What to Decorate First After You Move In: A Designer’s Guide

Marcie Mauro
May 28
3 min read

You’ve finally moved in—boxes are everywhere, the echo of empty rooms fills the house, and the excitement of starting fresh is tinged with one question: Where do I start decorating?

We get it. You’re eager to create a space that feels like home, but diving into decorating without a plan can lead to overwhelm, mismatched styles, or costly mistakes. At Elated Spaces, our interior design consulting services are designed to guide homeowners just like you—step by step—so you can make confident decorating decisions and love every inch of your home.

In this guide, you’ll learn exactly what to decorate first after you move in, why it matters, and how to set the stage for a home that reflects your style and supports your lifestyle.

Step 1: Start With the Spaces You Use Most

Focus on functionality first. After a big move, prioritize the rooms where you’ll spend the most time—typically the living room, bedroom, and kitchen. These anchor spaces influence your daily comfort and mental clarity.

Living Room: This is your home’s heartbeat. Arrange your seating, anchor the layout with a rug, and hang temporary curtains to soften the space.
Bedroom: Ensure you have window coverings for privacy, a functional bed setup, and a soothing color palette for rest.
Kitchen: Even if it’s already functional, consider upgrading lighting, bar stools, or open shelving styling.

Step 2: Anchor the Layout With Your Largest Furniture

Next, place your biggest furniture pieces first. This gives you a solid framework for designing the rest of the room. Think sofas, beds, dining tables, and entertainment units.

This step helps you:

Define traffic flow
Spot layout challenges early
Avoid overbuying smaller items that don’t fit

Resist the urge to rush out for accent chairs or side tables before your layout is solid. Your large pieces are the bones of your space—get them right first.

Step 3: Plan Lighting Early

Lighting is often overlooked but makes an enormous impact. In interior design consulting, we often say, “You don’t notice good lighting—but you feel it.”

There are three main types of lighting to layer in:

Ambient: Your main overhead lights.
Task: Think reading lamps or kitchen pendants.
Accent: Wall sconces or LED strips under cabinets.

Step 4: Define Your Color Palette Before Shopping

Before buying throw pillows, wall art, or even paint, create a cohesive color scheme. This keeps you from collecting mismatched items and ensures your home flows beautifully from room to room.

Start with:

A dominant neutral (e.g., soft white, greige, light taupe)
Two complementary accent colors
A pop color if desired (e.g., navy, olive, terracotta)

At Elated Space, we help our interior design consulting clients build their personalized palettes using mood boards and samples that reflect both lifestyle and personality.

Ready to create a color plan you’ll love walking into every day?

Schedule a Call

Step 5: Personalize With Art, Textiles, and Accessories

Once your layout and palette are set, start layering in personality. This is the fun part—but it’s also where many homeowners get stuck.

Here’s how to start:

Art: Choose large-scale pieces for big walls to avoid a cluttered gallery wall look.
Rugs: Match to your color palette and furniture layout.
Throw pillows & blankets: Great for bringing in texture and seasonal touches.
Plants: Add life and movement—start with one in each main room.

Don’t worry about having everything finished at once. Focus on intentional layering over time.

Step 6: Don’t Forget Entryways and Hallways

These transitional spaces often go ignored but can make your home feel “put together” faster. Add simple touches like:

Console tables with storage
Art or mirrors to reflect light
Small lamps or wall sconces for ambiance

Tips, Tricks & Mistakes to Avoid

Best Practices:

Create a Pinterest board or save Instagram images to spot trends in your own taste.
Shop “slow”—live in your space for a while before making major purchases.
Measure twice before buying anything—especially rugs, furniture, or wall art.

Common Mistakes:

Buying everything at once before you know what works.
Ignoring lighting and storage needs until it's too late.
Decorating every room simultaneously and running out of steam or budget.

Conclusion: Your Home, Designed With Confidence

Decorating after a move should be exciting—not overwhelming. By following these smart, intentional steps, you’ll avoid costly mistakes and build a home that not only looks amazing but works beautifully for your everyday life.

At Elated Space, we believe interior design consulting should feel like collaboration, not confusion. Through our done-with-you coaching programs, you’ll gain clarity, confidence, and a clear design path.

Want a professional eye on your space before you commit to big decisions?