Step-by-Step Guide to Jumpstart a Home Decorating Project
Designing your home is not just about making it look pretty – it's about creating a space that reflects your personality, values, and overall lifestyle. However, getting started with the design process can be quite overwhelming. From determining your style to planning and sourcing every aspect of your project, decorating paralysis (aka design paralysis) is real which can leave you getting stuck.
The key to overcoming this is to approach your project with a clear plan in mind. In this blog post, we'll provide you with some useful tips to help you get started on your home design project journey. These are the exact steps that I use and ask my clients when starting a home project.
Step 1: Determine Your Style
The first step in any successful design project is to determine your personal style. Are you drawn to modern or traditional designs? Do you prefer bold colors or soothing neutrals? Remember, your style should reflect your personality and lifestyle.
One way to determine your style is to create a vision board. Collect images of furniture, accessories, color schemes, and patterns that you like. This will help you identify common themes and inspiration for your space.
I enjoy browsing Pinterest and Instagram to find inspiration and get the creative juices flowing. Have fun with it, don’t get swayed by trends, and note down your favorite details or features on each image.
Pro Tip: You can create Boards on Pinterest to organize the images by room. This is by far the easiest method to see the overall design direction of your project.
Step 2: Plan and Budget
Once you've identified your style, start planning, and budgeting your design project. Determine what pieces of furniture, decor, and lighting you'll need to create your ideal space. Make a list of your must-haves, nice-to-haves, and optional items. This will help you prioritize your spending and stay within your budget.
Take note of the timeline and set a realistic schedule. Just because a furniture item is in stock that it can arrive within a week. Availability and lead times are moving targets. I suggest to be conservative with planning to accommodate for shipping and production delays.
To help you stay on track, consider using a decorating budget planner. And I have some exciting news to share — a budget spreadsheet that you can download absolutely FREE! That's right, no cost at all! With this handy planner, you can set your budget, schedule your timeline based on availability and lead time, and make informed decisions about your purchases. I laid out all the possible components for each room but you also have the flexibility to add any item you wish.
Step 3: Source Your Furniture, Decor, and Materials
Now that you have a plan in mind, it's time to start sourcing materials and products for your project. Research product options and find the best deals to stay within your budget. There are a lot of online resources available today that can be helpful, including retailers, social media, blogs, and Pinterest boards.
Remember to consider the quality of materials and products when making your selection. This will ensure that your investment lasts for years to come
Step 4: Start with Small Projects
You can start by taking on small and manageable projects that can make a big difference. For instance, consider updating your lighting fixtures to create a warm and inviting ambiance. You could also refresh the wall paint color of a room to change the vibe instantly.
Additionally, adding new decor pieces, such as stylish throw pillows or artwork, can instantly breathe new life into your space. By tackling these smaller projects, you'll not only gain confidence in your abilities but also build momentum to eventually conquer larger projects down the line.
Remember, every small step counts and before you know it, you’ll have a fully decorated space that you can enjoy.
Optional: Get Expert Help
If you're still struggling with design paralysis and just don't know where to start, consider hiring an interior designer. They (myself included) have the expertise and experience to help bring your design vision to life. We can help you identify your personal style, create a plan and budget, source materials, and execute your project to perfection.
Here are a few samples of my work and if you think can benefit from my guidance and expertise, let’s connect!
Overcoming design paralysis is crucial if you want to create a beautiful, functional, and personalized space. By following the tips mentioned above, you'll have a well-defined plan in place for your home project. Remember to take it one step at a time, stay within your budget, and seek expert help when necessary.
Take advantage of the FREE home decorating budget planner - it's a great starting point to get you on your way to a beautifully designed home. With a clear plan, a little inspiration, and the right resources, you can create the space of your dreams.