Moving into your first home is a very exciting time. You’ll likely want to focus your attention on how to decorate it to make you feel cozy and comfortable.
Although each person’s first home may differ greatly, there are some great tips you can use to help guide you through the process to ensure you create a space that’s welcoming, updated, and great for having friends and family over to visit.
Consider these top tips for decorating your first home and see how they help make it look ideal for your style.
Decide on a Color Scheme
The best place to start with a design idea is to decide the color scheme in the home. This process can entail using a wide palette of colors; for example, consider the following groups.
- Warm – Reds, yellows, orange
- Cool – Blue, purple, gray,
- Neutral warm – Brown, tan, cream, olive, khaki
- Neutral cool – Gray, silver, black, white
- Primary – Red, blue, yellow
These are just a few examples of palettes to choose from to help get started. Of course, you can use variations of these colors, but this gives you an idea of where to begin.
Some popular color schemes recently included gray with yellow accents, neutral gray with black and white touches, and even a wide palette of blues, including aqua, royal blue, and sky blue.
Once you decide on a color scheme, you can begin shopping for items to put in your homes, such as window treatments, furniture, and flooring.
Start Designing With Floors, Windows, and Walls
The background for your design choices is pretty important. You might not be able to change your first home’s floors, windows, or walls, so it’s important to choose colors that work with the existing colors.
If you have colors you want to downplay in these areas, make your furniture and accessories stand out more. You can also change the paint color for the walls and baseboards because it provides impact and helps bring the rooms together.
Incorporating your colors with window treatments can also help solidify the design and color scheme, even if you have some elements you didn’t choose. It’s a way to help create cohesiveness.
Focus on Furniture
If you have less than desirable tan carpet, for example, you want to distract the eye from it and help create focus on a standout piece of furniture like a nice couch that doesn’t clash with the carpet color but provides a wow factor.
To find the best couches, try shopping with a reputable furniture provider online and find a wide selection to choose from that matches your needs. You can also try a modular sofa in an outdoor friendly fabric to accommodate all of your guests.
Not only does an eye-catching couch help create a look, but you can also use strategically placed chairs in varying heights and styles, but also unique tables or one bold centerpiece table.
If you’re working in a bedroom, create a focal point for the room with a unique headboard. Add some flair with a bench and dresser or vanity that suits your design style.
Avoid using too much furniture, but focus on utility and design with only a few pieces. Leave as much open space as possible and add character through wall hanging and other ornamental pieces.
Incorporate Storage Solutions Into the Design
Most people never have enough storage, especially when they get their first home. Storage solutions don’t have to be boring or ruin the interior design.
There are plenty of modern storage options that cleverly fit into most styles and offer a way to prevent clutter and add to the room’s look. Some even tuck away under the bed or in corners to provide the most usable space and prevent obstructions.
Wall hangings to the Rescue
Don’t underestimate the power of wall hangings, mirrors, and accessories. You can complete an entire look and provide an individualized appeal with these items. Try to skip the big box stores when buying wall fixtures and art.
Try to purchase pieces that speak to your design style and offer a unique take on the look. Buy art at local galleries or from local artists online. You can even find one-of-a-kind items at flea markets in your area. This is also a great place to find other wall art such as masks, ceramic pieces, photographs, and more.
Get Design Tips Online
Stay up to date with the latest trends and techniques for design in the home when you sign up for email updates and newsletters from top design magazines and furniture specialty stores. Get inspiration and ideas that you might love and want to feature in your own home.
Don’t forget to check out design blogs online too. Many top professional interior designers feature guest pieces packed with information and tutorials to help you get a modern style that looks great and provides a welcoming environment on a budget.
Conclusion
Before you begin, have a few ideas to work in mind. Choose the style for the design first. Do you want a coastal look? A contemporary loft-style? A punch of bold colors on a neutral background?
Once you decide on a style, determine your colors and find out what works best with the present colors you have to work with already present. In cases where you can start fresh, you’ll likely have more options.
Finally, don’t be afraid to experiment. If you don’t like the look, you can always modify it or change it completely. Decorating your first home should be a fun and educational experience. Check out this post for more details and leave your comments below.