Interior decorating can be difficult, expensive, and overwhelming, but you need to also account for your space, style, and budget. Before you start your design project, make sure you are prepared.

Mistake #1: Not Establishing Your Budget & Sticking To It

The first step of any project should be establishing your budget. To prevent yourself from running over budget before you complete the space, make a list of all the furniture you need and how much you’re likely to spend on each one. Next, determine which furniture pieces are most important and purchase those first.

Mistake #2: Not Having a Plan

Before you start the buying process, ask yourself a few questions:

• Do you have any existing furniture you’d like to use? Would you like the furniture if it was refinished?
• Do you know how you intend to use the room? Will it have two purposes (i.e. office/guest space)? How many people will be regularly using the space?
• Is there a certain an interior design style that inspires you?

Mistake #3: Forgetting Your Style

Don’t opt for trends and forget your individual style. You can be relevant and select an overall interior design style and broadly stick to it to ensure your home has a flow, but don’t sacrifice your personal style. Don’t copy what is popular and also consider what pieces are trendy vs. lasting.

Mistake #4: Not Planning Around the Size & Shape of the Space

After step one, step two should ALWAYS be taking proper measurements of the space and understanding the flow of the room. Figure out how you want the room to function and where you’d like potential furniture to go.