We are narrowing down some of the popular options below to ease your selection process:
- Modern: Crisp and clean lines are the prominent characteristics of the modern style. Long furniture pieces that are low to the ground and constructed of natural materials such as metal and unpainted wood also give your home a modern appeal. In other words, this style emphasizes a sense of minimalism in every aspect.
- Scandinavian: Symbolic of the Nordic way of life, the Scandinavian design pays tribute to simplicity. The Scandinavian design feels like a work of art with its understated themes. White color schemes, wide plank flooring, form-pressed wood, and bright plastics are its common features.
- Hollywood Regency: Popular from the 1940s to the 1960s, the Hollywood regency is now making a comeback. It is hands down one of the most fun interior design trends of the contemporary era. Vintage French furniture, clean lines, bold pops of color, and a touch of ultra-glamour are all integral components of this look. Besides, it also features plenty of crystals and mirrors.
- Farmhouse: The style brings a dash of quirkiness, fun, and comfort to your new home. Convenience, coziness, and warmth are the hallmarks of a farmhouse-inspired interior design. To pull off this style, ensure your sofas have extra cushions for optimal comfort. Earthy and casual wood tables are also the standout features of the farmhouse style.
Resist The Urge To Match
Retail businesses propagate that decorating a house is all about matching one item to another. It is because they want you to purchase everything in the set. However, it would be best if you did not give in to their argument. Indeed, you could include a few items of the same design that might complement each other. However, if you overdo it, your home will be hard to differentiate from a furniture store.
Proper scale, balance, and proportion should be your primary concerns while designing each room’s furnishings and accents. For example, a 15×5 den with an 8-foot ceiling cannot accommodate five large pieces of lounge furniture. Likewise, placing a tiny round dining table for four people in a 20×30 space with a 12-foot-high ceiling will look odd and unappealing.
Do Not Purchase Everything At Once
When decorating a new house, the most common mistake homeowners make is rushing to buy everything at once. Setting a budget and prioritizing your needs hold the key. Start with the high-traffic areas like the dining area, kitchen, or main living area before moving on to the remainder of the house.
Use Different Types Of Lighting
Expert interior designers agree that relying on a single light fixture will not adequately illuminate a space. Therefore, every room in your home should have at least three distinct types of lighting; ambient, task, and accent. They work well in tandem to spice up the visual appeal big time. To make the most of lighting, implement the following strategies:
- Use dimmers: You can instantly change a room’s mood with a dimmer.
- Play around with colors: Putting up a light fixture with vivid colors in a plain room is a great way to infuse the area with a sense of playfulness and intrigue. When used in conjunction with a lit room, colored shades can produce stunning effects.
- Think oversized: Large light fixtures are all the rage. It is because they make your space look larger than life. So when it comes to scale, do not be scared to go big.
Tap Into DIY Upgrades
Decorating a new home does not mean purchasing all new items. Instead of investing in new furniture or decor, consider giving your old pieces a facelift with fresh paint and the latest hardware. Painting two expressionistic pieces with just a few basic art supplies can add your unique touch to the space. Do not assume you have to indulge in a lot of heel-dragging. Some DIY upgrades, such as installing decorative knobs on cabinets and doors or creating a minimalist gallery, do not require hardcore expertise or years of experience.
Conclusion
Decorating one’s home can be an opportunity to indulge your flair. It allows you to create a specific feel and ambiance that appeals to your senses. As much as it is an opportunity one waits for with anticipation, it can be overwhelming. Many people find it difficult to start their new home’s decoration? Well, you are not alone. The very thought of deciding on decorations freezes many people. However, it does not have to be like that. Just walk the tight line of the tips listed above, and before you know it, you will be done decorating your new house!
