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Opinions -

If you live on your own, you're typically free to do whatever you want with your rooms, but if this is not the case, then take into consideration the opinions of everyone who lives with you.

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Talk about it -

Gather everyone around, ask a few questions, and take notes.

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Positives -

First, think about what you like about the room, and ask the same question.

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Negatives -

Now it’s time to make a note of what you and those who live in your home don’t like about the room and why. Is it the color of the walls, the furniture, or the lighting?

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How do you want the room to feel? -

It’s important to establish the feel of the room. Do you want it to be a calm space or a playful one? More neutral or vibrant?

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Colors -

Choosing a color scheme can be hard, but think about the entire house and the colors you’re usually drawn to.

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Colors -

Are you more into soft and neutral, or do you prefer bold colors?

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Colors -

Do you want the room to feel cool or warm?

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Who will use the room? -

Is this a room for you, your family, guests, or just the kids?

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What will the room be used for? - Will the room be used for entertaining? Will you eat in the room? Is this a place where you will work?

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Special considerations for room use -

Does the room have to be child or pet-friendly, for instance?

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Structural changes -

Are there things you want/can change in the room? Things such as windows, plumbing, fireplaces, and so on?

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Look for inspiration -

Now that you have the answer to these questions, it’s time to go look for inspiration. Here are some of the places you can draw inspiration from.

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Spaces you like -

Is there a specific place you remember, such as a room in someone else’s house, a holiday home you stayed in, or even a hotel?

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Spaces you like -

Is there a certain feel you’d like to recreate in your own home? Try to gather the elements you appreciated in the first place. Was it the colors used? The furniture display? The lighting?

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Magazines and catalogs -

Look at home decor magazines and product catalogs. There are plenty of good examples that can inspire your decorating project.

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Look online -

From sites to blogs, the World Wide Web offers a world of possibilities when it comes to decor inspo.

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Social media -

Instagram is quite popular when it comes to home decor inspiration. Look for big decor brands as well as through hashtags.

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Social media -

Another popular choice in Pinterest. Again, try to pinpoint what exactly draws you to a specific style, so you can play around with it.

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Test -

Now it’s time to test your decor ideas. Ideally, you’ll get samples of the product you think might work. And while this is not possible for every single product, you can do it with some.

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Start with the walls -

What are you going to do with the walls? Paint them in one color? Add a feature wall? Use wallpaper? Color cards and wallpaper samples might help.

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Wall art -

Are there any paintings or pictures you want to hang on the walls that will help you achieve the kind of decor you want?

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Flooring -

Flooring can completely change how a room looks. Samples are usually available, so pick up some and place them in your room. Look at it at different times of the day and under different lighting.

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Woodwork -

Now think about doors, door frames, and so on. Will you keep the same or will you paint them?

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Soft furnishings -

Things such as curtains, blinds, rugs, and cushions will play a key role in how your room will look.

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Furniture -

This will obviously depend on the room you're redecorating. Is a new couch required or will using a cover do? Should you change the bed, buy a table that matches your decor, or any other piece of furniture?

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Mood board -

You can create a mood board with a collection of pictures that inspired you. This will give you a bigger picture of what your decoration project is all about.

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What if you have more than one room to redecorate? -

Finish one room first before moving onto the next. It’s better to have a finished room than several incomplete rooms.

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See also - Feng shui: tips for a more harmonious home

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