Decorating a house can feel like an overwhelming task. Where do you even begin? Should you choose paint colors first or buy furniture? The truth is, there’s no single “right” way, but a strategic approach can save you time, money, and potential decorating disasters. This comprehensive guide will walk you through a room-by-room approach, outlining a logical order to tackle your decorating projects, ensuring a cohesive and stylish result.
Understanding the Big Picture: Planning & Preparation
Before you pick up a paintbrush or browse furniture stores, take a step back and consider the overall vision for your home. A well-defined plan is the foundation of a successful decorating project. This initial stage is about setting the stage, understanding your needs and preferences, and establishing a budget.
Defining Your Style & Needs
What’s your aesthetic? Are you drawn to modern minimalism, cozy farmhouse charm, or vibrant bohemian vibes? Spend time browsing magazines, websites, and social media platforms like Pinterest and Instagram to gather inspiration. Create mood boards for each room, collecting images, colors, and textures that resonate with you.
Consider how you intend to use each space. Is the living room primarily for relaxation and entertainment? Is the dining room used for formal dinners or casual family meals? Understanding the function of each room will influence your design choices. Think about your lifestyle, hobbies, and the number of people who will be using the space regularly.
Establishing a Budget
Decorating can be expensive, so it’s essential to establish a realistic budget upfront. Allocate funds for different elements such as paint, flooring, furniture, lighting, accessories, and professional services (if needed). Be realistic about your spending limits and prioritize your needs versus wants. Research prices for materials and furniture to get a better understanding of the costs involved. Consider DIY projects to save money, but be honest about your skills and time commitment. Unexpected expenses often arise, so factor in a contingency fund to cover unforeseen costs.
Creating a Room-by-Room Plan
Once you have a clear understanding of your style, needs, and budget, it’s time to create a detailed plan for each room. This plan should include the following elements:
- Color Palette: Choose a color scheme that complements your style and creates the desired mood. Consider using a color wheel to understand color relationships and create harmonious combinations.
- Furniture Layout: Plan the placement of furniture to maximize space and create a functional and visually appealing layout. Consider traffic flow and focal points.
- Lighting Plan: Design a lighting scheme that includes ambient, task, and accent lighting to create a layered and well-lit space. Consider natural light sources and how to supplement them with artificial lighting.
- Accessory Plan: Choose accessories that complement your style and add personality to the space. Consider artwork, rugs, curtains, pillows, and decorative objects.
- Timeline: Set a realistic timeline for completing each room. Break down the project into smaller tasks and allocate time for each task.
The Optimal Order: Room-by-Room Breakdown
Now that you have a comprehensive plan, it’s time to start decorating. Following a logical order will ensure a smoother and more efficient process.
1. Start with the Most Public Spaces: Entryway and Living Room
These spaces create the first impression of your home and set the tone for the rest of the house. Decorating these areas first allows you to establish a cohesive design aesthetic that flows throughout the home.
- Entryway: Focus on creating a welcoming and functional space. Choose a durable and stylish entryway rug to protect your floors and define the space. Add a console table or bench for storing keys, mail, and other essentials. Hang a mirror to reflect light and create the illusion of more space. Consider adding artwork or decorative objects to personalize the space.
- Living Room: This is often the heart of the home, so prioritize comfort and style. Start with the largest furniture pieces, such as the sofa and chairs, and arrange them to create a conversational seating area. Choose a coffee table that complements the furniture and provides a surface for drinks and snacks. Add a rug to define the seating area and add warmth and texture. Consider adding artwork, lamps, and decorative objects to personalize the space. Pay attention to the focal point of the room, which could be a fireplace, a large window, or a piece of artwork. Arrange furniture to highlight the focal point and create a sense of balance.
2. Move to the Private Retreat: Bedrooms
Bedrooms are personal sanctuaries, so focus on creating a relaxing and comfortable space.
- Master Bedroom: Start with the bed, which is the focal point of the room. Choose a comfortable mattress, quality bedding, and stylish pillows. Add bedside tables with lamps for reading and storage. Consider adding a dresser or chest of drawers for clothing storage. Hang artwork or decorative objects to personalize the space. Choose a color palette that is calming and conducive to sleep.
- Guest Bedrooms: Create a welcoming and comfortable space for your guests. Provide a comfortable bed, quality bedding, and ample storage space. Add a bedside table with a lamp and a reading chair. Consider adding artwork or decorative objects to make the space feel inviting.
- Children’s Bedrooms: Decorate the space according to your child’s interests and personality. Choose durable and easy-to-clean furniture and materials. Provide ample storage space for toys and books. Create a designated play area and a quiet study area.
3. Tackle the Functional Zones: Kitchen and Bathrooms
These areas require careful planning to ensure functionality and efficiency.
- Kitchen: Start with the major appliances, such as the refrigerator, stove, and dishwasher. Choose cabinetry that is both functional and stylish. Select countertops that are durable and easy to clean. Install a backsplash to protect the walls and add visual interest. Consider adding a kitchen island for extra counter space and storage. Pay attention to the layout of the kitchen to ensure efficient workflow.
- Bathrooms: Start with the major fixtures, such as the toilet, sink, and shower or bathtub. Choose vanities and countertops that are both functional and stylish. Install a mirror and adequate lighting. Add storage solutions for toiletries and towels. Consider adding a shower curtain or glass enclosure to prevent water from splashing onto the floor.
4. Finish with Flexible Spaces: Dining Room and Home Office
These spaces often serve multiple purposes, so consider versatility when decorating.
- Dining Room: Choose a dining table and chairs that are appropriate for the size of the room and the number of people you typically entertain. Add a buffet or sideboard for storing dishes and serving food. Hang a chandelier or pendant light above the dining table to create a focal point. Consider adding artwork or decorative objects to personalize the space.
- Home Office: Create a functional and comfortable workspace. Choose a desk and chair that are ergonomically designed to support good posture. Add storage solutions for files and office supplies. Install adequate lighting to prevent eye strain. Consider adding plants or artwork to create a more inviting atmosphere. Optimize for focus and minimize distractions.
The Decorating Sequence: A Step-by-Step Approach Within Each Room
Within each room, follow a specific sequence to ensure a smooth and efficient decorating process.
1. Addressing the Bones: Walls, Flooring, and Ceiling
These are the foundational elements of the room and should be addressed first.
- Walls: Start by prepping the walls by cleaning, patching, and priming them. Then, paint or wallpaper the walls according to your color scheme. Consider adding architectural details, such as crown molding or wainscoting, to add visual interest.
- Flooring: Choose flooring that is appropriate for the room and complements your style. Install new flooring or refinish existing flooring. Consider adding rugs to define specific areas and add warmth and texture.
- Ceiling: Paint the ceiling a complementary color. Consider adding a ceiling fan or chandelier to add visual interest and improve air circulation.
2. Installing Key Elements: Lighting and Window Treatments
These elements provide both functionality and style.
- Lighting: Install light fixtures according to your lighting plan. Consider adding dimmer switches to control the brightness of the lights.
- Window Treatments: Choose window treatments that provide privacy, light control, and style. Install curtains, blinds, or shades according to your preferences.
3. Adding the Foundation: Furniture Placement
Arrange the furniture according to your furniture layout plan.
- Place the largest furniture pieces first, such as the sofa, bed, or dining table.
- Consider traffic flow and create a functional and visually appealing layout.
- Pay attention to focal points and arrange furniture to highlight them.
4. Infusing Personality: Accessories and Decor
Add the finishing touches that personalize the space and reflect your style.
- Hang artwork and mirrors.
- Place decorative objects on shelves, tables, and countertops.
- Arrange pillows and throws on sofas and beds.
- Add plants to bring life and color to the space.
Common Decorating Pitfalls to Avoid
Even with a well-thought-out plan, decorating projects can sometimes go awry. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:
- Starting Without a Plan: Jumping into decorating without a clear plan can lead to costly mistakes and a disjointed design.
- Ignoring Scale and Proportion: Choosing furniture that is too large or too small for the space can disrupt the balance of the room.
- Neglecting Functionality: Prioritizing style over functionality can result in a space that looks good but doesn’t meet your needs.
- Choosing the Wrong Paint Colors: Selecting paint colors without testing them in the room can lead to disappointing results.
- Over-Accessorizing: Cluttering the space with too many accessories can create a feeling of chaos and overwhelm.
- Underestimating the Importance of Lighting: Insufficient or poorly placed lighting can make a room feel dark and uninviting.
- Not Staying True to Your Style: Trying to follow trends that don’t align with your personal style can result in a space that feels inauthentic.
Maintaining Your Decor: Keeping Your Home Looking its Best
Once you’ve completed your decorating project, it’s important to maintain your decor to keep your home looking its best.
- Regular Cleaning: Dust, vacuum, and clean surfaces regularly to prevent buildup and maintain a fresh appearance.
- Organizing and Decluttering: Declutter regularly to remove items you no longer need or use. Organize your belongings to maximize space and create a more streamlined environment.
- Repairing and Maintaining: Repair any damages to walls, flooring, or furniture promptly. Maintain appliances and fixtures to ensure they are functioning properly.
- Refreshing and Updating: Refresh your decor periodically to keep your home looking current and stylish. Consider adding new accessories, rearranging furniture, or repainting walls.
By following these guidelines, you can create a home that is both beautiful and functional, reflecting your unique style and personality. Decorating is a journey, so enjoy the process and don’t be afraid to experiment and make mistakes along the way. The most important thing is to create a space that you love and that makes you feel comfortable and happy.
What is the most logical room to decorate first in a new house?
The most logical room to decorate first in a new house is generally the bedrooms, particularly the master bedroom. Prioritizing the bedrooms allows you to create a comfortable and functional personal sanctuary quickly. This space provides a retreat from the chaos and decision-making that inevitably accompanies decorating other areas of the house. Having a completed bedroom allows you to unpack, organize your clothes, and establish a sense of normalcy, which can significantly reduce stress during the moving and decorating process.
Furthermore, focusing on bedrooms first helps you establish a color palette and overall design style that can be carried through the rest of the house. You can choose fabrics, furniture, and wall colors that you love and then use these elements as inspiration for the design of other rooms. This approach helps to ensure a cohesive and harmonious look throughout your home.
Why is it often recommended to decorate the kitchen after the bedrooms?
Decorating the kitchen after the bedrooms is often recommended because the kitchen is typically one of the most complex and time-consuming rooms to renovate or decorate. It often involves significant decision-making regarding appliances, cabinetry, countertops, and plumbing fixtures. Delaying the kitchen gives you more time to research options, compare prices, and potentially live in the space for a while to understand your needs and preferences fully.
Also, major kitchen renovations can be disruptive to the rest of the house. Dust, noise, and limited access can make it challenging to live comfortably if the kitchen is the first room to be tackled. By prioritizing the bedrooms and other living spaces first, you can create a more comfortable and livable environment before embarking on the more intensive kitchen project.
What factors should influence the order in which you decorate living spaces like the living room and dining room?
The order in which you decorate living spaces like the living room and dining room should be influenced by your lifestyle and how you intend to use these spaces. If you entertain frequently, prioritizing the living room or a combined living/dining space might be the most logical approach. Creating a welcoming and functional area for guests should then take precedence over less frequently used rooms.
Consider the natural flow of traffic within your home and how different rooms connect. If one living space naturally leads into another, it makes sense to decorate them in sequence to ensure a cohesive design. Also, if you have children, you might prioritize a playroom or family room to provide them with a dedicated space before focusing on more formal areas.
Is it best to decorate all rooms on one floor before moving to another floor in your house?
Whether it’s best to decorate all rooms on one floor before moving to another depends on your personal preferences, timeline, and budget. Completing one floor at a time can provide a sense of accomplishment and order, allowing you to fully enjoy the finished space before moving on to the next project. This approach can also be less overwhelming, as you’re concentrating on a smaller area at a time.
However, decorating room by room, regardless of floor, might be a more practical approach if you have limited resources or are focusing on specific needs. You might prioritize certain rooms based on immediate functionality or personal preference, regardless of their location. Also, if you’re undertaking renovations that affect multiple floors (like plumbing or electrical work), it might be more efficient to tackle those projects together, even if you decorate the rooms at different times.
How should decorating order differ in an apartment versus a house?
In an apartment, decorating order often involves prioritizing the living room and bedroom as they are the most used spaces. Since apartments tend to be smaller than houses, creating a comfortable and aesthetically pleasing living area is usually the first goal. Once you have a relaxing and inviting living room, and a restful bedroom, you have a solid foundation to build on.
The kitchen in an apartment might already have appliances and cabinetry, so decorative upgrades like paint and accessories can be done relatively quickly. The bathroom is often next, allowing you to add personal touches without requiring extensive renovations. Consider the flow between these key spaces in the apartment to ensure a unified theme and aesthetic.
What role does budget play in determining the order in which you decorate?
Budget significantly impacts the order in which you decorate because it dictates how much you can spend at each stage. If you have a limited budget, prioritizing the most essential rooms, such as bedrooms and the main living area, ensures that you create functional and comfortable spaces first. This approach allows you to allocate resources to the areas where you’ll spend the most time.
A staged approach, based on budget, also allows you to save up for more expensive items or projects in other rooms. You might focus on painting and basic furniture initially, and then save for larger purchases like new appliances or custom window treatments later. This prevents overspending and allows you to make more informed decisions as you progress through the decorating process.
What is the best approach to decorating if you’re undertaking a significant renovation simultaneously?
If you are undertaking a significant renovation simultaneously with decorating, it’s best to plan strategically around the renovation schedule. Focus on rooms that won’t be affected by the renovation work first. Decorating these spaces can offer a sense of normalcy and accomplishment while the more disruptive work is underway.
Work closely with your contractors to understand the timelines for each stage of the renovation. Coordinate the decorating of renovated spaces to align with the completion of construction work. This might involve waiting until electrical, plumbing, or structural changes are finished before selecting paint colors, flooring, or furniture. Phasing your decorating approach can help minimize disruption and prevent damage to newly decorated areas.