If you’re buying a house in today’s market, it’s probably staged with trendy décor. Each sofa, table and piece of artwork is carefully chosen by a design professional to make the home appear more spacious and desirable. As you imagine yourself in each room, you may be wondering if you can make it look just as chic and comfortable. You also want to decorate each room affordably which is why we suggest affordable shades for your window coverings.
Source: Igor_Kravtsov/Shutterstock.com
You don’t have to have any knowledge of interior design. It’s still possible to decorate your home like the pros. We have the top tips from experienced homeowners and interior design professionals, so you can get inspired to decorate without any stress. After reading each step in this guide, you’ll know how to furnish your new home beautifully and on budget.
Step 1: Imagine Your New Space
Take photos of the home during the inspection—or keep pictures from the sale listing. They will remind you about the type of colors, fabrics and furnishings that were present during staging. When it comes time to check your current inventory, you’ll know if you already have the items to create the same look.
By imagining your space as soon as possible, you can calculate a budget for your décor. When you know what you can afford, your space won’t feel incomplete or empty. If you desire a different type of decorative scheme, that’s okay, too. Start by envisioning where you will put each piece that you already have. Many new homeowners will need to buy additional furniture and decorative items, such as patio furniture, a dining room table or wall art such as paintings and photo calendars.
Step 2: Decide What to Bring
It doesn’t matter if you’re buying your first home or purchasing an upgrade. You probably have furniture and artwork from your old place. Before you bring every item that you own, decide what won’t fit your style—and what looks too shabby to place in a new house.
Throw away worn or impractical items. Furniture and appliances in good condition can be donated to a non-profit or charitable donation center. Finally, don’t miss out on an opportunity to add to your décor budget. Newer furnishings can be sold at a garage sale, auctioned online or traded at a used furniture store.
Source: Marko Poplasen/Shutterstock.com
Step 3: Choose Neutral Color Schemes
Most home buyers prefer neutral colored paint since it goes with almost any décor. If you choose a house with this palette, you’re already on your way toward furnishing a sleek and gorgeous home. Buying a fixer-upper may mean there are multicolored walls. Taking time to paint before you move in will provide you with an inspiring blank canvas.
Flooring, large furniture and appliances look clean and neat in neutrals. Some of the most popular hues include cream, vanilla and taupe. Darker accent choices such as charcoal gray, navy blue and gold are bold and striking. When it’s time to add a pop of color to your neutral palette, you can also go with unforgettable accent shades like aqua, soft pink and deep blue. These colors add personality to a room through items such as area rugs, throw blankets and lamp shades.
Step 4: Arrange Your Furniture
There is no one way to arrange furniture properly. It actually depends on how you’re going to use your room. When you imagined your space, you probably thought about where you would relax, sleep and play. Now, think about how the traffic will move throughout each room. It also helps to consider the location of natural focal points like large windows and fireplaces. If you’re visually inclined, you can draw each room or use an online furniture placement tool.
Don’t move all your furniture against the walls. This leaves your space feeling empty—and can actually rob your home of natural light and heat. Instead, arrange your loveseats, tables and chairs in the center of the room. Create active spaces with multiple pieces of furniture where your family can enjoy a movie or chat over a meal.
Step 5: Incorporate Natural Light
Natural light will make each room in your home look more spacious and inviting. You can incorporate more sunlight into your new home by choosing the right window coverings. Cellular shades reduce glare while allowing plenty of sunlight into your home. If you have a sliding glass door, vertical blinds maximize natural light while letting you maintain your privacy. Other popular choices include roller shades, bamboo shades and solar shades.
Mirrors are another way to reflect sunlight around the room. Hang a large framed mirror over your mantle or make it a focal point in place of artwork. You can also create a mirror collage with several different sizes and shapes of mirrors. Put them over a desk or let them adorn an entire wall. Arrange your favorite piece across from a window for an even more dramatic effect.
Source: ppa/Shutterstock.com
Step 6: Make Small Updates
Once you’re done arranging your furniture, all it takes to perfect space is to make a few small changes. After decorating with your largest pieces of décor, it’s time to make your finishing touches.
Replace outdated cabinet and drawer knobs. Metal finishes like gold, chrome and rose gold add quick, luxe detail to kitchens, bathrooms and bedrooms. Spray paint table lamps or candle holders to match your new color scheme. If you need a little warmth around your bed or couch, place a natural fiber rug underneath it. Additional great ideas for making a room feel complete include adding a few colorful accent pillows or a floor lamp for studying and chatting.
Decorating a Beautiful Home on a Budget
While we all want our house to look like the design magazines, it’s not as easy as it looks to pull off a composed space. It often takes a professional knowledge of interior design and real estate to know how to stage a house perfectly. With the tips above, you can incorporate your most treasured pieces with affordable new items to make your home look show ready every day of the week. Best of all, you can do it all on a budget.
With all the stress that comes with buying a new property, planning your interior design scheme can be a fun and creative outlet. As you sign paperwork and review your home inspection, take a little time to imagine yourself in your new space. The time you spend exploring and brainstorming will go a long way to making you feel comfortable and complete after moving day.