Decorating your first home is an exciting milestone in your life. It’s a time of new beginnings and fresh starts. But it can also be a time of uncertainty and confusion if you don’t know where to begin. Here are eight helpful tips for the young adult homeowner:
1. Establish a budget and stick to it
If you don’t have an unlimited bankroll, you’ll need to be mindful of how much you’re spending on home decor. Before shopping, sit down and figure out how much you can realistically afford to spend. Once you have a number in mind, stick to it!
Suppose you only have $500 to work with. In that case, you’ll need to be creative and resourceful to make your money stretch. Buying secondhand furniture and shopping at thrift stores are great ways to save money since you can find quality pieces at a fraction of the cost.
2. Think long-term
When you’re furnishing your first home, it’s tempting to buy cheap, disposable items. After all, you’re just starting, and you don’t know how your taste will change over time. While it’s true that you may eventually want to upgrade some of your furniture, it’s essential to think long-term when making your initial purchases.
Investing in high-quality, timeless pieces will save you money in the long run. Look for well-made furniture that will stand the test of time. If you’re buying appliances, choose energy-efficient models that will help you save money on your utility bills.
3. Be mindful of your space
Before you start shopping for furniture, it’s essential to take accurate measurements of your rooms. This will help you determine what size and type of furniture will work best in your space since you don’t want to end up with something too big or too small.
It’s also essential to think about how you’ll use your rooms. If you often entertain guests, you’ll need to make sure your furniture is comfortable and accommodating for guests. If you work from home, you’ll need to create a space that’s conducive to productivity.
4. Get creative with storage
If you’re tight on space, get creative with your storage solutions. Use baskets and bins to declutter your home and keep your belongings organized. Utilize the space under your bed by storing out-of-season clothing or extra bedding. Install shelves to display your books, photographs, and other knick-knacks.
Keep in mind that you don’t have to use traditional storage methods. Consider using a rolling cart to store your supplies if you have a home office. In the kitchen, hang pots and pans from a pot rack to free up cabinet space. Or, in the living room, use a trunk as a coffee table and store blankets and pillows inside.
5. Consider your lighting
Lighting is an essential but often overlooked aspect of home decor. The proper lighting can make a room feel warm and inviting, while the wrong lighting can create the opposite atmosphere. When choosing light fixtures for your home, consider both function and style.
You’ll want a mix of ambient lighting (such as a floor lamp) and task lighting (such as a table lamp) to create a well-lit space in the living room. You could also splurge on window treatment services to let in natural light.
On the other hand, you’ll want soft, calming lighting in the bedroom that will help you relax at the end of the day. In the kitchen, bright lighting is a must to help you see while you’re cooking. You should be intentional about your lighting choices to create the atmosphere you want in each room.
6. Incorporate personal touches
Your home should reflect your unique personality and style. Incorporate personal touches throughout your space to make it feel like your own. Hang photographs, paintings, and other artwork on the walls. Arrange books and trinkets on shelves and tables.
Use accent pieces, like throw blankets and pillows, to add color and texture to your rooms. And don’t be afraid to experiment! You can always change things up if you decide you want a different look, but it’s important to start with a blank canvas that you can make your own.
7. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from family or friends
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t be scared to ask for help from family or friends. They’ll be more than happy to lend a hand (or give you some advice) since they want you to love your new home as much as they do.
You could even turn it into a housewarming party! This way, you can get help with decorating while also celebrating your new home. Plus, it’s a great excuse to have some friends over and show off your hard work.
8. Have fun and enjoy the process!
Above all, remember to have fun with the decorating process. It’s a chance to be creative and express yourself through your home. So, don’t be afraid to experiment and try new things. You might be surprised at what you end up liking.
And if you make a mistake during the decorating process, don’t sweat it! Everyone’s home is a work in progress, so just relax and enjoy the journey. The whole point of decorating your home is to make it a place you love. So, take your time, have fun, and make it your own.