2023 Tips to decorate your new home | Expert advice

Congratulations on your new home! Whether it’s your first or a new addition to your property portfolio, the excitement is just beginning. Now, it’s time to put your stamp on the space and make it uniquely yours. The task can seem overwhelming, but don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with my eight tips below to help you get started.

1. Find your hero piece

To create a cohesive and personalised look for your new home, it’s important to start with a hero piece. A hero piece is something that speaks to your style and personality, whether it’s a cherished item you already own. This could be art, a sculpture, or even a statement rug. This piece will serve as the focal point of your space, drawing the eye in and setting the tone for the rest of your decor.

If you’re looking for a hero piece, consider the ‘Real Life Dreaming Print’ by Jen Sievers, stocked at Life Interiors.

If you don’t have a hero piece in mind, use textured wallpaper or bold paint to create a standout feature. Choose something that resonates with you to set the stage for your design choices. By starting with a hero piece, you’ll ensure all elements in your space work together harmoniously.

2. Don’t take on too much at once

This process is exciting and also overwhelming, especially when faced with a long list of decisions and expenses. To avoid getting bogged down, it’s important to take things one step at a time. You can approach this in a few different ways.

Focus on one room at a time, starting with a space that is important to you such as your bedroom. You can then focus and make it perfect before moving on to the next room.

Another option is to use temporary pieces until you have one fully finished room to enjoy. Then work your way through each space to ensure everything is cohesive.

If starting from scratch and don’t have any temporary pieces to use, prioritise your big ticket items that are essential for living. This could be your bed, sofa, and dining table. Once you have these in place, the rest of your home will slowly come together around them. The key is to take things one step at a time and not to become overwhelmed by the never-ending to-do list.

Prioritising and focusing on one thing at a time means you’ll create a beautiful and functional home.

3. Don’t settle for convenience

When it comes to selecting larger furniture pieces like your sofa and bed, it’s important to choose carefully. These are long-term investments that you don’t want to have to replace every few years. It’s essential that you love them and they work perfectly in your space.

Don’t settle for convenience or make impulse decisions just to tick something off your to-do list. This can lead to regret down the line. It’s also important not to settle for a cheaper option that you don’t truly love. This likely won’t stand the test of time.

If you haven’t found the perfect piece yet or you’re waiting until your budget allows, there are always workarounds. You can make do with temporary solutions until you find the right fit. The key is not to settle when it comes to styling your home. Take your time, do your research, and invest in pieces that you truly love and will enjoy for years.

4. Take the time to research and figure out your style

It’s great to draw inspiration from other people’s homes, as long as you make it yours. it’s important to make your home truly yours rather than simply copying someone else’s style. take the time to research and figure out what you love and what speaks to your personal style. This will help you create a home that is both unique and authentic to you.

For example, you might be drawn to the classic coastal style that features soft blues and creams with brass tones. Why don’t you consider incorporating your own twist. Choose gunmetal finishes instead of brass, which can give your space a more modern feel. By adding your personal touch to a particular look, it will also allow you to style the space your way. Just by swapping brass for gunmetal, you can now style in a more contemporary way.

Don’t be afraid to think outside the box and experiment with different styles and elements. Find something that feels right for you by taking your time to research. By exploring your options, you’re creating a home that is truly yours.

5. Strategise your space in advance

Proper planning is crucial in ensuring a cohesive and functional space. It’s important to map out your space from the very beginning. This will help you determine the right furniture pieces to purchase, as well as their dimensions. Without taking proper measurements, it’s impossible to visualise the end result accurately. Did you know, a room always looks smaller when it’s empty?

This exercise will also assist you in determining the placement of any existing furniture you plan to keep. Additionally, a spatial plan will help you optimise the configuration of your space. You should also take into account both aesthetic and practical considerations. With numerous options available, it’s wise to seek guidance from an interior designer to avoid making a costly mistake. Remember to check out my design services if you would like to consult a professional for this.

6. The small details make a big difference

We’ve already spoken about not settling when it comes to your bigger pieces. I also recommend taking your time when it comes to your styling elements so that your home becomes polished.

It can be tempting going for the cheap homewares from department stores or online just to fill your home. trust me, this approach can quickly lead to cluttered and unsatisfying results.

It sounds cliche, but I truly believe less is more when it comes to styling and every piece should have a purpose in your home. For example, when styling a shelf you don’t need to just fill it with random bits and pieces. Invest in a couple of really beautiful items whether it be a vase or a sculpture. You can then offset this with some natural elements such as greenery and neutral books.

When I say invest in quality, these items don’t need to be expensive either. This is a super affordable way to add style, character and your own personal touch to your home. 

Soft furnishings such as cushions and throws will make your new home feel instantly cosier and warmer. This will also provide you with the opportunity to add colour and pattern to your home. 

Photos and artwork are brilliant for incorporating a personal element to your home. It’s the easiest and quickest way to making a new house, feel like a home that really belongs to you. 

7. Practicality is key

Before making any design decisions, it’s important to consider your current lifestyle and what is essential for you and your family. For instance, if you have kids, a white linen sofa may not be the most practical choice for your everyday living space. Instead, invest in a more durable fabric like polyester or leather that can withstand spills and stains. The same goes for dining chairs and bar stools, which will get a lot of use and should be made of materials that can handle the wear and tear.

If you’re planning to update a space in a few years, like a kids’ room or a nursery, there’s no need to splurge on expensive furniture. There are plenty of creative and affordable ways to make these spaces beautiful and playful for your children.

Don’t forget about your furry friends either! Consider hardwearing fabrics that can withstand scratches and spills from pets. If you have a cat, velvet is actually a great choice as they hate the feeling of it!

8. Don’t forget about lighting and window treatments

The importance of lighting cannot be overstated. It not only serves a practical purpose, but it also adds character and ambience to your home. However, lighting is often overlooked and treated as an afterthought in room design.

Utilise natural lighting to the fullest extent possible. Add main ceiling lighting like spotlights or a statement pendant, and incorporate lower-level lighting like table or floor lamps to establish an ambience. This doesn’t need to be expensive, but it is essential to include.

Furthermore, if the room requires good lighting for specific tasks like a study or dressing room, ensure that you include some task lighting as well.

Controlling the amount of natural light that enters your home is an essential consideration when selecting window treatments. This is particularly important for bedrooms, where you’ll want to ensure adequate blockout and areas where privacy is a concern. Sheer curtains are an excellent choice for spaces where you want to take advantage of the natural light. In addition to their aesthetic appeal, blinds and curtains also provide UV protection for your furniture and floorboards. This is often overlooked and you end up with a sofa which has faded.