Designing Your Own Home: Tips and Tricks

A new season may mean that it is time for some new designs to try out so you can make your space look fresh and unique for the changing months.

If you have just moved into a new house with the help of a reliable real estate company like Finlay brewer, then this is a great time to flex your design muscles. You can use your creativity to turn the existing house into the home of your dreams. So how do you go about getting these projects started so your dream home is exactly as you envisioned it?

Anyone can design their entire home or an entire room with a little creativity and some helpful interior design tips, and maybe some interior design apps too. While it may seem daunting at first, following these simple steps will make the process much easier.

Plus you can bring in your family members too if you are doing quite a bit of it yourself. They may not be professional interior designers, but they will help you bring out your personal style and probably help you pick out a sofa and coffee table, for example, that suits you.

So whether you are starting from scratch after moving into a dated property with the help of movers georgetown tx or similar movers in your area, or just looking to update your current space with some wall art or a new paint color, hopefully, this article will help you make the right decisions, whether that is tackling the design yourself or turning to interior design professionals to give it that added shine and style from a different perspective.

Are you good at interior design?

The first step is to figure out your style and how you want your interior space to look. This will help you determine the overall aesthetic of your home and make decisions about furniture, decor, and more for your house. Your creativity should be coming out during this time.

If you have a small room like a back bedroom or powder room you want to get started with first, then that could be a good base to jump off from with deciding on your color scheme, and your layout.

It would be wise to pick up some swatches from a paint store to get a good range. You can test these on one wall next to each other or the ceiling to see how the different colors work in that particular room, you may want the same color throughout, nevertheless, a different style in each room can be done if that is what you are aiming for. Picking out a fresh new color is a good base to start from.

Building a space that showcases your style is essential. This is your own house, your dream house, the house you are excited to live in, so make it feel that way. If you want to put in some wicker furniture, then perfect, however, you do need to make sure that you know how to care for it first. A few accent tables, area rugs, and throw pillows could be all you need for one area.

Home design

What do you envision?

Every homeowner has ideas of their home about where and how it should be. You might have done enough research about the neighborhoods before purchasing your dream home. For instance, you might have decided to move to and live in Westfield, NJ, after reading a blog (like https://sharonsteelerealestate.com/moving-to-westfield-nj/) that gives details about the place’s educational facilities, cost of living and other attractions. Try to put the same research effort into deciding what you want for your interior designs. Give it some time, and think about what you want.

Do you prefer a modern look or something more traditional? Are you drawn to bright colors with geometric shapes and decorative arts or more warm subdued hues that may have a practical element? Would you like to incorporate more natural light to save energy or add different types of lighting?

Once you have a general idea of the direction you want to go in, you can start planning your design and the patterns that go with it. Think about what you want to say with your style. Mull around the ideas in your head and write them down if needs be.

If you have developed different tastes over the years then think about what you want to keep with your current layout and what would be best to send to a charity shop or pass on to a friend or relative.

Thoroughly consider your design ideas and if they need tweaking. There are important rooms in everyone’s house, you may want to tackle those first as they could be the focal point you want the attention on. Your four walls are yours to design, go with it.

Have a think about –

  • What colors go together?
  • Are you looking at patterns throughout?
  • Thought about a singular statement wall?
  • Could re-upholster your furniture without having to get new pieces?

All of these things need to be considered, as you could find that you do not actually need to get rid of most of what you already have because you could re-paint them or change up the style with a few tweaks that will make it look fresh but without the price tag. Painting can hide a multitude of design sins.

Paint swatches

Get out the measuring tape

Next, you will need to measure the area that you are designing, e.g. living room, dining room, any bedrooms, etc., and the furniture. This will help you determine how much of each item you need and where it will fit in your home. Once you have these numbers, you can start shopping for the pieces you require.

If you are carefully watching your finances, do not worry – there are plenty of ways to save money on furniture and decor. Most people are searching for bargains these days, so you are not alone in finding cheaper options.

Buying second-hand

Second-hand stores and charity shops (back to them again), can have some great additions to your home, you just need to know where to look and how you can incorporate that into your design plan. You may be worried about buying a second-hand table or rug, but as long as you check over the pieces and make sure they are not damaged or have stains on them, you should be fine.

Chair and sofa in a living room

If you find something that you think would be wonderful for your space but it does not exactly fit into the area you want, you may want to look at how you can switch that up by rearranging the room to see if it will fit, or, if you are still struggling, you can always take it to someone to resize it.

For example, you have found a dining room table that will pull the room together and have it be the pièce de résistance of the room but it takes up too much of the space. You can take it to a upholster who can design it in your image. You may want to search online for someone who can do that, or find a local professional.

Budget, budget, budget

As previously mentioned, saving money on designing a home is important. You do not want to spend every last bit of your savings on a design that you may get bored of in a few months, or use a large chunk of your finances on paint. After picking out your style and taking all your measurements it is time to source exactly what you need and how you can factor the cost in.

Create a list

Write a detailed list of what materials you need and a separate list of what you already have that you can repurpose to fit in. Going to a variety of shops that have the items you need will give you a general idea of the price which you can compare to cheaper areas.

Aiming for something bigger?

If you want to expand on your design process and look at maybe adding a construction project to your house plans, you will need to think about what you have to spend and how that will factor into what you want. There are a few things that you must consider before going down this route –

  • The overall cost
  • What building materials are needed
  • Will you need a builder or builders?
  • The space you have available
  • How long the construction work will take
  • Will it be time-consuming?
  • Will it affect your family?
  • Do you envision the house being this way in the future?

All of these things will need to be looked into before embarking on this journey. Now may not be the time to build your very own custom home from the ground up. You might just want to stick with a simple home design for your property with a few areas being re-designed.

person caluclating costs on a notepad

Online assistance

Do not forget to utilize online sites too as they may be able to have something for a lot cheaper than stores. You can also check out blogs that do DIY posts on how to construct an item that looks expensive but is actually cheap, like making a statement bowl out of concrete and paint or doing your own wall pattern with painter’s tape. It may seem weird to do initially, but it will be unique to you and your home.

Some items you may find useful for DIY projects are –

  • wood
  • flower pots
  • paper
  • string
  • paint

It really is up to you and what you think you could make into something that fits in with your aesthetic.

The final piece to the puzzle

Finally, it is time for the physical design phase and putting your plans together for the various rooms you have chosen to do this process with. This is where you will be able to really get creative and make your home your own.

Have fun with it and do not be afraid to experiment. Hang art on the walls, and fill your room with plants and painted objects. Or, you can opt for customized window blinds, or curtains to enrich the final look of the house. You can also use Motorized Blinds with automated sensors for your window shades. If you do not like anything, re-do it or take it down. You can always save these items for future projects. You need to feel confident with your choices and the process you are going through.

Speak to an interior designer

It is important that you experiment with what you have got. Knowing how to design your own home is important, so speak to specialists like an interior designer to see how they can help you pick out just what you need. You can then build on that and incorporate different designs that fit into your overall plan. They are specialists in interior design for a reason, they have great insights.

Conclusion

Designing and decorating your home can seem daunting, but it is actually quite easy if you know what to do. Just start with your style, measure your space, plan your finances, speak to a builder if needs be, and shop for the pieces you require. Then put it all together and enjoy your new home!

Patio Furniture Buying Guide

Buying a patio set is exciting, but it can also be a little daunting, especially if you are new to patio furniture. After all, there are so many types of outdoor furniture available and the styles, materials, and price points vary wildly. Plus, it can be difficult to decide what type, size, and style of patio set you want, which furniture you will need, and where to put it.

If you have already thought about installing a a great patio, but not yet decided on which patio furniture to add to your outdoor living space, then this guide is for you. Patio furniture offers many benefits for homeowners but purchasing patio furniture isn’t necessarily cheap; you’re looking at a significant investment. An excellent patio furniture buying guide will help you make an informed decision, so let us look at what to consider when shopping for patio furniture.

What Is Patio Furniture

Patio furniture is furniture that is designed specifically for use outdoors. It may be specifically designated for use on the patio, or it may simply be described as “outdoor furniture.” While patio furniture is typically more expensive than indoor furniture, it is generally designed with that region’s climate and weather conditions in mind, so the furniture should last longer.

How To Choose Outdoor Furniture That’s Right For You.

When it comes time to buy new outdoor furniture, you have several options. You can buy a pre-made set or create your own look from individual pieces. The material you choose matters; wood is the traditional material, but teak, wicker, aluminum, and plastic are popular options too. Most homeowners, however, who plan to purchase patio furniture often wonder whether they should purchase pieces that match their existing furniture or whether mismatched pieces would work just as well. The truth is that it all depends on the choice and taste of those who are about to purchase patio furniture. One can opt for either of the two options (going through the blog post on Awesome Woman Project could make it easier to decide).

Here Are Some Tips For Buying Patio Furniture That Works Well In These Conditions.

  • Choose durable, comfortable upholstery materials.

Durable, comfortable materials, such as Sunbrella and synthetic wicker, are your best bet when choosing furniture for the outdoors.

  • Look for furniture that is designed to withstand the elements.

Look for furniture resistant to rust, mold, mildew, and rot-including cushions. While indoor pillows and cushions are machine-washable, outdoor cushions should be spot cleaned or removed from the furniture for cleaning.

  • Buy furniture with a protective cover.

Buy furniture with built-in covers, such as umbrellas, canopies, and awnings. These will protect your furniture from sun damage. In case, however, you do not get the desired pieces of furniture with the cover, you can simply build a pergola cover over the patio area (for more ideas visit OmniHomeIdeas or similar websites) to do the job.

What is Your Outdoor Area like?

The right patio furniture can make a huge difference to your outdoor space. Whether you are thinking about an outdoor deck, patio, or balcony, it is only natural to want to make it as inviting as possible. With the arrival of warmer weather, it is not too early to start dreaming about your next summer afternoon.

  • Location -That is also true for choosing the ideal patio furniture. The location has a lot to do with where and how you put your new patio furniture. If you plan to have lots of guests over, you will want to put your furniture in a central location. That way, everyone can easily access it. Similarly, if you live in an area that is very dusty and requires you to hire a commercial pressure washing professional on a frequent basis, then you may need lightweight furniture that is easy to move. Besides, you should also consider your furniture’s style, color, and what colors the rest of your yard is.
  • Space – Working out what size patio furniture to buy can be a challenge for buyers. There is a wide variety of sizes to choose from. Today, most people prefer to purchase larger patio furniture rather than smaller ones. Larger patio furniture gives you more room to lounge around. Patio furniture should be selected based on the size of your patio or deck. It also depends on your space.

Choose a Patio Furniture Depending on the Weather Where you Live.

When choosing a patio furniture set, it is essential to consider the climate where you will be using your patio furniture. If you are living somewhere where temperatures regularly dip below freezing, you will want to make sure you are purchasing outdoor furniture that is designed to withstand the cold. For instance, the eucalyptus mahogany wood that is used for Coast Garden’s all-weather patio furniture is less likely to crack, split, or warp because it is less sensitive to extreme cold. If you live in a warmer climate, choose patio furniture that is designed to withstand regular exposure to sunlight-no matter what the season.

How to Care for Wicker Furniture

Wicker furniture has a wide range of benefits. Wicker is durable, weatherproof, and can be made to look as modern or as antique as you want. You can display it outdoors or indoors, depending on the weather. It does not get hot to the touch, so it is a great indoor furniture option. There is a wide variety of wicker furniture to choose from, as well as wicker furniture that is made to look like wood. Wicker is also easy to clean and maintain.

Wicker furniture brings an added level of elegance and charm to any home or patio. However, they can quickly suffer damage when exposed to the sun’s rays. Wicker furniture is made from natural materials like rattan, willow, and bamboo, which can easily burn or fade when exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods. It is important to protect your wicker furniture from direct sunlight to prevent the color from fading or drying out. You can use it indoors or she sheds (learn more about she shed ideas), keeping it protected from the sunlight.

Tips To Care for Your Wicker Furniture

Protect Wicker from the Rays of the Sun.

Wicker furniture brings an added level of elegance and charm to any home or patio. However, they can quickly suffer damage when exposed to the sun’s rays. Wicker furniture is made from natural materials like rattan, willow, and bamboo, which can easily burn or fade when exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods of time. It is important to protect your wicker furniture from direct sunlight to prevent the color from fading or drying out.

Keep Your Wicker Clean.

The wicker furniture is making waves, with its clean and modern appearance and its comfort. However, the hard material requires care to keep it clean and beautiful. So, you will need the proper supplies to clean it from dust, dirt, and grime when needed, so you can keep it looking new always.

Get Rid of Spills Immediately.

Wicker furniture is beautiful and can be a great addition to your home, but it is no match for the elements. If you decide to get in touch with one of the water damage restoration specialists in your locality, they might explain that wicker furniture can be extremely susceptible to water damage, and spills can quickly ruin a new piece. Whether it is water, wine, or grease, spills happen no matter how much you try to protect your wicker furniture. But, you can take necessary precautionary measures to prevent it from happening. For instance, if you leave the water damage untended for a longer period, it can lead to the growth of mold in those places. Therefore, you may have to buy mold test kit beforehand as these spills can frequently occur. It can provide you with time for taking right steps.

Completely Clean Your Wicker Furniture At Least Every Six Months.

Wicker furniture, while beautiful, can be a lot of work to care for. The thick fibers of wicker, especially natural wicker, need special attention if you do not want your furniture to disintegrate into dust. Often, the wicker fibers need a good wipe down every six to eight months to keep them in prime condition. Over time, dust, pollen, animal dander, and general debris can collect in the fibers. If left unchecked, the buildup of these particles can dull the color and degrade the wicker.

You Can Add Lemon Oil to Your Wicker Furniture.

In order to keep your wicker furniture looking its very best, you will want to learn how to care for your particular pieces. Add lemon oil to your wicker furniture to keep it smelling clean and fresh as well as have it looking vibrant, especially in the sun-filled months.

Protect Wicker from Harsh Weather Conditions.

Wicker furniture is extremely popular and with good reason. These gorgeous furniture pieces add instant style to any area, and there is something so nostalgic about wicker. It is also very durable, plus it is often more affordable than other types of furniture. But, if you are looking to extend the life of your wicker furniture, it is especially important to protect it from damaging weather conditions. That means covering it during rain, snow, sleet, and any other harsh weather that may be on the way. Therefore, make sure you don’t leave them outdoors when a thunderstorm strikes. Otherwise, the furniture may swell up by absorbing the surrounding moisture and become unusable. You may then have to hire a professional packout and content restoration service that can help repair the pieces of furniture and make them new again.

Treat Wicker Furniture with Care.

Wicker furniture can be damaged easily by heavy objects such as basketballs, outdoor toys, and pets. If your children are planning to play outside where your furniture is, it may be best to move it into a safe zone, or cover it up to lessen the chance of damage when they are throwing things around.

Resurface Your Wicker Furniture.

Wicker furniture is a classic choice for many homes, but wicker pieces can become dingy and fade over time, especially if exposed to sunlight. If your wicker furniture has lost its luster, you can rejuvenate it with a fresh coat of spray paint. Resurfacing wicker furniture gives you an easy way to restore the color and finish of the furniture, and it is a lot less expensive (and easier) than replacing the entire piece.

Wicker furniture is growing in popularity as more people seek affordable, durable furniture that does not break the bank. While wicker furniture is sturdy, it does require care and maintenance.

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