Here’s how to decorate your new home from scratch

Whether you're moving intoyour first apartment, house, downsizing or upgrading it can be overwhelming todecorate, especially if you have nothing. I remember when I moved into my firstapartment by myself 12 years ago I had no furniture except for a mattress,books, my computer, and personal items. Sometimes starting from scratch is agreat way to decorate because you have nothing to limit your choices. 

Start Somewhere. When you have little to nothing, it's time to visit the drawing board,look at your home and determine what is the priority. Sometimes the priority isdecorating the entire home and sometimes the priority is taking it one room ata time. Once you've made the decision of what the priority is...focus onit. 

Be Inspired. Every unique design camefrom an inspiration. Once you find yourinspiration it will transpire into a vision. Together,with an interiordesigner, that vision will transform into reality. Aninspiration can be as simple as using the colors and tones of nature or thestyle of your favorite restaurant. There are no wrong answers only unique ones. 

Decide What Is Your Investment. Designing and decorating are investments you make. Based on yourpriority and the vision, finalizing a comfortable total dollar amount is thenext important step. Be sure to decide on a realistic budget before starting any work. Keep in mind that emergencies can occur whichshould reflect in your budget. 

Create aFloor Plan. Once you've determined a budget, focus onyour needs for the room or rooms. Having a well-designed floor plan creates a base for your decorating project, especially if you areworking in phases over time. A floor plan will allow you to go back and finishthe pieces of the design. A floor plan is also a great way to make sure anyfurniture needed will fit properly in your space, which is especially key in smallspaces.

Shopping. Use your floor plan to create a list of furnishings needed toaccomplish the design. Always purchase your largest and most important piecesfirst. When I am designing a room I always like to start with the seating andsome important accessories such as lighting. For example, in a living room, Iwould purchase the sofa and chairs first then tables and lamps with essentialwall decor.

Decoratingis a process. The decor of a space tells a story of those that occupy it,therefore it has to be done with thought and purpose. If you are looking totell your story in your space but don't know how to,let's work togetherto create your vision