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Interior decorating is not complicated, but it certainly can be subjective. While some people favor filling spaces with layers of vibrant colors and textures, others prefer paring down rooms to just the essentials with muted hues—and then there’s everything in between. With so much to consider, it’s no wonder that homeowners often don’t know where to start when it comes to DIY interior decorating.
Bob Vila’s collection of step-by-step guides and pro pointers will show you the way. Here you’ll find expert explanations of popular design styles from our sister site Domino, an excellent starting place for nailing down your aesthetic, as well as tutorials and tips for decorating your home room by room.
Whether you’re starting from scratch building the home of your dreams or simply want to update the look of your guest room, continue reading to learn how to be your own interior decorator.
Develop Your Aesthetic
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to design style; however, according to Domino, familiarizing yourself with some of the most popular ones will help you develop your own aesthetic, which is an important first step in any home decorating project. Next, try documenting the colors, textures, and other elements that speak to you in a mood board. This reference will prove invaluable for achieving balance and cohesion as you put together rooms.
The Most Popular Design Styles
What is Modern Farmhouse Style?
What is Scandinavian Design?
What is Feng Shui?
Tackle One Room at a Time
Keep in mind that your interior decorating process will take more time and effort than hiring a professional to do it for you, but the tradeoffs are saving money and learning a new skill. For DIYers, it’s helpful to take a room-by-room approach. Redoing one room at a time not only breaks down a big project into smaller, more manageable pieces, it also allows you to space out pricier purchases like new furniture and fixtures, so you can invest in quality.
The following how-tos will walk you through the basic steps of decorating both shared and private spaces in your home. As you build confidence with each completed room, tools like home design software, a color sensor, or even online interior design courses can help take your new skill to the next level.
Shop Smart
While saving money is one of the primary perks of being your own interior decorator, it’s important to make quality purchases where it counts. Choosing highly rated paint, for example, will ensure that you achieve the exact color you intended when it’s applied to your walls. The same can be said for key furniture and fixture buys. The following guides will help you shop smart as you bring your aesthetic to life in your home.