Decorating tips for first time buyers

Apr 22 2021

Getting the keys to your first home is a huge milestone. Not only is it a financial achievement, it’s also incredibly exciting to have a space that you can make your own. But where do you start? And what look should you go for?

What’s more, many new homeowners, having saved for the property itself, are working to a tight budget when it comes to interior design. At Telford Homes, we know how important it is to put those personal touches to turn your new property into a dream home. We asked interior designers, ArtSpace, who specialise in creating innovative designs to maximise a home’s potential, to provide us with their top tips on how to create an interior design look that’s both stylish and affordable.

Don’t be afraid to use colour:

Wallpaper can often be pricey, so create interest and add colour by using painted bands. This can be half height around all walls, or floor to ceiling in just one strip. It also gives you an opportunity to be braver with colour choices – as you can use darker paints without it overpowering smaller rooms.

Additionally, paint bands can help visually zone different areas in your home. If you have squeezed a study area into your lounge, for example, then creating a feature paint band behind the desk will help it feel separate to the rest of the room.

Amplify natural light:

If you have any areas that are lacking in natural light then mirrors can really help bounce the light back into and around the room. Make a statement by hanging one single large mirror on a wall, or try grouping several different shapes together for extra interest. Whatever the size or style you pick, a mirror can really help to open up the space of a room.

Maximise the space you have:

For any tight areas we would recommend using wall mounted furniture to keep the floor space open, whilst still providing you with storage space. In a smaller lounge you may benefit from choosing a corner sofa to maximise seating for when we are allowed friends and family over! Selecting coffee and side tables with glass tops will allow light to flow through the furniture, giving the illusion of greater space in a room.

The first rule of dressing is to draw the eye upwards, so when dressing a coffee table or shelving then have smaller accessories towards the doorway and group taller items behind that. Keep it interesting by using books or storage boxes to create different levels. Accessories and books are quite ‘hard’ looking, so soften these by combining with greenery and reed diffusers to introduce a different texture. Spend time building your accessory collection, it’s always going to look great if it reflects you and places you’ve been.

Show off your personality:

There are no rules when designing your home, so feel free to get imaginative and show off your tastes. There are so many places to find cool artworks, as well as to support small businesses, so spend time finding artwork that represents you! Instagram is an amazing way to flick through various curators, find a hashtag that you love and get scrolling.

A gallery wall is a creative way to fill a blank wall space, as well as adding your own personality to a room – whether that’s through displaying photographs, a montage of vintage art prints, ceramics or maps. Go for varying sizes of artwork to keep it interesting, don’t just stick with A4! Mix in other elements like mirrors, wall hangings or wall mounted planters to add depth and texture. Framing children’s drawings is a great way to add colour, and also the perfect way to capture memories and show them off.

For more information on the range of stylish homes available from Telford Homes across London, visit https://www.telfordhomes.london/.