This decorating advice will help you create a room you’ll want to be in all the time!

Get Started

Before starting any decorating project, consider your preferences.

Think about what patterns, colors, and styles grab your attention.

Living room with wooden coffee table and white furniture

Credit: David A Land

For example, determine whether you tend to gravitate towards bright, bold colors or subtle, neutral tones.

you might also collect paint chips, fabric swatches, and other samples that stand out to you.

Then, lay everything out and start identifying common themes and characteristics in the items you’ve gathered.

design and color mood board with textures

Credit: David Land

Seek out new decor that will mix well and add a fresh perspective.

Some home furnishings companies even offer free design consultations to help you get started.

Choose a Color Scheme

Identifying a color schemewill help youchoose paint colors, furniture, and accessories.

fabric swatches blue paint

Credit: Adam Albright

But remember that you don’t have to stick with just one.

Mixing and matching styles can create a more interesting, layered look.

Consider Function

Think about how you’ll use the room as you make decorating decisions.

living room pink couch cream armchairs

Credit: Laurey Glenn

Redecorate in a way that brings the relocated piece into the fold of its new home.

Then layer in less expensive updates, such as throw pillows or lamps, for an all-around update.

That way, you’ll know where to go when you’re ready to make purchases.

living room with colorful decor

Credit: Annie Schlechter

It’s also a good idea to snap a few photos of your space beforehand for reference while shopping.

Putting It All Together

Decorating often slowly happens as you gather new items over time.

With each purchase, think about how the item will fit into the room’s overall look.

dining room with gray walls, white ceiling, and warm wooden table

Credit: Peter Molick

Keep track of receipts and tags to make returns and exchanges if needed.

Play aroundwith different furniture arrangementsand accessory placements until you find a look you like.

Evolve Over Time

Take your time to get your decor exactly how you want it.

bright colorful living room with large windows and plants

Credit: Justin Coit

Frequently Asked Questions

This rule applies to the colors used in a room.

There’s no rule about how many walls should be decorated.

It depends entirely on the space and your personal preferences.

bright shabby chic farmhouse bedroom shiplap

Credit: Anthony Masterson

Sometimes, empty spaces will look better than filling the wall with decor.

high ceiling dining room with gray rug and wooden accents

Credit: Kim Cornelison

art living room fireplace dog

Credit: David Lamd

living room slipcovered sofa floral curtains window seat cushions

Credit: John Bessler

wood dining table black chairs

Credit: David Tsay

blue white modern bedroom color block wall paneling

Credit: Brie Williams

white living room with natural and blue coastal accents

Credit: Joyelle West

kohlhepp house living room and kitchen with bookcase

Credit: Erin Kunkel

white living room

Credit: Brie Williams