What to Do Before You Decorate Your First Home

Written by Guest Blogger Michael Brennan

There are few things in this world more overwhelming than moving into your very first property. With so many different decisions to make, and so many choices available to you, there's a good chance that you'll end up sitting on your boxes for a few weeks, unable to decide which furniture is right for your new living room.

With so much confusion around how to design the perfect interior space, it's no surprise that so many people turn to professional interior designers for help. If you're just starting fresh with a brand-new property, here are a few things you should consider before you start your decorating adventure.

1.     Know What You Like

It's surprising how many people approach an interior design expert with absolutely no idea of what decorating styles they like best. The easiest way to give yourself inspiration when it comes to which colors you should use, what kind of furniture is right for you, or even the style of accessory that you prefer, is to look online.

There are plenty of websites out there that showcase pictures of other homes that you can use as a muse for your own interior design choices. You can save your favorite pictures into an idea book which you can then take to your interior designer when you're working with them to create your perfect space.

2.     Know Your Budget

While it would be great to simply buy what you want without worrying about the repercussions, most people will have at least a basic budget that they need to stick to with their interior design choices. Deciding how much you must spend early on is a great way to make sure that you don't break the bank.

If you're moving to a new city, then you'll need to consider the expenses associated with living somewhere new before you start calculating. Do your research and find out how much the basic things cost in your new home location, like gas, electricity, and insurance.

3.     Invest in the Right "Big-Ticket" Items

Some of your interior design choices will simply be small accessories that you can change out over time as your preferences evolve. Other things, like your bed, your sofa, and similar "large" furniture solutions are more likely to stay with you for a couple of years.

When you're exploring the marketplace, make sure that you pick items that are more "timeless" than trendy. This will help to ensure that you don't get sick of your big purchases too quickly. It's also a good idea to measure all your spaces before you go shopping so you know exactly what kind of dimensions you're trying to fill. Keep in mind that very large pieces of furniture can cause smaller rooms to appear compact and overwhelmed.

Still Concerned? Why Not Hire A Pro?

Finally, if you’ve just moved and you're unsure how to make your new home into the perfect space for you and your family, then the easiest thing you can do is hire a professional to work with you on your interior design decisions. These people are experts in their field, and they can help you with everything from complete room overhauls, to minimal consultations depending on what you need.