The single smartest thing you can do to maintain your sanity as a homeowner, is to choose 1-3 rooms to design/decorate at a time. There is no pressure to tackle the whole home at once and, actually, this can be so overwhelming that you find yourself in decorating-paralysis and nothing gets done or you end up with a handful of unfinished projects.
Which rooms do you use most? Are there rooms where things are falling apart? What about hazards, are there rooms that need TLC ASAP? Pick a place to start, and decorate in stages.
Why Does This Work?
Decorating in stages will help you find the process more manageable, ensure that each project is completed, and allow you to see the finished result which will propel you into the next project. One step at a time can also be more rewarding, inviting, satisfying, and impactful. It might seem like it’ll take forever, or be more expensive if you don’t purchase everything at once, but with careful budgeting, a bit of a plan, and little patience, you’ll see your home slowly transform, and know that you’re making progress,
This strategy also helps keep some order in your home. You won’t feel like very room is torn to shreds, in pieces, unfinished, and incomplete. There will always be one room in progress, but at least you can escape project-mode and relax in the other parts of your home, which also cuts down on the overwhelming nature of large projects.
Casting a wide net, works great for fish, but not so much for homeowners.
Where to Start
At the end of the day, this is a personal choice, but it’s best to start with the rooms that will be used the most or need the most immediate attention. If you’re a new homeowner, there is probably one room that almost made you not put in an offer – start there! If you’ve been in your home for a long time, pick the room that you almost avoid because of how much you can’t stand the décor and design.
I usually see people start with the master bedroom, family room/great room, and dining/breakfast nook areas because this essentially covers the eating, sleeping, and entertainment areas.
Who Does This Strategy Apply To?
- Anyone who has just moved into a new home and needs to furnish it from top to bottom. Your old furniture may not fit your new house, or you have to start fresh. Since this is a major task, it’s best to bite off a few pieces at a time.
- People who are completion-oriented and can’t stand things to be half done.
- Those who realize that they won’t be using all rooms at all times, so why not start with those that will get the most use first.
- Anyone who doesn’t have a good read on what things cost, which is super common because we don’t move everyday or buy furniture weekly.
- Homeowners who realize they’ll be spending a lifetime (or several years) in their home and don’t need to make quick decisions all at once.
- Anyone who realizes that necessities always come up that consume your budget. You know, the sneaky things you forgot to account for?
Final note
Most people take a lot of time to consider the large items like sofas, chairs, sectionals, storage, credenzas, entertainment centers, dining tables and paint, but forget the smaller items that give the rooms their personality, mood or vibe. I call these most important ingredients “the seasonings” – lighting, accessories, pillows, wall décor, and so much more.
So when you factor in all of the above, it makes sense to narrow the focus which helps you stay on budget and ultimately reduces your overwhelm. More importantly, it increases your satisfaction quotient.
As a collaborative interior design firm, we help busy homeowners who are unsure of their design style. We consider mood, culture, family type, room uses, and so much more. We want to know how you want your home to feel after a long day at work. Can you picture it?
To learn more about our process and get started on your next project, book your free discovery call today!
Your Partner in Design,
