7 tips to prepare you for decorating

After months of searching, countless viewings, and not to mention all that valuable time and money you invested, you have finally found a new living space. You’ve started to settle in, already love your commute and can’t wait to explore the neighborhood and find some hidden gem shops and cafes. But before you get started on that mission, you should start unpacking and think about decorating first. But where do you start?

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If you already own a few great pieces of furniture and some stylish home accessories, you’ve got a head start, but if you’re looking to start from scratch, it may feel overwhelming and confusing, but it doesn’t need to be. Before you start spending your hard-earned cash, here are some helpful tips to get you prepared for decorating your living space so it represents you and truly feels like home.

Here are 7 tips to get you on the right track:

1. Have a vision or get some inspiration

If you don’t start with a plan before decorating it’s easy to get distracted and buy things that look great but you may end up with things that just don’t go together. Try looking at home décor sites like Dot & Bo and Houzz to get you started.

2. Choose a color scheme –

Once you have an idea of what you’d like your bedroom or living room to look like, it’s time to pick colors. While you may like many different colors, when decorating it's best to focus in on two or three colors is optimum. Pinterest is a great resource to use to get you thinking about colors palettes and what speaks to you.

3. Pick a focal point or object –

If you find yourself struggling with which colors would be ideal, pick a favorite pillow or vase and try to find pieces with at least one of those colors to build around it. Decorating isn't all about matching everything, but do make sure that there is a flow and common thread throughout your décor.

4. Infuse color –

Don’t be afraid of color. If you have a charcoal gray couch most colors will pair nicely with this neutral, but don’t pair it with others grays or black or else your room will look dark and drab. Instead, add a turquoise throw and some striped yellow throw pillows to complete the look.

5. Incorporate texture and pattern –

As you begin to pick out your furniture and home accessories that you're interested in buying, make sure they aren’t just solid colors or simple fabrics. Freely mix and match simple patterns and also add in fabrics that have more depth like a crocheted throw or rippled vase.

6. Add personal touches –

Decorating can be fun, but it won’t feel like home unless you also add some personal touches. Don’t buy things just because they look nice in the store or they’re affordable. Make sure to purchase items that are representative of your personality, style, and interests.

7. Research & Pre-Shopping –

Before you start buying things, scour curated websites like Gilt Home, flash sale sites like Joss and Main and Hautelook, and social commerce sites like Fab.com and Polyvore, to see what’s trendy now, where you find items and who’s running a deal. Also, visit stores with more affordable price points like Ikea, Target, and Pier1, both online and in person to see what incredible sales or deals they might have.

With the right search sites, some creativity, and a little patience, decorating can turn your apartment from a place you live in to a home you love being in.

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