More and more people are moving out of bigger metro areas into the suburbs, or even further out into the country. They want to “get away from it all,” or even to get off the grid a little bit, while still maintaining distance enough to have a reasonable commute. Or, they’re pacing up and moving entirely, trialing a new area to test the waters. Perhaps their company has offered them a new position in a different part of the country, or they simply want to try something different.
After urban studio or apartment living, moving to a house can be a little different. Whether you’re buying or long- or short-term renting, going about decorating may be a little daunting with all this free space suddenly at your disposal. Read on to learn a few tips about decorating after you make a move.
Plan Your Furniture to Fit the Room
If you previously had a studio or small apartment, there may not have been a lot of thought put into where the furniture was placed because there simply weren’t a lot of options. You put things where you could and made the best of it. When guests came over, maybe it was a little tight.
In a larger space, you want to plan your furniture to have a natural flow. One of the first rules is you want enough room for walking of course but also think about guests and entertaining, for when you want to have friends and family over. Place furniture in a way so that it makes it easy for people to converse with one another. Also, make sure you don’t group large pieces with large pieces and small pieces with small pieces. Finding the balance is key, and arranging the furniture in this way will offer a natural aesthetic. Also, if you’re able (depending on how far away you’re moving), measuring before you move is a great idea.
Wallpaper Is In
For years, wallpaper hasn’t been in vogue, but in recent years, it’s making a comeback. The right type of wallpaper can really set the tone of the room and add a great aesthetic. This isn’t to say you have to wallpaper every room, but there are many designs and patterns out there to choose from, and there’s bound to be one that matches your furniture and tastes for a room or two with wallpaper. Just as with paint, you can always change your mind later if you’d like to set a different tone for the room, or if you want to use the room for something else (such as a nursery).
Switch Out Light Fixtures
One of the most important things that will affect the way you feel about your new home is the light that’s in it. It may not be something you actively think about, but if the light fixtures are old and the house is dim, if there’s not enough light, or if there’s too much unnatural light, it’s not going to bring a cheerful feeling. Updated light fixtures can really make a big difference.
Of course, bringing in an electrician is a little bit of work, but it’s worth it to help you enjoy your new home more. If you have a foyer, consider installing a chandelier in your entranceway that greets you when you walk in the door. If you have a dimly lit hallway, consider sconces on the walls to make the hallway more brightly lit. You can also simply change out some light fixtures yourself without messing with wires — simply go to your nearest home appliance store and find the fixtures you prefer. Choose retro or modern looks, or minimalist or industrial — it’s your house, and you can make it your own.
Consider Rental Furniture and Decor
You may be feeling unsure about this move. Is it temporary? It is not? A great solution to this dilemma is to consider rental furniture. This gives you the opportunity to leave all your old furniture behind (donate it, sell it, put it in storage), and switch it out for something new. Rental furniture is a perfect, sustainable option and it can easily fill every room of your home, from the living room to the kitchen — even to the laundry room. Plus, you’ll have design consultants on hand to help you with style choices and help you piece things together. Even if you’re not feeling unsure about your move, rental furniture is a viable option for you, as it gives you the opportunity to say goodbye to some of your old, worn-out pieces and mix and match with some new, fresh pieces to truly give your new home some personality.
Don’t Wait to Unpack
Now, this really isn’t a decorating tip per se, but even if you’re feeling a little unsure about everything, don’t wait to unpack. Boxes as decor are dreary, and if you don’t get to them right away, you will never get to them. It’s Murphy’s Law. Once the moving trucks have left, by all means, give yourself a day or two to gather yourself, and then get to unpacking. Plus, unpacking helps you decorate more quickly and start your new adventure. One of the best favors you can do yourself is to go through a decluttering process before you pack your boxes from your old place so that this isn’t a major task. The last thing you want to do is to sort through things right after a major move. The less you take with you, the easier unpacking — and decorating — will be.
CORT Furniture Rental can help you with decor, furniture rental, and design to give your new home the vision you had in mind for it. Our design consultants offer professional styling to ensure your new move-in and home decorating are a success.