Moving into a new place—whether you’re renting or have just received the keys to your own property—can feel thrilling and terrifying in equal measure. That blank canvas of four walls holds endless potential, but turning it into a space that truly feels like yours? That’s where things get complicated.
“People get in their heads about decorating their space,” says Drew Michael Scott, an interior designer and founder of the lifestyle brand Lone Fox. “It can be hard to know where to start, what you can afford or accomplish, or if you’re getting it wrong.”
But here’s the truth that might surprise you: your home is not a magazine cover waiting to happen, and that’s perfectly fine.
“Decorating your home is not that serious, and it’s nothing to lose sleep over,” Scott says. “The goal should be to create a space you love, and that will look different for each person.”
Whether you’re refreshing a tired rental or starting from scratch in a new build, here’s how the experts say you should approach transforming your space.
Why Your Surroundings Matter More Than You Think
Let’s address the sceptics first. If you’ve ever wondered whether painting a feature wall or investing in decent curtains is truly worth the effort, research suggests it absolutely is.
Studies have shown that the physical spaces we inhabit can have a profound impact on our mental wellbeing and productivity. One small study found that curved rooms actually increased creative thinking, while other research demonstrates that clutter can significantly elevate stress and anxiety levels.
“Home is where you’re supposed to feel safe, happy and completely free,” says Imani Keal, a content creator and interior decorator. “Loving your home is an extension of loving yourself.”
That said, if an empty flat genuinely works for you and brings you peace, that’s valid too. “If you don’t mind a blank space, don’t enjoy decorating and can’t afford to hire someone to do it for you, then live in your blank space,” Scott advises.
Starting From Scratch: A Practical Approach
Before you touch a paintbrush or set foot in a furniture showroom, you need to answer one fundamental question: how do you actually live?
“It won’t matter how nice a space is if it’s not functional,” says Tara Pallay, an interior designer and YouTuber. Consider your day-to-day needs with brutal honesty. Will you need ample storage? Comfortable seating for film nights? A dedicated workspace?
Be real with yourself.
“If you watch TV regularly, hiding a TV for the sake of aesthetics is stupid,” says Keal without mincing words. Design your home around your life, not some idealized version of it.
Once you’ve nailed down function, consider the atmosphere you want to create. “Do you want your bedroom to feel romantic and calming? Do you want your living room to feel playful and energetic?” asks Dani Klarić, an interior designer and co-founder of the Euphoria Collective design group. “Once you identify an emotion, the design decisions become much easier.”
The Big Stuff Comes First
Here’s where many people go wrong—they fixate on decorative accessories before establishing a foundation. Experts unanimously agree that larger items should take priority.
“The items and elements that take up the most space visually—a rug, sofa, paint colour—play a major role in the look and feel of a room,” explains Scott. He recommends beginning with a rug, because “a rug helps anchor all the pieces and helps determine the colour scheme”.
Think of it as establishing your canvas before adding the brushstrokes.
Making It Uniquely Yours
Mood boards and Pinterest Inspiration are brilliant tools, but there’s a danger in following them too closely.
“You can end up with a technically beautiful home that looks like a storefront with no soul,” warns Keal.
The antidote? Personalisation. Keal has developed a framework of seven essential items she believes every space should contain: something you’ve made yourself, something thrifted, something gifted, something you saved hard for, something inherited, and—somewhat controversially—something you “stole” (she means reclaimed from elsewhere, naturally).
Even if you don’t tick all seven boxes, choosing pieces with genuine meaning will make your space feel alive.
“If someone walks into your home and says: ‘This feels so you,’ then you’ve done it right,” says Klarić.
Patience Is a Virtue (Especially in Décor)
Here’s a revelation that might save you both money and heartache: your home doesn’t need to be finished overnight.
“The most beautiful homes are layered over time,” notes Klarić. Buying everything simultaneously often results in a space that feels more showroom than sanctuary.
And what if you make a decision you end up hating? “Change it,” says Keal simply. “It’s not a big deal. Paint over it, sell it on Facebook Marketplace and buy something else. We’re decorating, not doing brain surgery.”
The Pitfalls to Avoid
Even the best intentions can lead to costly errors. Here’s what the professionals see most often.
Getting the scale wrong. “People struggle a lot with scale,” says Scott. “Rugs are often too small, curtains too short and couches too oversized.” Keal is equally scathing: “A 5’x7′ rug has no place in a living room.” The rug is almost always too small. Go bigger than you think you need.
Chasing trends. “The decorating process should be about cultivating personal style rather than trying to copy what’s popular,” says Pallay. Following trends can also quickly make a space feel dated.
“I always encourage people to mix eras, mix colours, and incorporate pieces that carry meaning,” says Klarić. A vintage armchair next to a modern sofa isn’t a clash—it’s character.
Why It Matters
Your home is more than just a place to store your belongings and sleep. Research consistently shows that our surroundings shape our mental health, creativity, and overall quality of life. A space that functions well and feels personally meaningful isn’t a luxury—it’s an investment in your wellbeing. Whether you spend £200 or £20,000 transforming a room, the principle remains the same: your home should work for you, reflect who you are, and ultimately make you feel safe, happy, and completely free. That, in essence, is what decorating is really all about.
