Nice job on finding your forever person! The next step is creating a home representing your styles and shared values. After all, you’ll be spending a lot of time there! It can seem daunting to pick out colors and furniture arrangement at first-but our top tips will help make it feel less of a chore. Hang in there; before long, you’ll have the perfect space to return to after every date night.
Find Your Style Inspiration
The first step in creating your perfect home is finding style inspiration. Do you prefer a clean and modern aesthetic? Or are you drawn to cozy and traditional spaces? Once you have a general idea of the style you want, you can start planning your design around it. Pinterest is a great resource for finding style inspiration, so pull up a board and start browsing! From there, you can create an idea book to keep track of the things you like and narrow down your choices. Styling your dream home the way you like will give you a sense of ownership and help you feel more at home.
Consider Your Color Scheme
Your color scheme is important to your home’s overall look and feel. If you want a calming space, stick with neutral tones like white, cream, gray, or light blue. If you’re going for a more energetic vibe, try brighter hues like yellow, orange, or pink. And if you can’t decide on just one color, mix and match! A key rule of thumb is to use light colors on walls and ceilings to make the space feel airy and open.
Remember: Generally, lighter colors make an area feel brighter because they reflect more light. In contrast, darker hues do the opposite by absorbing light and appearing more closed off.
Choose the Right Furniture
Now that you have your color scheme, it’s time to start shopping for furniture! When choosing pieces for your home, it’s important to consider both function and form. You’ll want comfortable and practical pieces that fit your overall design scheme. If you need help figuring out where to start, try looking for key pieces like sofas, coffee tables, and beds that reflect your chosen style. Then build the rest of your room around those focal points.
You can also focus on functionality by choosing furniture pieces with built-in storage. This is especially helpful if you live in a small space, as it can help eliminate bulky and unnecessary items. Finally, remember the little touches! Accessories like lamps, rugs, and pillows can bring your room together and make it more personal.
Personalize with Decor
Once you have your big-ticket items taken care of, it’s time to start personalizing the decor! This is where you can show off your personality and make the space feel like yours. Add in some greenery with plants or flowers, hang up some art or photos that make you smile, and display any keepsakes or sentimental items that are special to you. You can also use this opportunity to add finishing touches, like throw pillows or area rugs that pull everything together.
If you have items that still can be used, such as furniture or decorations from your separate homes, try to find a way to incorporate them. Doing so will remind you of the journey that got you here in the first place and make it feel even more like home. This is also a great way to save money!
Remember not to get too overwhelmed. Too much decor can make a room feel cluttered, so be mindful of your space. Hiring an interior designer may be a good option if you have the budget. They can help you organize your ideas and create a plan that fits within your budget.
Renovate and Repair
If you’ve purchased a new home, there may be some renovations and repairs that need to be done. From painting walls to replacing old fixtures, it’s important to take care of any necessary updates before you begin decorating. Doing this will help ensure your space looks its best and is up-to-code with safety standards. You can also prioritize larger projects like kitchen or bathroom remodels, as these will have the biggest impact.
If you’re not well-versed in DIY projects, you should leave these to professionals. If you have a good credit score of 680 or higher, you can apply for a conventional loan to cover the costs of these renovations. Conventional mortgages usually come with an escrow account that can be used for remodeling or repair costs. This type of loan provides a fixed-rate loan and typically requires a down payment of 5-20% of the purchase price. With this, you can use the funds to renovate or repair your new home-making it ready for you and your significant other to move in and start your new life together.
Finally, remember to have fun! Decorating your first home as a couple can be a great bonding experience. Take the time to enjoy each other’s company and try out different things until you find something that works for both of you. When all is said and done, you’ll have the perfect space reflecting your love and personality.
