Purchasing your first home is an exciting, monumental step in the story of your life. Finally, the freedom to personalize your dwelling is available to you, and deciding how to truly make it your own can be a little overwhelming at the start. It’s likely you may feel you want to hit the ground running: repainting, refurnishing, renovating. The house is yours now, and there’s no need to rush. In fact, it’s better that you take things slowly so you save money and use it where it’s most needed!
Utilize Your Space Wisely
After being subjected to renting for such a long time, it’s a natural reaction to want to go crazy with the personalization of your new place. Pick one area or room and focus on it first, instead of spreading yourself thin throughout the entire home and leaving unfinished projects strewn about. Start with a place you’ll be spending the most time in. If you’re not sure, the safest bet will be the bedroom!
From sleeping, to reading, to watching tv, a lot of time is spent in our bedrooms and making it your sanctuary is one of the quickest ways you can make your home feel like your own. If you don’t like to wake up with the sun in your eyes, purchase some new light-blocking curtains. If you like plants but want some that are low maintenance, try framing your window between some Sansevieria plants, or Mother In Law’s Tongue. They’re incredibly drought tolerant and require very little sun, perfect for a darker bedroom. For those that prefer a bit of light, try some sheer curtains to let in some sun and a neutral colored duvet such as white to give the room a fresh, modern feel. A large area rug can also add a touch of color and make a dull room feel newly renovated without having to re-carpet.
Combat the Clutter
One of the best things you can do for yourself and your home is to keep it organized from the start. By minimizing clutter, your new home will look clean, chic, and upscale. Much like the rule with clothing, if you purchase a new item, give an old one away! It will maintain the open space in your home and keep it feeling fresh rather than drab. Consider some floor-to-ceiling shelving which will efficiently utilize the space in your home for storage and add a contemporary tone to your living area.
Fix the Fixtures
Instead of purchasing all new fixtures, find ways to fix them up! Give kitchen cabinets a crisp new look by painting them with uncommon colors such as light blue, and accent with neutral tones like white and gray. Even small details such as changing the color or styling of a light switch cover can update even the most outdated rooms. Metallic spray paints can be used to add life to old lighting fixtures, and if you’re feeling really creative, you can use stencils to incorporate texture. Another inexpensive way to brighten up a room is to change the type of lightbulb! It may seem trivial, but switching from an incandescent yellow light to a softer, white light can really open up a room.
These are only just a few of some of the many options you have towards decorating your new home! Remember, it’s yours so you have all the time you need to get comfortable and gauge what changes you’d like to see made over time. If the thought of decorating and renovating your very own space has you daydreaming, give Sandi Pressley a call at (505) 980-2999 today and start your search for the ultimate gift, your very own home!