Home & Gardens

A First-Time Buyer Guide to Creating a Dream Space in a Starter Home

white sheets in cozy home bedroom

Creating a dream space after buying a new home isn’t as easy as some people think is. One wrong move, such as a bad paint job, the wrong flooring, or even poor furniture placement, and the project is ruined. So what can you do? Fortunately, there are some small considerations that make a big difference, from having a vision and a plan, to touching up the exterior.

Consider High-Impact, Low-Cost Upgrades

Renovation is pretty expensive, and even simple decorating can come with a hefty price tag. After moving into your house, money can be tight, considering mortgage payments and hidden fees. Even if you decide on shared ownership staircasing instead of a mortgage, you need to budget and plan funds so you never miss a payment. So, consider some cheaper upgrades, such as paint, lighting swaps, and flooring that can appease your inner interior designer without breaking the bank!

Have a Vision and Plan Before Touching Anything

Did you know that Michelangelo stared at a solid block of marble for six years before beginning work on what would become the statue of David? You might not be a Renaissance master, but going in blind is a surefire way to mess up a renovation or decorating project. Before you touch anything, it will help to have a detailed plan, even a list of what you want. Online window shop, bookmark furniture, collate Pinterest pins, or even a mock-up in The Sims 4 will help to refine your ideas.

woman hands reaching for decorative samples

Creating a Dream Space with Personal Touches

Surveys in the US revealed that 66% of new homeowners renovate within the first two years. It has to be said that making your home feel like new and like it is yours is the privilege of ownership, as you can add your own personal touch. Adding warmth to the home, with rugs, blankets, and throws, will provide an immediate blast of texture and color. Artwork, greenery, and even window treatments can also completely transform a space.

modern interior design with colorful artwork display
Photo by Martin Lang

Don’t Neglect the Home’s Exterior

It’s easy to focus so much on the interior design (because that’s where you spend most of your time) that you can forget about the outside of the home. However, this is just as important. If you have a yard, decking, patio, or rough patch of land, you can enjoy your home much more by taking care of outdoor design. Adventures with the kids, family BBQs, and even a pool could be a short plan away. So think about how you can put your exterior to good use!

Check What’s Trending for Inspiration

It isn’t advisable to go chasing trends because they are usually gone as soon as you notice them. However, using sites like Pinterest can provide you with some genuine inspiration for your décor projects. If you are stuck for bathroom decoration or wondering how you can reinvigorate the bedroom, there are tons of highly creative people on the web who will inspire you. The trick is to use ideas without copying and adding your personal touches.

The Wrap

High-impact and low-cost solutions will help when creating a dream space in your new home. Of course, any interior decorating project needs personal touches to feel like home. But if you are stuck for ideas, check out sites like Pinterest for some professional creative inspiration.

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