Congratulations on your new home! Ready to make it your own? In this post, I’m excited to share my top 10 tips to help you decorate your space so it feels effortlessly cool. Let’s dive in!
WHy You need to DecoratE Your new home Just for you
When you move into a new home, it can be hard to know where to start decorating and adding colours. This is where I can help you. Over the past seven years, I’ve decorated my small terrace house in Brighton with patterned tiles, soft textures, and a simple colour palette. I believe that adding personal touches is what makes a space feel lived-in and truly loved.
I’m going to share all my interior stylist tips and tricks to help you turn your new pad into a cool and effortless home. Read on!
Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram here for more styling ideas and home decor inspiration (50K followers)
1. Get to Know Your New Home
Before diving into decorating, take some time to really get to know your new home. Spend a few days living in the space, noticing how the light changes throughout the day and how you naturally use each room. This will help you make informed decisions about layout, colour schemes, and décor. It’s tempting to start decorating right away, but giving yourself a bit of time to settle in will ensure your home feels just right.
Style Tip: Start a journal where you jot down your thoughts about each room. What vibe do you want to create? How does the space make you feel? This will become a great reference as you start designing.
2. Create a Mood Board
Once you’ve got a feel for your space, start creating a mood board for each room. This can be a physical board with cutouts from magazines, or you can use a digital tool like Pinterest’s Shuffles. Include everything from layout ideas to soft furnishings and furniture. A mood board will help you visualise how all your ideas come together.
Style Tip: When creating your mood board, don’t forget about textures! Mixing different textures like wood, metal, and fabric can add depth and interest to your space.
3. Choose a Cohesive Colour Palette
For a harmonious look throughout your home, pick a colour palette of around five colours and use them in varying degrees in each room. In my home, I’ve chosen white, peach, baby blue, navy, and grey, which helps the space flow beautifully from one room to the next.
Style Tip: Include a wildcard colour—something a bit unexpected that can be used sparingly for a pop of personality, like a vibrant coral or deep teal.
4. Prioritise the Kitchen
The kitchen is the heart of the home, so make it your first priority. An organised, functional kitchen sets a positive tone for the rest of your home. Add art to the walls, make sure everything has its place, and don’t be afraid to introduce some colour.
Style Tip: If your kitchen doesn’t have much natural light, consider adding under-cabinet lighting or bright, cheerful colours to keep it feeling fresh and welcoming.
5. Start with a Neutral Base
When decorating a new space, start with a neutral base and build up from there. Neutral walls give you a blank canvas, and you can layer in pops of colour with accessories, artwork, and textiles like cushions and throws. This approach allows your space to evolve as you find pieces that you truly love.
Style Tip: Don’t be afraid to mix in metallics! Gold, silver, or bronze accents can add a touch of glamour and sophistication to any room.
6. Invest in Key Furniture Pieces
When it comes to furniture, invest in quality pieces for the main areas—like a comfy sofa, a sleek dining table, and a standout bed. These are the items you’ll use daily, so it’s worth spending a bit more to ensure they’re durable and timeless. Once you’ve got the essentials, you can start adding accent furniture and accessories.
Style Tip: Consider multi-functional furniture, like a storage ottoman or a sofa bed. These pieces can be lifesavers in smaller homes.
7. Start with the Essentials
Begin by budgeting for the most important pieces: a sofa, a bed, a dining table, chairs, and some storage solutions. These are the foundation of your home. Once you have these basics, you can gradually add in coffee tables, side tables, and extra seating.
Style Tip: Choose furniture that has a bit of character—whether it’s an antique piece with history or a modern design with bold lines. It’ll add interest and make your space feel unique.
8. Budget-Friendly Transformations
If you’re decorating on a budget, focus on small changes that make a big impact. Swap out old hardware on cabinets, paint your walls or furniture, and layer in new textiles like curtains, cushions, and rugs. Lighting is another quick way to refresh a room—new lampshades or light fixtures can completely change the vibe.
Style Tip: Upcycling is your friend! Turn an old piece of furniture into something new with a bit of paint and creativity. It’s sustainable and adds a personal touch to your space.
9. Putting Your Own Stamp on Your Home
Personalising your space is all about bringing in items that reflect who you are. Create a gallery wall with your favourite artwork, photos, or travel souvenirs. Mix in some vintage finds to add character, and don’t forget plants (or trees even!) as they breathe life into a room. And if you’re not great with plants, faux ones are a brilliant alternative!
Style Tip: Consider scent as part of your home’s personality. Use candles, diffusers, or fresh flowers to add a layer of comfort and make your space smell as good as it looks.
10. Tackling Bigger Changes
When it comes to more significant changes like renovations, planning is everything. Do your research, set a realistic budget, and don’t hesitate to consult with professionals. They can provide valuable insights that save you time and money. And remember, your home should be a reflection of your style and comfort—so make decisions that you’ll love for years to come.
Style Tip: Break larger projects into phases. This not only helps with budgeting but also gives you time to live in the space and make adjustments as needed.
10 Chic Ways to Decorate Your New Home
Enjoy making your new house a home! Each step is an opportunity to infuse your space with your unique style and personality. Happy decorating!
ORIGINAL POST WITH OAK FURNITURELAND
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