5 top tips for decorating your first home

tips for decorating your first home

There’s something uniquely exciting about moving into your first home, but when the boxes have been unpacked and the ‘congratulations’ cards have started to gather dust, you may be faced with the somewhat daunting process of decorating your new abode. First time buyers are often keen to add their own personal touch to their investment, so before you click here for interior design ideas, here are some handy tips to bear in mind.

 

 

decorating your first home

 

Tips for decorating your first home

  1. Have a good clean

If your new property has been left empty for some time, there’s a good chance it’ll need a thorough clean to get it looking half decent – and even if the old occupants have only just moved out, there’s no harm whatsoever in freshening everything up. Not only will this ensure things look as sparkling as possible but it will give you the perfect opportunity to decide which room you want to redecorate first. Scrubbing your home from top to bottom will help to reveal where the problems lie and enable you to make a list of things that need replacing, be it carpets or internal doors.

  1. Prepare surfaces correctly

When it comes to redecorating it’s crucial to prepare surfaces correctly in order to achieve that perfectly polished and smooth finish. If there are small holes or cracks in the walls, for instance, you can repair these using basic shop-bought fillers as well as basecoats and smoothers which help to cover minor imperfections on a wide array of surfaces including ceilings. Putting a thin coat of plaster over existing plaster can also allow for a smooth finish, but if you are faced with big chips or holes, it may be better to call in a professional to get things in tip-top condition.

When it comes to the woodwork in your home, life will be much easier if you have bullnose style skirting and architrave. It might be nice to have intricately detailed profiles but these are much harder to sand down and paint (not to mention cleaning!).

And if you want to paint or varnish wood? Always sand everything down first and be sure to choose a weather resistant product if you are sprucing up garden benches, table and chair sets or anything else that will be subjected to the elements.

  1. Think about soft furnishings

If your property could do with a dash of colour and a new lease of life, don’t underestimate the power of soft furnishings. Everything from rugs and throws to cushions and lampshades are available in an impressive selection of vibrant shades which have the ability to revitalise any room in your home. Most are relatively inexpensive and if you take the time to work out which colour combinations go well together and come up with a scheme that suits your personality and tastes – the results can be exceptional.

 

  1. Change the flooring

Something not quite right in your property? Could it be the flooring? An old tatty carpet can completely ruin the overall effect of your living environment, so if you feel the existing one has seen better days, why not pull it up and start with a blank canvas? From there, you can either choose to lay down a fresh carpet, or opt for wooden flooring which is ideal for allergy sufferers as it’s easy to clean and doesn’t hold onto dust mites, spores and other allergens which can make skin and breathing conditions worse. Sure, you’ll have to shell out for the initial investment but the long-term benefits will outweigh any costs.

  1. Get arty

If you’re lucky enough to have bought a new property or one that’s recently been decorated – or simply like the décor as it is, adding a few pieces of art may be enough to satisfy you for a while. Everyone’s tastes are different, so whether you want to visit art galleries, or head to a street market to check out the local talent the choice is completely yours. As well as investing in unique artwork, it’s also a good idea to put up some pictures as personalised snaps will certainly help turn your house into a home.

While moving can be stressful, it should also be fun, so embrace this milestone with some creativity.

 

 

 

tips for decorating your first home is a featured post – you might also like my post on money saving ideas for your first home

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