How to Decorate Your New Home Before You Move (Published 2021)

This article provides practical advice and solutions for common home decorating dilemmas, drawing on insights from a design expert. The content is structured around several questions, each addressing a specific area of home improvement, from furnishing extra rooms to kitchen renovations, front door painting, and art hanging. The first section focuses on furnishing a multi-purpose extra room, particularly for those working from home. It discusses the practicality of pullout sofa beds for guests versus their daily use as office furniture. Key considerations for purchasing a sofa bed include size, comfort, durability of materials, and budget. For instance, solid wood framing and high-performance upholstery contribute to longevity but increase cost. The article suggests different types of sleeper sofas for varying guest needs, such as memory foam mattresses for older visitors or simpler pop-up platforms for younger guests. A cautionary note is included about the temptation to nap if a sofa is in a home office. The second section offers immediate and cost-effective solutions for updating an outdated kitchen, especially relevant for those who have increased their at-home cooking. It highlights budget-friendly improvements that can be made without a full renovation. One significant suggestion is to use custom door and drawer fronts from companies like Semihandmade, Reform, or Scherr's, which are designed to fit Ikea cabinet boxes. This allows for a customized look without the expense of a complete remodel. Alternative, even cheaper options include repainting existing cabinetry and adding new hardware. The article encourages bold color choices for temporary updates. Other medium-term, DIY-friendly investments include removable wallpaper, peel-and-stick floor tiles, butcher block countertops, sheet-metal backsplashes, ceiling painting, pegboard installations, and lighting upgrades with dimmer switches. It also suggests adding functional storage using industrial shelves, potentially customized with paint. For appliances, it advises against replacing large items immediately, instead suggesting painting cabinets to match or blend with existing appliances to reduce visual contrast. The third part addresses the decision-making process for painting a front door, specifically for an off-white Cape Cod style home. It outlines the steps for a DIY front door painting project, from removing and preparing the door to applying paint and reattaching hardware. The emphasis is on choosing a color that complements the architectural style. "A Field Guide to American Houses" is recommended as a resource for architectural styles and color inspiration. The article suggests leaning towards less flashy, New England-appropriate hues for a Cape Cod home, such as blue-green, rather than more saturated colors. It also touches on historical color palettes, noting that homeowners historically used more diverse colors on various house parts than is common today, potentially inspiring a more polychromatic vision. Finally, the article provides guidance on how to hang art, particularly for someone with multiple pieces of varying sizes and indecision about placement. It advises focusing on areas where the eye is naturally drawn, such as from a living room sofa or upon entering the front door, rather than trying to fill every wall. The process is broken down into three steps: isolating "hero pieces" (oversize, delicate, or sentimental art) for individual display; grouping other pieces visually on the floor into pairs, trios, or quartets; and sketching elevation drawings of walls to plan placement before physically hanging. A key spatial principle is to "tether" artwork to furniture or architectural features to prevent it from appearing to float. Standard practice for art placement suggests a midpoint of 57 to 60 inches from the floor to avoid hanging art too high. The article concludes by humorously acknowledging that navigating shared art decisions with others is a separate challenge, but encourages creating compelling vignettes to distract from less desirable pieces. #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #DIYHomeImprovements #KitchenRenovation #FrontDoorPaint #ArtHanging #SofaBeds #HomeOffice

Moving into a first home, whether it's an apartment or a house, presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities. The initial phase often involves navigating logistical hurdles, such as apartment hunting, understanding lease agreements, and making quick decisions on essential furnishings. This process can be overwhelming, especially for individuals moving out of their childhood homes for the first time, as they transition from a familiar environment to independently managing a household. One significant aspect of this transition is the financial commitment involved in furnishing and decorating a new space. Many items initially perceived as 'needs' can quickly turn into 'wants,' highlighting the importance of strategic planning and budgeting. This includes capitalizing on seasonal sales, identifying affordable sources for decor, and prioritizing essential items to avoid unnecessary expenses. For example, buying bedding and kitchen essentials during post-holiday sales can lead to substantial savings. The article emphasizes that planning ahead can mitigate costs and streamline the furnishing process, providing actionable advice on when and where to shop for various home goods. Beyond the initial setup, transforming a new dwelling into a personalized home requires conscious effort and collaboration, particularly for those sharing a living space. This involves establishing shared responsibilities for tasks like cleaning and maintenance, as well as harmonizing different design preferences to create a cohesive and comfortable environment. Compromises in design choices are often necessary to ensure the space reflects both individuals' personalities, making it feel uniquely 'theirs' rather than leaning towards one person's style. This communal approach extends to communicating with landlords and managing household upkeep, stressing the need for equitable division of labor. The practicalities of maintaining a home, especially cleaning, can be daunting for new residents. The article addresses this by acknowledging the common struggle with household chores when moving from a shared upkeep model to independent living. It offers a structured approach to cleaning, breaking down tasks by room and highlighting key areas to prioritize for efficient and manageable tidiness. This guidance aims to simplify the cleaning process, making it less overwhelming for individuals learning to manage their own living spaces. The overall message is that while the journey to making a first home your own can be stressful, proactive planning, strategic shopping, effective collaboration, and a structured approach to home maintenance can transform it into an enjoyable and rewarding experience that truly reflects one's individuality. #FirstHome #HomeDecorating #ApartmentLiving #HomeImprovement #Budgeting #InteriorDesignTips #CleaningGuide #MovingTips #DIYHome

As the festive season approaches, preparing one's home for holiday guests is a common endeavor. However, even the most meticulous planners often overlook a crucial space: the powder room. Interior designers Gray Benko, Chelcie Eastman, Katie Cunningham, and Kristen Wolff unanimously identify the powder room as the most frequently forgotten area for holiday decoration and preparation. While basic cleanliness is usually maintained, enhancing this small space with thoughtful touches can significantly elevate the guest experience and contribute to an overall festive ambiance. Transforming the powder room doesn't necessitate extensive renovations. Instead, the focus should be on intentional accessorizing and minor upgrades. For those whose powder room feels outdated, now is an opportune moment for small design changes. Designers suggest incorporating elements such as elegant wallpaper, distinctive mirrors, and attractive lighting fixtures to refresh the space without a full overhaul. Seasonal accessorizing is key to integrating the powder room into the holiday theme. This includes adding fresh flowers, lighting a scented candle that complements the season, and using a coordinated scent spray. Beyond aesthetics, practical yet elegant additions like a decorative wastebasket and individual hand towels contribute to a luxurious feel. The goal is to make the space feel both special and interesting, rather than merely functional. Elevating the cleaning routine for guests goes beyond a standard deep clean. It involves introducing small luxuries that create a welcoming and comforting atmosphere. One designer mentioned using a high-end detergent specifically for guest towels, ensuring they are exceptionally fluffy and abundant. Maintaining a very clean bathroom is a fundamental aspect of this elevated routine. Providing necessities is another critical step to ensure guests feel cared for. Designers recommend placing a basket filled with essentials that guests might need but may feel uncomfortable asking for. This can include items like hand cream, tissues, and other personal care products. Making this basket festive with a bow or evergreen sprigs adds a thoughtful, seasonal touch, instantly making the temporary space feel welcoming and well-considered. Finally, a last-minute sensory scan of the powder room is advised. Even if the room appears clean, engaging all senses can enhance the experience. Opening windows to allow fresh air, lighting candles, and playing soft background music can create a more inviting and memorable environment for holiday guests. By focusing on these details, hosts can ensure that even the smallest room in their home contributes positively to the festive spirit and guest comfort. #HolidayDecor #PowderRoom #GuestPreparation #HomeDesign #InteriorDecorating #SeasonalDecorating #HostingTips #HomeRefresh

The entryway or hallway of a home is a frequently traversed but often underutilized space, playing a crucial role in shaping a visitor's initial perception. Design experts emphasize that a well-executed entryway not only creates a positive first impression but also establishes design cohesion throughout the home and can visually expand smaller spaces. Dan Brungardt, a designer and owner of Home at Last, suggests extending the design concept from the driveway to the front walk and consistently carrying it through the interior. He highlights the importance of blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor areas, noting that repeating colors and design themes from the entryway to the back patio or deck can make a smaller house appear larger by presenting these spaces as extensions rather than enclosed areas. Color is identified as a powerful tool for attracting attention and revitalizing a space. While grays are currently fashionable, Brungardt recommends bold colors like reds and kelly or grass greens for front doors, drawing inspiration from his travels in Dublin, Ireland. He also advises using a high-sheen finish to enhance light reflection and create a softer lighting effect. Vickie Lynch, a designer and owner of Soho Interiors, agrees that front door color should reflect personal style, also favoring greens, blues, and salmon hues. For those hesitant to paint their front door, adding colorful accessories offers an alternative. Repurposing a thrift-store chair with a bold paint color for the porch or entryway can add visual interest and provide a spot for a planter, offering a flexible design solution. Incorporating planters, pots, or urns that complement the home's architectural style and color palette is also recommended. Careful plant selection, considering color, texture, and scale, is essential, with Brungardt suggesting one large pot over several small ones to avoid a cluttered look. Indoor/outdoor area rugs, available in various mildew- and fade-resistant colors, and brightly colored welcome mats for smaller spaces are other ways to introduce color. Beyond color, functional and aesthetic upgrades include replacing door glass with artistic options like leaded or stained glass, updating worn door handles or light fixtures, and coordinating hardware. Outdoor furniture should be high-quality, durable, and functional, with Lynch advising against cushions due to wear and soiling, instead preferring easily wipeable hard surfaces. Her guiding principle for entryways is "Less is more," advocating for good function and efficient use of space without overcrowding. Indoors, the design scheme should continue with coordinating area rugs and artwork. Mirrors or reflective pieces can be strategically placed to enlarge small entryways. Functional items such as a console table for keys and other essentials, or a coat rack and umbrella stand, add both utility and interest. The overall aim is to create a warm, welcoming, yet minimalist, elegant, and functional space. The article concludes by reiterating that the first impression of a home starts from the driveway, emphasizing the importance of well-manicured lawns and landscaping that seamlessly transition into the interior design. This holistic approach not only enhances living space but also significantly contributes to resale value. #HomeEntryways #HomeDecoration #InteriorDesign #ExteriorDesign #ColorPalette #FirstImpression #HomeImprovement #SpaceUtilization #HomeStyling

This article highlights the personal favorite rooms of five prominent interior designers, offering a glimpse into their own homes and the design philosophies that shape their private spaces. It explores how these professionals, who regularly craft beautiful environments for clients, approach decorating and living in their own residences. Each designer shares insights into why a particular room holds special significance for them, revealing a blend of aesthetic choices, functional considerations, and personal connections. Uns Hobbs, a London-based designer, identifies her kitchen as the heart of her home. She aimed to integrate a new extension seamlessly with her traditional British Victorian house, incorporating classic architectural elements like molding, paneling, and French doors. The kitchen is described as a space for entertaining, suggesting a focus on warmth, hospitality, and a design that encourages social gatherings. Her design choices reflect a desire for a cohesive and historically sympathetic extension that still functions as a modern family hub. Dabito, a New Orleans designer and author, finds sanctuary in his bedroom. He describes it as a multifaceted space for sleeping, streaming shows, and spending time with his cat. The article notes his use of a calming wall color, Quietude SW 6212, which contributes to a peaceful atmosphere. Dabito also incorporates natural materials for warmth and showcases his signature style by mixing new items, such as a table lamp from his Mitzi line, with vintage pieces like a bedside table and an antique Chinese rug. This approach underscores a personal and eclectic design vision that values comfort and individual expression. Keren and Thomas Richter, the duo behind White Arrow, a New York City design studio, chose their 1850s farmhouse kitchen as their favorite room. They opted for an inky teal from Fine Paints of Europe for the cabinetry, which contrasts with white ceramics, making them appear as silhouette art, and highlights their vintage Aga stove. The Richters emphasize the cozy feel created by the rich blue cabinetry and wide-plank antique pine floors. The integration of outdoor views further enhances the kitchen's appeal, connecting the interior space with the surrounding landscape and imbuing it with a strong sense of place. Marie Cloud, a designer from Charlotte, North Carolina, showcases her home office as a space that balances work and creativity. Rejecting the notion that an office must be purely functional, she designed hers to be energizing and inspiring. The room features a bold wallpaper from her collaboration with Spoonflower, which she feels reflects her personality, alongside an evolving inspiration board and designated areas for contemplation. Her design philosophy for this space emphasizes personal connection and dynamic inspiration, making it a desirable place to work. Finally, Isabel Ladd, a designer based in Lexington, Kentucky, identifies her family room as her favorite, viewing it as a testament to her design evolution. The room transformed from a formal dining room into a lived-in family space through the layering of prints, including wallpaper from another Spoonflower collaboration, textiles, and art, along with furniture changes. Ladd emphasizes the cozy and welcoming atmosphere, describing it as a space where her family feels enveloped and loved. The relocation of meals to a smaller, more casual adjacent room further reflects her commitment to designing spaces that truly suit her family's lifestyle and needs. These examples collectively illustrate how personal preferences, historical context, and functional requirements are harmoniously integrated by designers in their own homes. The article suggests that while professional designers create beauty for others, their personal spaces are deeply reflective of their individual journeys and values. The designers prioritize emotional comfort, personal expression, and functionality in their own homes, demonstrating that a favorite room is often one that supports daily life and personal well-being. This collection of rooms provides diverse inspirations for homeowners looking to personalize their spaces. It demonstrates how various elements, from color palettes and material choices to the integration of vintage items and custom designs, contribute to creating a distinctive and cherished environment. #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #KitchenDesign #BedroomDesign #HomeOffice #FamilyRoom #DesignerHomes #DecoratingTips