How to Start a Decorating Project

Congratulations! You've decided to decorate your home. Now, where do you begin?

 

Whether you're furnishing your first apartment or redoing a long-held house, decorating can be a daunting task filled with decisions that could affect your living space for years. How do you determine your style? Should you DIY or hire a professional? How much should you budget? Here’s a guide to help you navigate the decorating process, from initial inspiration to final floor plans.

 

Take a Critical Look at Your Current Home

Start by assessing your existing space. What do you love about it? What do you dislike? Are your feelings influenced by the decor, comfort, fabrics, or colors?

Use these insights to inform your new design. Embrace what you love and avoid repeating what you don’t, even if it's familiar.

 

Create Your Wish List

Draft a wish list—think of it as your "Santa Claus" list. Write down everything you want to do, regardless of budget. After that, categorize your wishes into what you can afford, what you can’t, what needs to be done now, and what can wait.

 

Interior designer Amy Luff of Viva Luxe Studios emphasizes the importance of having a master list: “If you don’t have that master list, it’s hard to prioritize.”

 

Collect Photos for Inspiration

Begin gathering images of rooms you admire. This collection will not only inspire you but also help any interior designer understand your taste.

 

Platforms like Pefelife offer millions of pictures to explore. Create ideabooks for different rooms or design aspects (like wall colors or furnishings). Don’t rush this process—give yourself weeks or even months to compile. Your preferences may evolve, and something that appealed to you initially might not resonate later.

 

Involve Your Partner

If you're decorating with a partner, ensure they are involved from the start. Often, one person is more invested in the design, while the other may say, “Do whatever you want.” However, this can lead to conflict once purchases begin.

 

Spend quality time together looking at interior photos. Ask questions about what each of you likes or dislikes. Alternatively, gather images independently and compare your selections later. This way, you can uncover shared tastes and differences without influence.

 

“I Don’t Know What I Like”

It’s common to struggle with articulating your style. Don’t let this frustrate you. The photos you’ve collected can communicate your preferences. Look for recurring themes: furniture styles, color palettes, patterns, and materials.

 

Most people have a basic comfort level regarding decor. Trust your instincts—if you naturally gravitate towards a certain style, embrace it. While it's good to try new things, you’re unlikely to enjoy a minimalist contemporary space if your heart belongs to a cozy farmhouse aesthetic.

 

Reassess Your Space

Now that you have a clearer vision of your desired style, list your significant pieces. Determine which items should stay and which should go.

 

Remember, if you love a piece but dislike its fabric, it can be reupholstered. Wooden items can be painted or stained, and sentimental pieces can often be repurposed. Life is too short to live with items that don’t bring you joy.

 

All at Once or in Stages?

If your budget allows, consider completing the project all at once. However, if you wish to do everything at once but can’t afford it now, save until you can execute your vision fully.

 

If you can’t afford a full overhaul and don’t mind a staggered approach, tackle the project in phases. Completing one room before moving on to the next is often more satisfying than working on multiple spaces at once.

 

“Living in a half-finished space isn’t going to make most people happy,” advises designer Alana Homesley. “It’s better to wait and do your project in phases.”

 

Starting with a living room can give you a sense of accomplishment and provide a welcoming space to share with friends, setting the tone for the rest of your decorating journey.

 

Final Thoughts

Starting a decorating project can feel overwhelming, but breaking it down into manageable steps can make the process enjoyable. By assessing your current space, gathering inspiration, involving your partner, and deciding on a timeline, you can create a home that reflects your style and brings you joy.

 

Happy decorating!