Starting with a blank canvas: how to decorate your new house

If you're moving to a new home and starting fresh, the thought of decorating can be overwhelming. With so many options and so much space to work with, what's the best way to begin? Luckily, there are some simple steps you can take to break down the process into manageable pieces and still achieve your interior design goals. Here are some tips for decorating your new home:

Find your style

Deciding on the design style you want for your home is a major step in creating your home design. If you don't know where to start, consider the style of your home's exterior. Most designers recommend using the same style for your interior. While architectural styles don't always equate perfectly to indoor decor, you can pair styles with similar elements, such as craftsman style with the modern farmhouse style.

Plan by room

If you think of your new home as individual rooms rather than one giant space, you may feel less overwhelmed by the prospect of decorating. Break your design plan down room-by-room to make the process more manageable. Doing so will also help you highlight the major points of each room and decorate it perfectly for their respective functions.

Start big

When choosing furniture for a room, begin with the largest pieces first. Often, the biggest and most important piece in a room is the most expensive, so selecting them as a place to begin your design can help you with budgeting. In a living room, try beginning with a sofa or sectional. In the dining room, decide on a table.

Add layers

Once you have established the biggest and most essential furniture pieces in each room, begin to add layers. You don't have to add everything at once, either--try bringing in smaller elements and accessories over time rather than overwhelm yourself with an enormous shopping list. Some layers to begin with include area rugs, accent tables, lighting and window treatments.

A blank canvas doesn't have to be intimidating. By following these tips, you can approach your new house as an exciting opportunity to achieve your personal style.