Beyond The Welcome Mat: First-Time Home Decorating Tips

You have a new home. And you have stuff to put in your new home. But how do you stage and arrange all this stuff into your new home like those hip, stylish folks on HGTV? And more importantly, how do you reflect your own style and taste?

Moving in and decorating can be overwhelming, especially if it doesn’t come naturally to you. And deciding what goes where in your very first home can be especially stressful, as you want everything to look and feel perfect. Don’t worry; we have plenty of tips and advice for ensuring that your new home will Live Up to everything you imagined.

Clean House

Embrace moving as an opportunity to purge your life of old furniture, mystery boxes from your last move, and oddities that have been living in your closet and attic. By purging 20 to 50 percent of your old stuff, you’ll free your new space and free your mind. You might even make some money if you choose to hold a yard sale, look for buyers on eBay, or donate items to charity and enjoy the tax write-off. Now you’ll be able to focus 100 percent on your new home without worrying about your old clutter cramping your fresh new style.

Pace Yourself

Before you go buy a $3,000 antique Ottoman, apply retro forest-print wallpaper to the living room or knock down a weight-bearing wall, sit down and take a deep breath. In fact, keep some of your non-essential furniture and décor in the storage shed, too. You can’t design your new home’s interior in a day. And you shouldn’t. Live in your home for a bit — at least three months — and see how your plan evolves as you get to know your home.

Give Them Something To Talk About

Incorporate your taste, travels, and memories into your home by adding conversation starters to your walls. That ornate tapestry you picked up while you were backpacking through Europe could end up being the topic of conversation at the dinner party. And your framed beach photographs could be the launch pad to chatting about a group vacation to the shore. These touches, both subtle and bold, not only add a conversation starter, but also give your home roots that define who you are, and what your style is.

Play Matchmaker

A wicker table. A leather sectional. And a plush purple love seat. How do you tie such diverse décor together to create a consistent look? Start with color. Look for a common thread between all of the pieces, even introducing throw pillows and other accessories to make it work. Then expand upon that color scheme by finding small accent pieces, paint, or curtains that unify all of your pieces.

Start With The Bedroom

Out of all the rooms in your new home, you will spend the most time in the bedroom and kitchen. Before jazzing up other areas, spend time stepping up your bedroom. Are you an early bird? Opt for lighter hues throughout the room. If you’re a night owl, you’ll probably head for darker tones. Whichever way you go, make sure your bedroom is done first — after all, you’ll need a place to kick back after moving all day!

Setting up your home to be a comfortable and stylish reflection of your lifestyle shouldn’t be stressful or overwhelming. By following these simple steps, you’re well on your way to creating a home décor that’s welcoming for residents and guests alike.