You have purchased your first home and the atmosphere around you is electric with excitement! Once the initial excitement dies down however, it is time for the real work to begin. Whether or not this is a new construction or a hundred year old fixer-upper, there are always little things that can be done to make this new place a true reflection of your individual style and personality.
The workload depends on the state of your new house, the size, the design ideas you have, the time you have and if you have more hands to help you or not. Regardless, decorating should be a personal journey. Hence, it should be a reflection of your personality and likes in life.
Start with deciding the things you like – colors, design, decorations, things, etc. Choose a theme. Do you like the rustic feel of an old cottage? The fresh atmosphere of a beach house? Or is it the wild side of a mountain cabin? Are you a city girl at heart who prefers a contemporary style? Knowing which kind of home interior you most associate with will make decorating less of a task but more of a fun activity.
After you have picked your design and either purchased new furniture or brought in your own, it is just a matter of painting the walls in colors that meet your design’s guidelines and placing some accessories around the rooms. While this is a very over simplified explanation of decorating your space, the trick is to find things that you like and make the space your own, and not a vision of a designer. Placing personal touches throughout your home gives it a warm and inviting feel where as a professional designer’s finishing product can sometimes feel very generic.
A decorating approach that never fails to work is the use of area rugs. Area rugs can instantly spice up a room. Because of the texture, a lush and soft one in particular, it can up the comfort level in the space. The different designs of area rugs can easily meet any theme. Colors, shapes and sizes vary too, so whether you have a limited space or a grand room, an area rug can enhance it.
Making a new house a home is all about showcasing personal items such as pictures, souvenirs, and other things that fit your personality. Your home should be a reflection of you and not a reflection of a professional. While professionals are always a good place to get ideas from, they should be a starting point and not a finishing touch. Make your new space a reflection of you and you will enjoy it for many years to come.