By taking the time to think through these elements, you'll be better equipped to create a space that not only looks great but also functions well and reflects your personal style. Follow these points step by step through your home design journey.
By taking the time to think through these elements, you'll be better equipped to create a space that not only looks great but also functions well and reflects your personal style. Follow these points step by step through your home design journey.
1. Allocate budget - One of the most important things to consider before designing your dream space is your budget. Allocating a rough estimate of how much you want to spend on your project is not only a good first step but a crucial one. Without a clear idea of your budget, you risk getting halfway through your project only to realize you can no longer afford to buy the rest of the items you need to complete your space. By having a set budget from the start, you can make more informed decisions and ensure that you stay within your financial means while still creating the space of your dreams.
2. Think about the 7 elements of luxury - Once you have a budget in mind, it's time to review the 7 elements of luxury: colour palette, maximum comfort and functionality, high-quality materials, decorative items, ambient lighting, inviting fragrance, and neatness. Think about how you can incorporate these elements into your space. Refer back to this point before placing your orders (point 8), and again after decorating (point 10), to ensure that you have successfully unified all these elements into your space.
3. Design a mood board & decide on a layout - The next important step is virtually establishing your design style and vision for the space. This includes designing a mood board and deciding on a layout (the placement of furniture). Gather all your inspiration photos, ideas, and colours on one blank page (I use figma for this but you can use any tool) and study the result. Now, add, edit or delete to or from this and you will finally achieve your dream vision. By creating a mood board and deciding on a layout beforehand, you can save time and money by avoiding costly mistakes and ensuring that the end result aligns with your vision.
4. List essential things you already own - Before thinking about buying new things, make a detailed list of usable items that you already own. This could be furniture, linens, mattress, pillows, lamps etc. Making this list will give you a clear overview of what you do not need to buy and perhaps satisfaction that you will end up spending less money than you thought. Also, think about items that you wish to replace and if they might be worth a DIY for another space in your home.
5. List essential things you need - Now is the time to finally make a list of items that you need. Again, remember to make it as detailed as possible. It is not ideal to reach the last step of your home decor project and realize you need much more stuff than you had anticipated. Think about every room, area, wall, layout, furniture etc. (everything except decor items, which comes later). It is a good idea to sketch a 2D layout of the entire space you are designing and think about what goes where. At this step, it is also a good idea to analyze which items you need to buy new and which ones you can probably thrift or DIY.
6. Think about budget placement - Once you have a list of everything you need to buy, go through your list and think about budget placement. This means thinking about your items in the order of most important to you to least important to you. For example, in a living room, the couch is the most important to me and the coffee table is the least important. This does not mean that I do not care about the coffee table or how it looks. It just means that I will not be spending too much money on it. On the other hand, I will allocate a lot more money from my budget to the couch because a big comfortable couch is my priority. Doing this automatically puts your focus on things that are the most important to you and logically that is where most of your money should go. And for the rest of the items, you will always find a way to get the most affordable deal through sales, thrift stores, DIYs or IKEA.
7. Research & Search - Now that you have a clear idea of which items you need to buy, start your research before you start searching for the item. For example, when I was looking to buy new bedsheets, I first spent time learning the best bedding material out there that provides the best night’s sleep and feels good on the skin, and then I searched for those exact sheets and found the most affordable option for me. This approach will not only save you money but will also give you the knowledge that will help you make informed decisions. Take the time to read reviews, compare prices, and visit different websites/stores to find the best possible options for your budget and needs. Remember, luxury doesn't always have to come at a high price, it's about finding the right balance between cost and quality.
8. Order, unbox & place - Finally, it's time to order! You've done all the hard work and laid a solid foundation for the success of your project. Now the truly exciting part begins - placing your orders, receiving your goodies, and finally seeing your vision come to life. Don't forget to take before and after pictures!Once you unbox your orders, lay them out according to your layout. Once all your items have arrived and been placed, only then move on to the next step.
9. Analyze your space - By this point, you should have received all your items and placed them according to your layout. Take a step back and really analyze your space. Look for any areas that feel too empty or any aspects that make your room feel dull. This is where you can start thinking about your decor items. Take pictures from different angles and consider what needs to be added to the walls or empty spaces. However, it's best to start with a minimalist approach and gradually add more items as needed. Remember, less is often more when it comes to creating a sleek and sophisticated look.
10. Decorate - Having analyzed your space, it's time to consider what decor items you want to add. There are many options available that can elevate your space such as fresh flowers in a vase, coffee table books, faux plants, scented candles, wall sconces, lamps, artwork, decorative mirrors, and candlestick holders. You can find many beautiful decor items in thrift shops, online or even while on vacation. Take your time to explore and gradually build your home with items that truly reflect your style and personality.
By following these steps diligently, you can not only ensure that your entire home decorating process goes smoothly, but you can also save money, time, and avoid unnecessary stress. This step-by-step guide will prevent you from feeling overwhelmed, which is a common experience while undertaking home projects, as you will know precisely what to do at each stage. Additionally, it is crucial to keep in mind the 7 elements of luxury while researching or shopping. This way you can ensure that you are not just buying a product but investing in an overall luxurious experience.
