A quick search on the internet will give you thousands of ideas and rules on how to decorate your home. Suggestions range from the minimalist to the extravagant, and you feel overwhelmed. In the end, none of them helped you decide on a theme–because you wanted all of them.
Here’s the thing: You don’t need the rules. All you need is to sit down and think about what you want your home to look and feel like.
Start with a Color Palette
The easiest part of designing a home is thinking of the theme, which is closely associated with your color choices. If anything jumps out at you immediately, go with that. If not, consider the classics, which would be perfect paired with antique English copper planters and an industrial-design kitchen in black, white, and rust. There is also the contemporary, with glass fixtures and clean lines, accented by a bold color selection.
Load up on Functionality
A home is, first and foremost, meant to be lived in. Design it with functionality in mind. A lounge chair by the TV would do nicely for the head of the family, while a set of couches and cushions gives everyone else plenty of seating options. Seats that double as hidden storage compartments can be a great addition to a compact room. For those with bay windows, adding seating for a makeshift reading nook does wonders.
Finish with Quirks
Now that you’ve got a functional home, it’s time to add in a few extras. Go ahead and add that patterned pillow case or curtain, and get a couple of rugs, as well. Each person can decorate their room as they please, but for common areas, small adornments such as a collection of figurines or a set of framed children’s drawings can set the tone of the space. A little bit of green in some corners also add a bright, happy glow to your home.
Forget about all the rules you see in home decorating magazines. All you need to do is follow your instincts.
