Decorating and renovating:how did you get started?

[slug*bug]

We're under contract on a new house...and it's just hit me that if all goes well, we'll be in a new place that's much larger than we've ever had in just over a month. Which has left me excited, but quickly followed by this: :-| reaction when I think of how many D&R decisions I have on the horizon.

There's no particular area of the house that needs immediate attention per se: the homeowners did a great job with it and with the exception of the kids BRs, I even like the paint colors. But we'll need furniture for the formal LR, DR and some for the kids rooms...so I'm feeling overwhelmed. The kitchen will eventually need a few upgrades, but it's in good shape and we can certainly live with it indefinitely.

I almost feel like it'd be easier if there was an obvious starting point...but there's not and I'm starting to feel overwhelmed. I've got Pinterest boards galore, but it's not doing much to help me make a priority list.

How did you get started? Suggestions to keep from being overwhelmed?

[lys]

Live in your new home for a few months minimum before beginning any decorating. You do not have to have everything picture perfect anytime soon. Infact it never has to be picture perfect. Decorate your space to fit your lifestyle, for how it will be used and with things you absolutely ove.

[statlerwaldorf]

The one thing I would do before moving in is paint and replace flooring since that is a lot harder once you've moved in. Once you get everything moved in and organized, I would go from there. We first focused on the stuff that needed to be done like replacing the carpets. We needed to buy appliances, so I came up with a design for our kitchen first. I did the bathroom second since it didn't need much work. I just bought a new rug, shower curtain, towels, and that kind of thing.

We moved in a couple months ago and I'm not nearly done. Some rooms are mismatched and some are still pretty bare. I haven't even started on the landscaping yet. I don't like the idea of trying to cram everything in especially when it comes to decor. I like to get a basic idea for the space and only buy a painting or something along those lines that I truly love.

[kaylie]

It's good that there is nothing urgent because being able to take your time will keep you sane. If you can paint the bedrooms before you move in, that will make your life much easier.

We've been in our house for just over two months and done this:

Master Bedroom:
painted
added two pieces of furniture
got new bedding to match new paint

Family Room:
Painted
changed trim from dark wood to white
added recessed lighting
new coffee table and entertainment console
new curtains (bought the fabric and sewed them myself)

Mudroom:
Painted
new washer dryer
added beadboard

Outside:
planted vegetable garden
removed three giant rhododendrons
pressure washed back of house
spray painted patio set from garage sale

There is still A LOT to do, but our house wasn't really up to our decorative standards, anyway. That list doesn't even look that long to me, but holy crap are we exhausted.

As far as strategy, I think it depends on what type of person you are. I absolutely HATE leaving anything half finished, so going room by room works for me. We are fortunate that the house is very big and we don't have kids yet, so we're only living in about one third of it so I'm just ignoring the other two thirds until after I'm done with the first third. I'm thrilled that the family room is done because it means that as I'm working on the rest of the house I have a place where I can go to relax.

Is this going to be your first house? If so, there might be other "start up" expenses that you weren't anticipating. I thought I knew everything we would need to buy but definitely under estimated. If you don't need anything urgently, I would give it a few months before buying any furniture, etc to get a better feel for how your finances will be as homeowners.

[simpsongal]

It can be overwhelming. I'm finding it tought to coordinate rooms. They don't need to be matchy-matchy, but there should be a flow. Flip through some design magazines and get a feel for what you like. Try to measure out and map where you think furniture will fit (arrangement and size). If you're into antiques or estate sales, I'd check those out before buying too many new pieces (so you don't overlap).

We've been in our house 2 months and we're doing a lot of work. Aside from our bedroom, I haven't made too many design choices. I'm already questioning the ones I have made. Trial and error - it's only paint and your can always change it.

[FoxInFiji]

I would start collecting inspiration pictures now if you get the home or not they will help you narrow down what you both like. Make a board on Pinterest for each room and follow interior design blogs that appeal to you. Soon you'll start to see trends with what you like (ie a color scheme, window treatments, furniture styles, etc.). Show these to your SO and see if they are on board with what you like.

Then I would start looking at furniture, rugs, window treatments, and unique accessories. Keep your eye out for things you like. Stick to classic well built pieces if you can afford them. You'll have them for years. Furniture in neutral colors is very versatile and will go with almost any decor. Try picking out color specific things like rugs and bedding before deciding on a paint color. You can pull the paint color out of those pieces (there are thousands of paint colors and limited rugs/bedding/window treatments you like in your price range).

If that still doesn't narrow down your search enough consider working on the public spaces like the living room and dining room before the more private spaces like the bedrooms since those are the spaces guests will see and more hours are spent in everyday.

[emoflamingo]

I agree, collect pictures. Get an idea of what direction you want to go before you start purchasing anything. Once you see what you like and if it'll work in the space (mid century modern won't work in a log cabin!), then go for it. Since nothing is needing work now, just get a feel for the space.

[heygrey]

i naturally gravitate towards the rooms we use the most (kitchen and living room) because i'm in them a lot and see and think and plan. i like having those spaces nice first, also, because it's where guests congregate. my bedroom can go undecorated for a while since i'm barely in there and when i am my eyes are closed.

[steamboat185]

Our old condo was a new build and didn't need any immediate changes so we lived in the house for a bit before painting or buying furniture. Living there gave us a chance to see how we used the spaces and where we actually spent our time.

Our current home had plenty that needed to be done immediately and we had lots of empty rooms, but I think that has helped keep the impulse buys to a minium. Take your time there is no rush.