[2023] What to Do First When Decorating a House: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you ready to transform your house into a beautiful and inviting space? Decorating a house can be an exciting but overwhelming task, especially if you’re a beginner. But fear not! We, the expert interior decorators at Home Decorations™, are here to guide you through the process. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the essential steps to take when decorating your house, ensuring that you create a space that reflects your personal style and meets your needs.

Table of Contents

• Quick Answer
• Quick Tips and Facts
• Background
• Choose Your Decor Style
• Create a Plan
• Choose a Color Palette
• Take Advice From the Experts
• Have It Flow
• Choose Your Essential Pieces
• Don’t Forget the Photos
• Be Sure to Add Your Own Personal Touch
• Let It Grow, Over Time
• Final Thoughts
• FAQ
• Conclusion
• Recommended Links
• Reference Links

Quick Answer

When decorating a house, the first thing you should do is choose your decor style. This will set the foundation for your entire design. Once you have a style in mind, create a plan, choose a color palette, and seek advice from experts. From there, focus on creating a cohesive flow throughout your space, selecting essential pieces, and adding personal touches. Remember, decorating is a process that can evolve over time, so enjoy the journey!

Quick Tips and Facts

• Start with a clear vision of your desired decor style.
• Consider the functionality and purpose of each room.
• Take measurements and create a floor plan before purchasing furniture.
• Don’t be afraid to mix and match different design elements.
• Experiment with different color palettes to find the one that resonates with you.
• Seek inspiration from magazines, websites, and social media platforms.
• Take your time and enjoy the process of decorating your house.

Background

Before diving into the specifics, let’s take a moment to understand the importance of decorating a house. Decorating is not just about making your space visually appealing; it’s about creating a home that reflects your personality, lifestyle, and values. It’s about transforming a house into a sanctuary where you can relax, entertain, and make lasting memories.

Now, let’s explore the essential steps to take when decorating a house.

Choose Your Decor Style

The first and most crucial step in decorating a house is to choose your decor style. Your decor style will serve as the foundation for your entire design, influencing your color palette, furniture choices, and overall aesthetic. Whether you prefer a modern, minimalist look or a cozy, rustic vibe, finding your decor style will help you make cohesive design decisions.

To determine your decor style, consider your personal preferences, lifestyle, and the architectural style of your house. Browse through magazines, websites, and social media platforms for inspiration. Create a mood board or Pinterest board to gather ideas and identify common themes. Once you have a clear vision of your desired style, you can move on to the next step.

Create a Plan

Now that you have chosen your decor style, it’s time to create a plan. A well-thought-out plan will ensure that your decorating process goes smoothly and that you achieve the desired results. Here are some key elements to consider when creating your plan:

1. Functionality: Determine the purpose of each room and how you want to use the space. This will help you make informed decisions about furniture placement, storage solutions, and layout.

2. Budget: Set a budget for your decorating project. This will help you prioritize your expenses and make smart purchasing decisions. Consider allocating more funds to essential pieces that will have a significant impact on your overall design.

3. Timeline: Establish a timeline for your decorating project. Decide whether you want to tackle the entire house at once or focus on one room at a time. Be realistic about the time it will take to complete each phase of the project.

4. Floor Plan: Take measurements of your space and create a floor plan. This will help you visualize how furniture and decor items will fit into the room. Consider the flow of traffic and ensure that there is enough space for movement.

Choose a Color Palette

Once you have a plan in place, it’s time to choose a color palette. Colors play a crucial role in setting the mood and atmosphere of a room. They can evoke emotions, create visual interest, and tie the design elements together. When selecting a color palette, consider the following:

• Personal Preference: Choose colors that resonate with you and make you feel comfortable in your space.
• Room Function: Consider the purpose of the room and how you want it to feel. For example, soothing and calming colors work well in bedrooms, while vibrant and energetic colors are suitable for living areas.
• Color Psychology: Understand the psychological effects of different colors. For example, blue is often associated with tranquility, while yellow is associated with happiness and energy.
• Balance: Aim for a balanced color palette by incorporating a mix of neutral tones, bold accents, and complementary colors.

Experiment with different color combinations and use online tools or paint samples to visualize how the colors will look in your space. Remember, you can always start with a neutral base and add pops of color through accessories and artwork.

Take Advice From the Experts

Decorating a house can be overwhelming, especially if you’re a beginner. That’s why it’s essential to take advice from the experts. Seek inspiration from interior design magazines, websites, and social media platforms. Follow interior designers and decorators on Instagram for daily doses of inspiration.

Additionally, consider consulting with a professional interior designer. They can provide valuable insights, suggest unique design ideas, and help you navigate through the overwhelming choices. Many interior designers offer virtual consultations, making their expertise accessible to everyone.

Have It Flow

To create a cohesive and harmonious design, it’s crucial to have it flow. This means ensuring that there is a sense of continuity and connection between different areas of your house. Here are some tips to achieve a flowing design:

• Consistent Color Palette: Carry your chosen color palette throughout the house to create a sense of unity.
• Repeating Design Elements: Incorporate recurring design elements, such as patterns, textures, or materials, to create visual cohesion.
• Consider Sightlines: Pay attention to the sightlines in your house. Ensure that the design elements in one room complement the ones in the adjacent rooms.
• Furniture Placement: Arrange furniture in a way that promotes easy movement and conversation. Consider the flow of traffic and ensure that there is enough space between furniture pieces.

By having a flowing design, you’ll create a seamless transition from one room to another, making your house feel cohesive and well-designed.

Choose Your Essential Pieces

Now that you have a solid foundation for your design, it’s time to choose your essential pieces. Essential pieces are the key elements that will anchor your design and have a significant impact on the overall aesthetic. These pieces may include:

• Furniture: Select furniture pieces that align with your chosen decor style and provide both functionality and comfort. Consider the size of your space and the scale of the furniture to ensure a proper fit.
• Lighting: Choose lighting fixtures that not only illuminate your space but also add a decorative element. Consider a mix of ambient, task, and accent lighting to create a layered and inviting atmosphere.
• Rugs: Rugs can define a space and add warmth and texture to your design. Choose rugs that complement your color palette and tie the room together.
• Artwork and Accessories: Select artwork and accessories that reflect your personality and add a personal touch to your space. These pieces can be conversation starters and add visual interest to your design.

Remember, quality is key when choosing essential pieces. Invest in well-made, timeless pieces that will stand the test of time.

Don’t Forget the Photos

One often overlooked aspect of decorating a house is don’t forget the photos. Personal photographs can add a sentimental touch to your space and make it feel like home. Display your favorite family photos, travel memories, or artwork created by loved ones. Frame them in stylish frames that complement your decor style and create a gallery wall or scatter them throughout your house.

Be Sure to Add Your Own Personal Touch

While it’s essential to seek inspiration and advice, it’s equally important to add your own personal touch to your design. Your house should reflect your personality, interests, and experiences. Here are some ways to add a personal touch:

• DIY Projects: Get creative and embark on DIY projects that showcase your skills and personality. Whether it’s painting a mural, creating a custom piece of furniture, or crafting unique decor items, DIY projects add a personal and meaningful touch to your space.
• Display Collections: If you have a collection of items that hold sentimental value, display them proudly. Whether it’s vintage cameras, seashells, or vinyl records, collections add character and tell a story.
• Incorporate Hobbies: If you have a hobby or passion, find ways to incorporate it into your design. For example, if you love photography, create a dedicated gallery wall to showcase your work.

By adding your own personal touch, you’ll create a space that is uniquely yours and brings you joy every time you walk through the door.

Let It Grow, Over Time

Finally, remember that decorating a house is a process that can grow over time. Your design doesn’t have to be perfect from day one. Allow yourself the freedom to experiment, make changes, and evolve your design as your tastes and needs change. Keep an open mind and embrace the journey of creating a home that truly reflects who you are.

Final Thoughts

Decorating a house is an exciting and rewarding endeavor. By following these essential steps, you’ll be well on your way to creating a space that is beautiful, functional, and uniquely yours. Remember to choose your decor style, create a plan, choose a color palette, seek advice from experts, have a flowing design, select essential pieces, add personal touches, and let your design evolve over time. Enjoy the process and have fun transforming your house into a home!

FAQ

What is the first thing to do when decorating a house?

The first thing to do when decorating a house is to choose your decor style. This will set the foundation for your entire design and help you make cohesive design decisions.

Read more about “… What Order Do You Decorate Your House? – Your Ultimate Guide”

In what order should you decorate a house?

The order in which you decorate a house may vary depending on personal preference and the specific needs of your space. However, a general order to consider is:

1. Choose your decor style: Determine the overall aesthetic and design direction.
2. Create a plan: Establish a budget, timeline, and floor plan.
3. Choose a color palette: Select colors that resonate with your style and create the desired atmosphere.
4. Seek advice from experts: Gather inspiration and consult with professionals if needed.
5. Have it flow: Ensure a sense of continuity and connection between different areas of your house.
6. Choose your essential pieces: Select furniture, lighting, rugs, and accessories that anchor your design.
7. Add personal touches: Incorporate items and elements that reflect your personality and interests.
8. Let it grow, over time: Allow your design to evolve and make changes as needed.

Read more about “… How to Decorate and Furnish a Home: Expert Tips from Home Decorations™”

Where do I start when decorating my new house?

When decorating a new house, start by choosing your decor style. This will serve as the foundation for your design decisions. From there, create a plan, choose a color palette, and seek inspiration from experts and reliable sources. Take your time and enjoy the process of transforming your new house into a home.

Read more about “… How to Decorate Your Home for Free: Expert Tips and Ideas”

What is the rule of 3 in decorating?

The rule of 3 in decorating is a design principle that suggests grouping items in threes for visual appeal and balance. It is based on the idea that odd numbers create more visual interest and are more pleasing to the eye than even numbers. For example, when arranging decor items on a shelf or mantel, consider grouping them in sets of three for a balanced and visually appealing display.

Read more about “… Which is the Best Way to Decorate Your Home? A Comprehensive Guide”

Conclusion

Decorating a house is an exciting journey that allows you to transform a space into a reflection of your personality and style. By following the steps outlined in this comprehensive guide, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle your decorating project with confidence. Remember to choose your decor style, create a plan, choose a color palette, seek advice from experts, have a flowing design, select essential pieces, add personal touches, and let your design evolve over time. Happy decorating!

Recommended Links

• Home Decor Shopping Guides
• Living Room Decor
• Budget Home Decor
• Home Furniture Reviews
• What Order Do You Decorate Your House? – Your Ultimate Guide

Reference Links

• Frame It Easy – Steps to Start Decorating for Beginners
• Interior Design Magazines
• Instagram – Interior Design Inspiration
• Psychology of Color in Interior Design