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Decorating
your first home
One of the most exciting occasions in many people's
lives is the day they move into their first house.
Sometimes that exhilaration can give way to distress
as new homeowners face the daunting task before
them--filling up all that space with the right things.
"The biggest problem I see with people decorating
their first home is not taking the time to figure
out exactly what they want," says Roderick
Shade, founder of Roderick N. Shade Interior Design
in New York City and author of Harlem Style. "I
always advise people to slow down, take their time
and really think about the things they want."
Do Your Research
Before you buy your first item, Shade suggests that
new homeowners look |
at decorating magazines, examine
the different types of furnishings and compare overall
styles, such as contemporary versus traditional.
"Once you figure out what style you want, you
can develop an approach for each room that's part
of a whole-house plan," he says.
Choose Quality Over Quantity
First-time homeowners operating on a budget often
have the urge to initially buy a lot of inexpensive
items. Instead of filling up a house quickly with
a lot of furniture and accessories that you really
might not prefer, Shade recommends you buy a few
quality items that you really like. Start with the
basics. For example, if you're shopping for a bedroom,
buy the bed you really want, and add complementary
furnishings later.
Use Color and Light
One of the most inexpensive ways to change the feel
of any room is to use color. If you want to make
a room more vibrant, Shade says, a new paint job
might be all you need. He also advises new owners
to pay attention to lighting. If you're looking
for a work-area light fixture, buy a strong one
that's suitable for the task. Shade says your lighting
will also look better if you light a specific space
(such as a wall where you plan to display artwork)
rather than trying to buy a light fixture that illuminates
the whole room.
Consider Professional Help
If it's all just too overwhelming, consider hiring
a designer. Many design professionals who work across
a broad range of budgets are available. Using a
designer could actually save you time and money
since they know where to shop. You can also take
advantage of staff design consultants who are available
in stores that sell furnishings or window treatments.
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