8 Things You Need to Know about Decorating your Home

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Gone are the days of spending hours coveting beautiful rooms online, wishing they were yours. You can have a beautifully curated home that you absolutely love! Creating your dream space doesn't have to be a stressful or expensive process. Today, I’m sharing my tried-and-true process for designing a home that perfectly reflects your family, without breaking the bank.

Function First

Taking the time to think about how you actually want a room to function is key. Don't get stuck on a room's original intention. For example, if your home has a formal dining room right off the kitchen, ask yourself how your family will really use it. Would it serve you better as a playroom for the kids, or perhaps a home office? Just because a house was sold with a formal dining room doesn't mean you have to keep it that way. Customizing a layout to fit your real daily life is how you create a space you'll fully use and appreciate.

We turned a screened-in lanai into an enclosed playroom/family room. Check out the transformation here.

Create a Pinterest Board

Pinterest is the ultimate tool for dreaming up your ideal space. Before tackling any room, start here. Pinning helps you define exactly how you want the room to look and feel. Even if you already have a solid vision, a dedicated board can help you discover an easy DIY alternative or inspire you to blend unexpected vintage elements with modern heritage styles. It allows you to explore all your options visually before spending a single dime.

Whimsical Bird Watercolor | Faux Forsythia | Loloi Chris Loves Julia Rug | Scalloped Edge Throw | Cotton Textured Throw | Whimsical Pigeons Art | Faux Suede Trays | Ceramic Accent Table | Plaid Chair | Regality Sofa | Ceramic Red Table Lamp | Abstract Tree Throw Pillow | Burgundy Olive and cream throw pillow | Rattan Pitcher Vase | Victrola 6-in-1 Radio | Ratan Chandelier

Plan Ahead & Keep Measurements Handy

Before you head out shopping, review your inspiration and outline exactly what you're looking for. This helps you avoid dreaded buyer's remorse and keeps your budget on track. Always keep a floor plan and your room measurements with you! There is nothing worse than falling in love with a large piece of furniture, only to realize later that the scale is totally off or it won't fit through the door.

The Perfect Layout

Setting the right foundation for your space is essential. Instead of focusing on a room's limitations, focus on optimizing the layout. This is where scale matters; you don't want to furnish a massive room with undersized furniture, as it will just make the pieces look out of place. Take the time to physically move things around. Trying a few different placements ensures you find the most inviting and functional setup.

Splurge on Everyday Pieces

If you're wondering where to allocate your budget, my rule of thumb is to spend more on the items you use most often. You want these foundational pieces to wear beautifully and stand the test of time. For our family, the sofa and beds are where we invest most of our budget, while we save the bargains for accent decor. This strategy makes future redecorating a breeze; you can keep your high-quality sofa and easily swap out affordable throw pillows to create an entirely new vibe.

Jute Area Rug | Large Sea Shell Bowl (similar) | Glass & Gold Coffee Table | Cordless Fluted Brass Lamp | Patterned Sconce Shades | Hexagon Throw Pillow | Plaid Sofa Chair | Scalloped Throw Blanket | Antique Radio

Invest Only in Things You LOVE

I'll admit, I’ve had to learn this the hard way! Sometimes, it's easy to get fixated on a cheap price tag and convince yourself you can "make it work," only to realize a month later that you should have passed. If you take anything away from this post, let it be this: wait for the pieces you truly love. Your wallet and your home will thank you. By being selective, you'll naturally curate a space that reflects your unique personality.

Area Rug | Wall Paper | Ceramic Table | Half Moon Wood Table (similar) | Blue Suede Tray | Candle Lamp

DIY When You Can

A fantastic, budget-friendly way to get a high-end look is by hitting up thrift stores and garage sales for big-ticket items like dressers and desks. Focus on the bones, style, and quality of the piece. If you have the vision to make it your own, go for it! Giving a vintage thrift-store find a fresh coat of a coastal hue or a moody traditional color can completely transform a room.

The most important thing to remember is to have FUN! Enjoy the process, explore different styles, and in no time, you will have a home you completely adore.

Leave me a comment below: what is your go-to strategy when decorating a new space?

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