The First 11 Steps of Decorating a New Home
Create the home of your dreams.
Moving into a new house is a monumental occasion, but it can be overwhelming for many reasons. Knowing how to decorate your home – and maybe on a budget – can be hard. We're here for you. In this guide, we lay out the essential first steps of decorating a new home so you don't have to figure it out all on your own.
Tip!
Just moved into a new apartment? Read our guide, Decorating Your First Apartment: Cute, Cheap Apartment Ideas for five helpful tips on how to decorate your new home.
How to Decorate Your Home
1. Evaluate & Declutter Your Belongings
Decorating a new home is all about starting with a blank slate. It is okay to discard or donate things you no longer want or need. Now is the time to evaluate everything and make sure the things you’re keeping will have a purpose in your new space – this will help you avoid a house full of clutter (so will our guide, How to Declutter Your Home Room by Room).
2. Organize What You Already Have
Take advantage of your blank slate to lay out all your belongings and assign them a home within your home. Use large organization pieces such as cube storage or bookcases with baskets to neatly store items that are specific to each room. Cataloging what you already have can help you determine what pieces are emblematic of the overall style you’re wanting to cultivate.
Once you become a homeowner, you have the opportunity to fill your home with pieces that reflect you. Gather inspiration from your favorite colors, patterns, and textures, and don’t be afraid to mix product styles like contemporary glam, modern farmhouse, or classic boho to define your own blend.
If you’re not sure which rooms to start with, consider the rooms where you spend the most time. Tackle the living room, kitchen, or bedroom to start – you can stress about the bonus room later. Now, take the same concept and focus on finding the most important piece in each room first. These essentials are the foundations of your space – you’ll build your home aesthetic around them. Start with choosing the living room sectional, bedroom furniture, or dining table, and then hammer out finer details like wall art or throw blankets later on..
In the rooms you use the most, you want to make sure your furniture is not only reflecting your aesthetic, but also complementing your lifestyle. If you do your makeup in the bathroom, you want to have a designated space on the counter to store your products. Find a way to display your washroom necessities on a stylish ladder shelf. Discreetly put away toiletries in chic containers and jars for accessibility without sacrificing elegance.
Decorating a new house doesn't require buying all new things. Rather than purchasing new furniture or decor pieces, upgrade the items you already own with stylish new hardware or paint. Transform drab kitchen cabinets with decorative knobs, use wallpaper to create a dramatic accent wall – small upgrades like these will make a difference. Even replacing simple pieces like outlet and light switch covers can make your new home feel cleaner and more like your own space without a massive price tag.
Think about what catches your eye when you first enter a room. Large focal points like windows, fireplaces, or arches should be brought out. Since you’re naturally drawn to these pieces, use them as the preview to the rest of your home’s decor. In rooms that offer a blank slate, consider how the use of window treatments or art over the mantle can serve as a focal starting point for your decorating scheme.
Lighting is a pivotal part of highlighting your home. Consider the ambiance different lights provide, and how to use it to highlight your home’s best features. Most rooms will require overall illumination from ceiling fixtures, task lighting in some areas, and decorative lighting, like lamps or wall lights. You can also open up the appearance of a space with large wall mirrors that reflect natural light and brighten the room.
Small accent elements will go a long way in personalizing your home's decor. Throw pillows, floor pillows, and throw blankets are playful, cozy, and can be swapped out or moved whenever you feel like it. Draw attention to the floor by laying vibrant rugs, and make your windows look less bare with a set of flowing curtains.
Transform your empty spaces into a trendy urban jungle. Whether you’re a self-proclaimed green thumb, or prefer the luxury of something artificial, you can scatter plants all across your new home. Even those with the brownest of thumbs can handle a kitchen window herb garden or some tough succulents. Picture these plants growing with you in your brand new home.
Decorating a new home is a marathon, not a sprint. As you spend more time in your new home, you’ll get to know it better and can envision new looks for later. Here are a few elements to keep in mind to address in the future:
- Adding supplemental furniture pieces such as end tables and side tables.
- Outfitting your bedroom with bedding that reflects your style and color scheme.
- Establishing organization systems in busy areas like your kitchen.
- Landscaping and finding outdoor furniture for your patio or deck.
For every stage of decorating a new home, Wayfair is here to help you complete your house room by room. Be sure to browse through our Ideas & Advice page for more inspirational decor guides.
