What Order Do You Decorate Your House?

1. Establish Your Decorating Style

Before you start creating a whole house decorating plan, begin by establishing your personal decorating style. If you're not sure what that is, then think about the types of interiors that inspire you.

Are you drawn to the stark beauty of French country decor? Or, do you prefer the bold lines and bright colors of modern design? You may also find yourself attracted to the timeless retro pieces that dominate the mid-century modern aesthetic. 

You can fine-tune your vision by browsing decor websites and magazines. Or, visit local open houses in your area to find what piques your interest!

When you work with our team, you'll have access to a free design consultation. This complementary service can help you understand what types of furnishings and finishes would look best in your space, as well as the different types of looks you can establish. 

2. Brainstorm Your Colour Scheme

If you're wondering how to decorate your house cohesively, keep in mind that one design choice will influence the other. That's why it's easiest to start by establishing the color scheme for each room.

This can give you a base to work with and decorate around, so you aren't stuck staring at an empty space. If you're unsure which colours to choose, think about the vibe that you want the room to convey. There are emotions attached to certain hues, so keep that in mind when picking out paint or adding furnishings.

For instance, green evokes images of nature and feelings of calm, while red can deliver bold energy. If you'd rather stick with a basic neutral, then look for a warm greige that can read gray or beige depending on how the light hits.

3. Make a Game Plan

It can feel daunting to think about decorating your house from top to bottom all at once. Instead, prioritize the rooms that you use the most often, and start there. 

To keep the process fun and stress-free, try not to focus on more than two or three rooms at a time. For instance, you might start with your bedroom, living room, and kitchen. Then, as time goes by, you can work on the bonus room, guest bathroom, and other spaces that aren't used as frequently. 

As you go room by room, keep in mind that you can choose a different colour scheme and even a different decorating style for each space! If you want a mid-century bedroom but a bohemian bathroom, go for it. It's your home and should reflect your taste. 

4. Add in Big Pieces

It's easy to get caught up on the small touches of a room. For instance, you might obsess over which lamps to add on either side of an accent table, or the right kind of art to hang in the hallway. 

Before you dive into those details, think about the big picture first. Unless the major pieces of furniture are in place and fit well in each room, those little accessories won't be able to shine. 

Once you've chosen your color scheme, it's time to move on to the anchor items. This includes big-ticket sofas, sectionals, bedroom suites, and dining tables, among other investments. If you're designing a new floor plan, then ensure the dimensions leave you plenty of room for the pieces you know you love and want to use.

5. Bring in Accessories

Finally, it's time to start filling in the empty spaces within each room. While you definitely want to add personality and charm to each space, resist the urge to decorate each square inch to the brim.

Doing so can make your rooms look cluttered and feel small. Allow plenty of room for people to move in and out of the room, and don't shy away from incorporating empty space where it makes sense. This gives the room visual dimension and is easy on the eyes. 

When it comes to which accessories you should bring in, try choosing ones that complement your colour scheme. Yet, at the same time, avoid being too matchy-matchy. There are many colours that blend well together but have their own properties, such as yellow and green or orange and red. 

For instance, if your headboard is green, then you can add yellow bedside tables, or wooden tables with yellow lamps. Or, you can look for ways to tie yellow hues into your bed linens. With the basics already in place, it should feel easy to transform each room with the right decor.

At the end of the day, there's no right or wrong way to decorate your house. Yet, there is a logical order to the process that can help it flow more seamlessly. 

When you take a focused approach to this effort, the result will be a home that you love walking back into at the end of every day. With the simple tips above, you can keep the project fun and simple!

Along the way, we're here to help. If you're looking for a place to call your own in Hamilton, we'd love to welcome you to the Summit Park Community. Contact us today to learn more.