5 Things to ask yourself before decorating any room
Some people find decorating a room easy, while others struggle to know where to start. If you’re looking to refresh a space in your home, here are a few questions to consider before you begin. As someone who would be regarded as a natural at decorating, I still go through this process before I begin.
1. What is the style you are trying to accomplish?
You want to ensure you understand the style or look you are trying to achieve before you decorate. Otherwise, you may end up with a bunch of pieces that don’t really go well together. Some people like an eclectic look, and if that is what you are going for, then that is okay, but if you are trying to get what the designers call a”cohesive” look, then it is important to have a style, theme, or feeling in mind before you begin.
What do I mean by style, theme, or feeling?
Most people are probably familiar with design styles. Popular styles are farmhouse, mid-century modern (MCM), contemporary (modern), coastal, or traditional. It is important to know what style you like because this will carry over into what furniture pieces, wall treatments, etc., you want to look for. For example, If my design style is farmhouse or rustic, I might go to Hobby Lobby or World Market for decor and furniture pieces. If my style is more modern, then I might go to Target. Your style might be a mix of Farmhouse and Modern; this will allow for more options, but at least you can start a game plan for how you want to decorate your room and hone in on specifics from Farmhouse and Modern aesthetics. You can always search my Pinterest for design styles to pinpoint yours if you are struggling to know exactly what yours is.
You might be trying to achieve a particular theme in your space. You might want your home to fit a more luxurious aesthetic, or you might want to achieve a minimalist vibe throughout your home. Luxurious pieces will lead you to more high-end stores or to look at high-end stores and try to find the best dupes at a more affordable price. Having a strategy for your space will save you a lot of time in the end!
And then there is a “feeling” you might be trying to create in your room. You might want to create a cozy atmosphere similar to a hotel resort. Feelings play a significant role in design, often more than people want to admit. Designers frequently use complex language to explain their choices, but the truth is that many decisions are based on feelings. When they have a certain emotion, they simply go with it. When you lie down at night, you want to feel a certain way, whether relaxed or secure. This desired feeling will influence how you decorate your space.
2. What pieces do I want?
Look at your inventory! What pieces do you have that you want to keep (bedframe, dressers), and what do you need to replace or purchase (rug, lamps, wall decor)? Make a list of the items you want to replace or purchase so you remember what you are looking for while you are shopping. Oftentimes, if I don’t write down the number of wall pieces I’m trying to get, I will forget and end up with too few or too many. When looking for pieces you want to replace, make sure you are staying within the style you already chose for your space.
You might consider DIYing a few of your pieces to save on cost. Dressers and nightstands can usually be painted, and the hardware can be updated for a completely new look.
3. What do I want to get rid of?
When deciding what you want, it’s also important to eliminate what you don’t like. For example, if you’ve had an eclectic style in your room for the past few years and you want to switch to an organic modern style, consider removing anything that doesn’t feature natural or neutral elements. Grab a few trash bags and start clearing out all the items you are ready to donate. Starting with a clean slate will be helpful in this process.
4. Cost!
How much will this makeover cost me? We don’t like to think about this, but it is essential if you want to create a space you love without feeling guilty and overwhelmed throughout the process. I recommend creating a budget for your space and gradually collecting pieces over the next few months. Once you have everything you need, start the makeover so you can complete the room in just a few days. This approach will help you avoid dragging the process out for several years or becoming discouraged and giving up entirely.
5. Color or neutrals
Another thing to consider before you begin decorating is what colors you want to incorporate and how you want them. Some go neutral throughout the room, so gray, white, black, and beige on the walls, bedding, throws, and pillows, while others like to have pops of color on the walls, pillows, or bedding. It will be helpful to know what colors you want to use in your space first so that you can purchase furniture and decor that will complement your tones.
This list of things to consider before you begin will tremendously help during your makeover process. By taking the time to reflect on these points, you will gain clarity on your goals and ensure that every aspect of your makeover—from your appearance to your personal style—is thoughtfully executed. If you want to follow a complete guide to transforming your space, check out the guide I created, which is FREE to download. I am so excited to see what you come up with as you create your dream room makeover!!
