Shopping for Home Decor

Decorating in your new home or giving your current home a makeover is an exciting undertaking. You get to establish a new look or reinvent your favorite rooms. Figuring out how to go about finding your new décor pieces can be a bit overwhelming. There are so many choices; and, you like all kinds of different aesthetics; plus, you have to find a way to stay within your budget. So, you need a plan to help guide you through the process to achieve your interior design goals. Check out these simple guidelines to help you on your way. 

Know what you want. 

Before you start actively shopping and buying browse some design ideas to narrow down your shopping list. Create an idea book using Pinterest or just by saving images to a folder on your computer. Determine what on color scheme, or schemes, and themes you want to focus. Window shop online to get a general idea of the art and furniture pieces you want to look for, and their price range. Put together ideas for knick-knacks, vases, and boxes to carry your décor scheme through your bookshelves and accent pieces. When you know what you want you're ready to set your budget.

Shop within your means. 

Knowing the limitations of your budget can save you a lot of grief and buyer's remorse when shopping. You may want a new Eames chair, but it's just not within your means. Shop around online and see if there are comparable chairs at a lower price. If not, you know you'll need to consider other pieces. Setting your budget helps you determine what stores to avoid. Don't bother shopping at a place you can't afford. Know if you need to purchase at discount stores and estate sales or if you can splurge for luxury interior décor shops. Determine what you can spend on each article or types of pieces. Set aside an amount for furniture, wall art, and small accessories. Then decide what kinds of pieces you absolutely want or need, and what you can forgo if you can't find the right piece within your budget. You might want a new sofa and accent chair, but the couch you have is still in good condition and will fit with the décor changes you're trying to implement so that you can focus your search on a new chair instead.

Bring your partner or a friend. 

Shopping can start out fun but can become stressful when it comes down to making the purchasing decisions. You might begin second-guessing yourself or get distracted by something new at the store that doesn't match the plan you created. Bring someone with you who knows you well and ask them to be your advisor. Share your design goals and shopping list with them so they can help you stay focused on the items you truly want. Ask them to help you say yes and just go for it when you see something you like that fits your budget and to help you say "no" before you put something in the cart that's outside the plan.

Once you outline your goals, you're ready to go shopping. Take a few days or weekends to look around. Take your time and don't try to purchase everything on the same day and try out different kinds of shops and estate sales to find unique pieces for your home.

If you're moving into a new home and saving enough money for all updated décor is something you want to do, express this budgetary requirement to your real estate agent. Working together they will be able to help you find a home that allows for a bit of room in your budget set aside for interior design.