Getting Started
Create a plan
- Set a budget and stick to it, but also design a home you’ll love.
- Measure up and know your room dimensions before you get started.
- Gather style inspiration and think about how and who will use each room.
- Consider what you are bringing with you and what you can cut from your belongings.
Find your style
- Identify styles that resonate with you by perusing design magazines, decorating blogs, or visiting model homes.
- Focus on incorporating consistent design elements that flow from room to room.
- Create a cohesive look by combining intentional contrast and an eclectic mix of art and furniture.
Budget-Friendly Decorating Ideas
Shop smart
- Shop second-hand and vintage stores for unique and affordable decor pieces.
- Use online resources like Craigslist, OfferUp, and LetGo to find cheap home decor and furniture.
- Consider buying larger furniture items and bespoke pieces second-hand.
- Look for items that are still in great condition or can be rejuvenated with a bit of TLC.
Use what you have
- Decluttering may not be the most glamorous aspect of decorating, but it’s essential for creating a beautiful, functional space.
- Tackle one room at a time, and be ruthless.
- Get rid of dated, worn, or damaged items that could be doing the look of your home a disservice.
- Repurpose old items, like turning an old chair into a nightstand or end table.
DIY Decorating Projects
Get crafty
- Give new life to old items by getting creative and crafty.
- Upcycle, repurpose, and reuse items to save money and reduce waste.
- Use a bit of paint and a little imagination to make a tired end table feel brand new.
- Create a rustic creation fit for a coastal beach house with a bit of jute rope and a glue gun.
Make your own decor
- Use books to add a touch of elegance and sophistication to a room.
- Consider incorporating books as a decorative element in a living room or office.
- Use bookends to keep your books organized and add a touch of style to a shelf.
- Create a unique piece of art by framing a set of postcards or old cinema tickets.
Decorating Essentials
Paint is your best friend
- Paint can create a statement with feature walls, transform a room by painting the woodwork, and add a pop of color.
- Use paint hacks to make your room feel bigger, such as painting the skirting boards the same color as the wall.
- Choose a versatile or bold paint color to make a statement.
Lighting makes a difference
- Lighting is transformative and adds style, character, and ambience to your home.
- Layer your lighting by using different sources of light, such as natural light, main ceiling lighting, and lower level lighting.
- Make the most of the natural lighting you have available and add task lighting for areas that require it.
Add texture and pattern
- Add depth and interest to your space with patterns and textures.
- Mix and match different patterns and textures to create a unique look.
- Use throw pillows and blankets to add color and texture to a room.
- Incorporate natural elements, like shells and driftwood, to bring a sense of the outdoors into your home.
Final Touches
Create a focal point
- Use a statement piece of art or a bold piece of furniture to create a focal point in a room.
- Create a focal point with a bold artwork or statement piece.
- Use a rug to define a space and add warmth and texture.
Add personality with accessories
- Add personality to your space with affordable accessories like artwork, vases, and cushions.
- Use accessories to create a cohesive look and add depth to your space.
- Incorporate vintage and antique pieces to add depth and character to a space.
- Don’t be afraid to get creative and think outside the box when decorating a space.
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