One of the most exciting things about owning your own place is having the freedom to decorate it. It’s a way for you to express yourself and turn your house into a home.
However, home decoration isn’t always a cheap venture. American homeowners spend an average of 7,560 US dollars in home improvement, according to Statista. But that doesn’t mean you can’t find ways.
Whether it’s a wooden American flag, a patio, or a new room, here are tips on how to turn your dream home into a reality.
Determine How You Want to Live
Absolutely do not start at the furniture store. We’ve all been told to avoid grocery shopping while you’re hungry, and the same philosophy applies here.
Instead, take the time to know what you want first. That way, there is more visual harmony with your new home since you already have the big picture in mind. On top of that, you save more money since you won’t be panic buying or blindly purchasing furniture.
There are no right or wrong answers when it comes to this since each person has a different lifestyle.
Do you want your aesthetic to be modern or vintage? Do you want your rooms to be predominantly warm? Everything is up to you!
When planning on redesigning your home, consider the following:
- How big is your household?
- Do you have children?
- Do you have people come over often?
- Will your home have social gatherings often or is it dedicated to you just relaxing?
Inspect Your Home
It’s easy to get carried away with the aesthetic aspects of home improvement, but not everything is cosmetic. Take this opportunity to examine your property and its systems.
To ensure that no stone is left unturned, hire an inspector for areas you don’t normally see. They might be able to find hidden problems.
When it comes to property damage, small things can snowball into big problems so it’s best to stay on top of things.
Know the Measurements and Create a Floor Plan
A common mistake most people make is forgetting or neglecting to measure their space. People get excited about their new sofa but when the time comes to bring it home, it doesn’t fit through the doorway or in the room.
So, measuring your space before designing is critical. To make sure that your new furniture is scaled in your home, measure the following:
- Length and width of the room
- Ceiling height
- Anything that might get in the way of the new furniture (eg. stairs, columns)
- Window openings
Once you have the measurements, create a floor plan to get a better grasp of your fixtures and furniture and how it relates to your space.
It’s best to work with a designer, but there is a multitude of floor plan software available today. You can also opt to do it the old-fashioned way and use a pen, paper, and ruler.
Make a Budget and Plan It in Phases
Create a budget and commit to it so you don’t break the bank. When you allocate resources, you can be strategic on how you divide the costs throughout the entire project.
Your budget should factor in your wishlist, especially if you’re eyeing statement pieces. Once you have a list, prioritize and decipher which ones work with your set budget. It would also be wise to compare prices with different shops before making final purchases.
Decorating an entire room or house can be costly so divide it into phases. This way, a big project won’t be as stressful and more financially manageable.
Consult with a Professional
It’s tempting to DIY your home decoration project, but if your goal is to increase your property’s value then it would be best to get the insight of a professional.
You can choose to speak with a realtor or an interior designer. They’ll let you know what you need to improve, what’s trending, and what the market is looking for.
You can also ask them for advice on how to achieve a certain look and feel for your home through paint color or furniture placement.
Decorate for Yourself
There are so many trends today when it comes to home decorations, but go with elements that resonate with you. Remember: your home is supposed to be your safe space where you can rest and recover.
If you need more ideas to inspire you, there are lots of unique and interesting pieces to choose from. And with the internet, they’re only a few clicks away.
