How to Design Your Dream Space in 9 Simple Steps

1. Assess Your Needs and Space

First things first: assess the basics. Consider your home's architecture, your lifestyle, and your priorities. How do you want to use your space? What are your must-haves, and what are your nice-to-haves? This first step of the process is the foundation of your design plan.

2. Take Inventory of Your Existing Furniture

Next, look at what you already have. Assess your existing pieces to decide whether you want to keep, replace, or repurpose them. You can breathe new life and upgrade the look of older furniture by reupholstering, refinishing, or painting them.

Sometimes, you can update an older dresser by simply polishing it up and switching out the poles or knobs.

But if things simply don't fit the space, consider selling or relocating them to other rooms of your house.

Shopping your home can save you money and time when you're designing your space.

3. Create a Mood Board to Capture Your Vision

The next step requires you to be a little bit creative! Put together a mood board to gather inspiration. Look through magazines, Pinterest, or your favorite design blogs and create a mood board that captures the look and feel you're going for.

Analyze the details of the images you've collected to identify common elements like colors, style, and texture. This will help you visualize your design direction, determine the color palette and style you're going for, and guide you on your journey when you're sourcing materials and furniture.

You can opt to print the images and place them in a folder so you can carry them with you when you go shopping, or you can create a digital mood board using computer software like Canva.

This is an easy way to compile images of furniture, rugs, colors, and accessories into one visual. It allows you to fine-tune your design before committing to purchases.

Remember, you don't necessarily need to buy the exact items that are on your mood board. This is where you get to dream about your perfect space. The mood board can act as a reference tool to source similar-looking items based on your budget.

4. Plan Your Space for Functionality and Flow

Now, let's talk about space planning! Measure twice, decorate once. Consider the size and scale of your furniture pieces, and use painter's tape to visualize the layout before making any purchases.

Also, keep in mind the size and quantity of pieces you will be placing in the room to ensure optimal functionality and traffic flow through the space. It's all about finding the perfect balance.

5. Layer Lighting for Ambiance and Functionality

Next, consider a layered lighting plan. Think about the type of lighting you need and where you want to place them—because lighting matters!

Ideally, plan for a combination of three to four sources of light dispersed throughout the space.

Illuminate your space with a mix of overhead, task, and accent lighting. Multiple light sources enhance the ambiance and functionality of your space.

6. Start from the Ground Up: Rugs and Furniture

Begin with your foundational pieces. Select a rug to set the tone for the room and build your design from there. Consider the style, color, and size that will best complement your space. This will ground your furniture arrangements, so go as big as you can!

Then, focus on the other larger pieces like a sofa and accent furniture. Think about style, color, and, of course, comfort.

7. Bring Your Walls to Life with Art and Mirrors

Art and mirrors can add character and personality to a room, whether it's a statement piece or a gallery wall. Invest in one-of-a-kind art pieces or opt for budget-friendly alternatives like prints and vintage finds.

Art is very personal, so as long as you enjoy the way it looks and it goes with your color palette, it doesn't matter whether it's an original piece of art or a print from Etsy or Amazon.

If it brings you joy, that's all that matters!

8. Add Personality with Textiles and Accessories

Next, add personality with textiles and accessories. Think of throw pillows, blankets, and decorative options that reflect your style to add warmth and interest to the space.

While you're designing your room, don't forget to inject life into the space by incorporating some live or artificial greenery. Tall plants can fill awkward corners or act as a focal point.

A potted plant or vase with green stems on a table or console can add a fresh, natural look to a space.