How to Decorate a Room from Start to Finish

Decorating a room is a refreshing and rewarding project. However, it can also be super overwhelming. Over the years, I’ve developed a series of steps to make the entire process run smoothly. Of course, some things vary in each space, but here are some easy steps you can follow to decorate a room from start to finish.

1. Take Stock of the Situation

Before anything, I like to know what I’m working with. How much budget I have to spend. What kind of material and decor, such as leftover paint or an extra rug, I might have to work with. This lets me create a realistic vision and often inspires me to be more creative!

I know, it’s no fun to start out thinking of money. But, trust me, this will make a world of difference. If you’re keeping it under a few hundred dollars, you’ll want to look for some budget friendly updates and spend only on items that make a big difference. 

Additionally, at this step, I like to measure & determine what cannot be changed.  It’s a good idea to take accurate measurements of the room, including the walls, ceiling, and floor. This will help you choose the right size furniture, rugs, and decor.

Read More: My Neutral Wall Paint Guide is a good place to start for choosing paint colors.

2. Create a Vision

This. Is. So. Important. 

I know this can be tricky but if you do nothing else on this list, do this one.  Creating a vision (whether it’s a pinterest board, a room design board, notes in a journal, or just an image stamped in your mind) is crucial to decorating a room. 

Why? Well, without it, you’ll just end up going in circles. “Maybe I like these curtains. Oh wait, what about pillows? Do those need to match the rug? And the floor?! I hate the floor, what can I do about that? If I change it, what color of paint? And then does that go with the….curtains…?” 

See? It’s a vicious cycle and usually the point when my best friends send me an SOS text. 

Spend some time imagining how you want the space to function and how you want it to feel. 

3. Select Main Furniture Decor

Once your vision is set, it’s time to start with the foundation—your biggest pieces. Large furniture, rugs, and artwork should be selected first because they set the tone for the entire space. These anchor pieces should not only match your style but also be proportional to the room. A too-small rug can make a space feel unbalanced, while oversized furniture can make a room feel cramped.

This is a great time to use sizing charts like my art print guide and my rug sizing guide which help choose size and proportion.

4. Choose Decor & Lighting

Now comes the fun part—layering in personality. Lighting is an often-overlooked element that completely transforms a space. I like to include a variety of lighting source:

• natural light from windows
• room lighting (like a flush mount light fixtures or chandelier)
• ambient lighting (soft back lights)
• task lighting (like a bedside or reading lamp).

I always opt for soft warm white bulbs instead of bright white or daylight bulbs, as the latter can create a cold, blue cast that alters the mood of the room. This lightbulb temperature chart shows how a bulb impacts the mood of a room.

Ok, it’s starting to all come together now! Now it’s time to add the smaller decor items such as throw pillows, plants, candles, vases, and baskets to add your personality and soften any edges.

If you’re wondering where to put small decor items, instead of thinking of decor as just putting stuff places, I like to see decor as finding solutions.

For example:

• If an area feels flat and lacks dimension, I add vertical or tall décor elements to create height.
• If the space feels too cold or sterile, I introduce warm, textured materials like baskets or wood bowls.

Check out my Shelf Decor Roundup for my go to decor pieces perfect for styling.

4. Revise the Space

Don’t stop just now! Editing is the secret ingredient that makes all the difference.

When a space is nearly complete, I like to take a step back, snap a quick photo, and analyze it from a fresh perspective. Often, I’ll remove one décor piece or adjust the placement of a frame, rug, or plant to create better balance. Small tweaks can have a huge impact!

After that? Sit back, relax, and enjoy your beautifully decorated space. Take time to live in it, and if anything feels off in the coming days, don’t be afraid to move things around or swap pieces out. Rooms evolve over time!

more room inspiration:

• Mid-Century Modern Living Room
• Minimal Farmhouse Living Room
• California Casual Dining Room
• Small Home Office

These steps work well whether you’re decorating a new space, giving a room a refresh, or even preparing a home for sale. If you’re looking to sell, be sure to check out my Home Staging Tips for Successfully Selling Your Home—or if you’re going through a life transition, you might find my Decorating After Divorce guide especially helpful. No matter where you are in your journey, your space should reflect who you are and bring you joy!