The exhilaration of buying a first property is unforgettable: your home is full of endless possibilities.
As a first-time owner, you’re likely to want to put your mark on your new home, and that means hitting the furniture stores and redecorating.
But, don’t be too hasty because if you rush the process, you also risk making some bad calls and wasting a lot of money.
Some common mistakes include getting color combinations wrong, or buying furniture and TVs that are too big and make the home feel cluttered.
If you’re hunting for your first property right now, it’s always a good idea during the inspection process to think carefully about how you would decorate and furnish it.
A little time spent pre-planning will deliver a better outcome and avoid you having to return to various stores to seek refunds or replacements for your initial choices.
These Top Tips will help you avoid some common challenges that new buyers face when decorating a home for the first time.
Color corrections
If you’re not good with colors, you may benefit from hiring an expert to help you. Whatever you do, don’t buy gallons of paint and then decide you don’t like the color. Do some color tests in small areas of each room first and make your decision in daylight.
Coordinate furniture
It’s not just colors that should work together. Ensure your various pieces of furniture complement each other, too. Don’t be afraid to purchase a “statement” piece, such as a plush wing chair. But don’t make everything a statement, the room becomes too noisy and ends up looking like a furniture showroom.
Clash of styles
Your choice of decor should match the style of the property you’ve purchased. If you’ve moved into an older home, choose colors, fittings and furniture that complement the period or style in which your home was built. Don’t force a modern look on an old cottage, it doesn’t work.
Let there be light
Allowing natural light into your home makes it feel warm and inviting even on the coldest days. So, avoid blocking the windows with furniture, large lamps or any other fixture. Make sure you can tie back your curtains during the day to let the light and warmth indoors.
Lightbulb moment
Leave your lighting decisions until you’ve lived in the home for a few months. You’ll be able to gauge where sunlight falls in each room and the areas where you might prefer to read, sew and work on your computer.
Practical before pretty
Prioritize your spending. If you need to replace your water heater or aircon, get that done before splashing out on fancy printed wallpaper or replacing the outdated tiles in the bathroom.