10 Easy Steps to Start Decorating Your New Home

Congratulations on Your New Home!

Buying a home is no small feat, and if you're reading this, it means you've taken a monumental step towards creating your dream space. Whether this is your first home purchase or a step up to something larger, the journey can feel long and sometimes overwhelming. But now, it’s time to celebrate! You have a new canvas to express yourself, and that’s exciting!

Step 1: Assess Your Style

Before diving into decoration, take a moment to think about your personal style. Are you drawn to minimalistic designs, a cozy bohemian vibe, or maybe you love mid-century modern, like me? Understanding your aesthetic will guide your decisions moving forward.

Step 2: Plan Your Budget

Decorating a new home can get pricey... very quickly! Set a budget before you start shopping. Knowing what you can afford helps reduce stress and keeps you focused on what you really want!

Step 3: Explore Each Room

Walk through each room of your new home and imagine how you want to use the space. Take notes on what needs immediate attention, and separate functionality from aesthetics. Some rooms may need serious work, while others may just need a little tlc.

Step 4: Prioritize Your Spaces

When it comes to decorating, it’s important to prioritize. Start with the spaces you use the most, the entryway, living room, or kitchen, for example. Tackle the essentials, and then move to less-frequented areas over time.

Step 5: Choose a Palette

Your color palette often sets the mood for your home. Choose a few key colors that you love, and try to maintain consistency throughout the space. This will create a flow and make your home feel more cohesive. Additionally, and often overlooked, texture and design style play a similar role. Tying in curdoroy pills in one room to a curdoroy accent chair or sofa in another adds these subtle hints of connectedness.

Step 6: Gather Inspiration

There are countless resources for home decor inspiration, from Houzz and Pinterest boards to home design blogs, YouTube and TikTok. Save your favorite ideas to refer back to as you're building your vision. This will keep you motivated and provide clarity on what you want along the way. There are SO many gorgeous pieces you will come across, so focus is mandatory, Sis!

Step 7: Start with the "Basics"

Keeping in mind that we are far from basic as we use the terminology, we will still want to focus on the key furniture items first. Invest in a good sofa, accent chair, dining table, and bed. These pieces are essential and will form the backbone of your space. You can, and will, always layer in décor and accessories later! Decor items can change over time and with the seasons, but the "basics" you're grabbing at this time are the ones that will be staples in the home. And remember- stay on budget! Use filters when shopping for items and keep the prices within range, so you don't tempt yourself with overbudget items ... unless you're really good at finding affordable dupes.

Step 8: Personalize Your Space

Once the "basics" are sorted, it’s time to curate the finer details of your home. Add personal touches with artwork, plants, candles, aesthetic decor pieces, photos, and cherished items that tell your story. The goal is for your home to feel, look, and smell like home!

Step 9: Don't Rush the Process

It’s easy to feel pressure to have everything done immediately, but remember, decorating takes time. Enjoy the journey and allow your home to evolve with you. Each small change adds character, give yourself permission to take it slow. This is the soft life, Queen. Every step of the way, remember this is your home and you have to live with it, so take it easy, babes!

Step 10: Celebrate Your Progress

As you gradually create your ideal space, take time to appreciate the hard work you’ve put in. Inviting a friend or family member over, posting an update, sharing a pic with distant loved ones, or hosting a small gathering with friends or family can be a great way to showcase your newly decorated space. Celebrate every milestone!

Decorating your new home should be an adventure, not a chore. By following these ten easy steps, the process can become exciting and fulfilling. Enjoy every moment, and remember—it’s your space to love and grow in!