Three tips from a new homeowner

Here are some valuable tips for decorating your home that I wish I had known when I started my own journey:

1. Begin with a blank canvas by choosing neutral tones for your walls instead of bold colors. Neutral colors like grays, tans, whites, and beiges provide a clean look and can easily adapt to changes in your home decor over time. For example, I used Snowbound by Sherwin-Williams in my bedroom and glam room, which is a soft white that adds a clean and upscale feel without being too bright. In my living room, foyer, dining room, and hallways, I opted for Morning Fog by Sherwin-Williams, a trendy and muted shade of gray. Be mindful of undertones in gray paints, as they can affect the appearance of your walls under different lighting conditions. If you still want vibrant colors, consider using them as accent walls to add a pop without having to repaint the entire room.

2. Don't rush to get rid of old furniture. When I moved into my new home, I inherited some furniture pieces from the previous owner and received unwanted treasures from family members. Instead of dismissing them, I took the opportunity to transform them. I sanded, painted, and repurposed two side tables, a dining room buffet, and a dining room table and chairs. By using white chalk paint, distressing the edges, and applying finishing wax, I gave them a vintage and imperfect look that matched the farmhouse style of my house. I also recovered the chair cushions with fabric I found at Hobby Lobby, giving them a trendy makeover.

3. Embrace the power of family photos for wall decor. If you're unsure how to decorate your walls, consider creating a gallery wall with family photos. Look for frames of various sizes, textures, colors, and styles. Hobby Lobby often has sales on picture frames, so you can get them at a discounted price. Mix different frame sizes like 8x10, 5x7, and 4x6, and include larger frames like 11x14 for standout photos. To add more personality, incorporate other decorative pieces like a wooden letter board or unique artwork. I found a wooden letter board on Amazon and a map of Germany's Harz Mountains on Etsy, which represented my family's heritage. By using a string or cord as a guide, you can ensure that your frames are aligned and create a visually pleasing gallery wall.

Enjoy decorating your home and have fun with the process!