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Do-It-Yourself Interior Design After Move

Monday, November 20, 2023
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Are you about to move into a new home? Your mind must be buzzing with countless interior design ideas, even the do-it-yourself interior design ideas.

The best way to make your home functional and beautiful without breaking the bank is to give wings to your creativity. Take a hands-on approach instead of hiring professional help. Embrace do-it-yourself interior design and stamp your space with your unique personality. 

Read on to explore budget-friendly decorating tips, from arranging furniture to adding personal touches. Carefully chosen DIY interior design ideas and home decorations will make your post-move home cozy and stylish. The following guidelines will help you to create a well-arranged and aesthetically pleasing living space.

Scandinavian-style open-plan living room

How to Do DIY Interior Design

Moving to a new place is a great chance to create a new look. Your new space is a blank canvas, and you can let your imagination soar high. However, make a plan before you dive in. Determine what style suits you best, consider your practical needs, set your budget and jump on your DIY interior design ideas. 

Knowing what you want and what you can afford will allow you to create your dream environment. 

Start the DIY interior design of your home by assessing the furniture and decor you currently own. If some pieces can’t fit into your new home or don’t align with your desired style, consider selling or donating them. Do this early, before you call moving companies for a quote because movers will want to know what you are taking to your new place.

The next step is to establish the measurements and purpose of each room in your new home. For example, do you need a guest room? Or a dedicated dining space? Then decide which area you want to tackle first. 

Once you have covered the basics, you can implement your DIY interior design decorating ideas.

Choose Your Interior Design Style

One of the fun parts of DIY interior design is browsing interior design magazines and websites for inspiration. Save photographs of the rooms that appeal to you as a reference. 

You can opt for a specific style, for example, Scandinavian, minimalist, mid-century, rustic, or glam. 

Most people go for an eclectic style. Mixing and matching different styles gives you more freedom and adds interest to your home.   

Think about what makes you feel comfortable and happy. Your personal preferences are the crucial ingredient for defining your design style and DIY interior design ideas. Aim to create a cohesive and harmonious look throughout your home, but don't be afraid to experiment. Interior design is an ongoing process that often evolves. 

Set a Color Palette

When exploring interior design ideas, forget about the colors that are currently in. Instead, go for the colors you like. You may have a treasured painting that will hang in your living room. Why not pick two or three colors from it and get cushions, curtains, or rugs in similar hues? Alternatively, take a look at your favorite outfits. If you feel good wearing them, you will enjoy similar colors in your home.    

It does not matter whether you are into a muted or bold color palette. Select up to two or three colors that go together well and have them appear throughout the space. Then add accents and features to specific areas.

Arrange Your Furniture Well

To achieve good interior design, carefully consider the functionality and the aesthetics of your furniture, as well as the flow and balance.

Decide on a central element in the room, such as a fireplace, TV set, large window, or a piece of artwork, and place your furniture around it. The focal point anchors the room and gives it a sense of purpose. 

When arranging your furniture, aim to achieve balance by distributing visual weight evenly. For example, if you have a large, heavy piece of furniture on one side of the room, balance it with other items of similar visual weight on the opposite side. Group sofas and chairs so that you and your friends can comfortably talk to each other. Everyone should have easy access to a side table or coffee table.

Experiment with different furniture layouts and make adjustments until you find the one that works best for your space. Remember not to overcrowd your rooms with furniture and leave enough space for people to move around.

Mid-century style living room with warm colors

Use Different Textures, Patterns, and Shapes

Add texture to your DIY home design by contrasting rough and smooth or glazed and matte elements. Soft, plush rugs and cozy throws can make a room look warm and inviting. Wood exudes a natural charm, while metallic finishes can create luxurious and glamorous interiors. Experiment with different textures to provide depth and interest to your space.

You will achieve a similar effect by mixing patterns and prints with solid colors. Cushions with geometric or floral prints will stand out on a plain sofa and make it look more inviting. You can pair a small print with a large print, but avoid repeating the same print throughout a room. Some interior designers say that specific prints do not go together, for example, florals and stripes, but let your eyes be your guide. In any case, choose the hues from the same color palette to achieve an aesthetically appealing look.

Using different shapes is another way to uplift your interior. Straight lines provide structure to the space and evoke strength and stability. Round shapes create softness and contribute to a relaxing and friendly atmosphere. It’s easy to introduce curves into your home with round mirrors, floor rugs, footstools, or coffee tables.

Consider the Lighting

Proper lighting sets the ambiance of a room. Experiment with various lighting fixtures such as floor lamps, table lamps, pendant lights, and even candles to find the perfect balance between functionality and aesthetics.

Well-placed lighting creates depth and height and draws attention to the areas you want to accentuate. Daylight is also a crucial factor. Observe how it enters your space and make the most of it. 

Pay Attention to Details

Personal touches complete the DIY decor ideas. Accessories such as candle holders, picture frames, and figurines will transform your home. Potted plants will add color, texture, and life. New cabinet handles, sofa legs, or light switches can uplift your new home. 

The details are worth careful consideration because they add personality, fun, and style to your DIY home interior design project.

Enjoy the Process of DIY Interior Design

DIY interior design is a creative process. There are no strict rules, and making mistakes is part of the learning experience.  

Consider the practical side when making design decisions. High-maintenance materials and decor choices may look great but can become burdensome. For example, a glass-top dining table is difficult to keep clean and can present a hazard in your home. 

When in doubt, seek advice from friends or family. They may offer valuable interior design ideas and help you avoid common mistakes, such as placing all your furniture against the walls, hanging wall decorations too high, or failing to incorporate open spaces. Rugs that are too small and curtains that are too short are also big no-nos in the interior design. 

Trust your instincts and preferences, and take time to build a space that truly reflects your vision. Remember to have fun decorating your new home!

A retired couple in front of their new home

Have a Successful Move with Shyft

After fitting in all the puzzle pieces to create the DIY interior design of your dreams, you will experience a great sense of accomplishment. But before that, you deserve a successful and smooth move to your new home. 

Relocating can be difficult. It calls for meticulous organization from start to finish. 

That is where  AARP® Moving Services powered by Shyft comes in. Shyft is a tech-powered moving platform that offers solutions to your individual needs. Shyft can streamline your relocation journey, alleviate stress, and save you time and money. 

As an AARP member, you enjoy a fantastic discount of up to $250 for every move you book, regardless of how many times or where you decide to move.

Connecting with Shyft is easy. Just fill in a short form online or call Shyft at 1-888-838-5981. Then download Shyft Next, the highly accurate moving app for iPhone and Android devices, and schedule a video call with a Shyft Move Coach. 

During the video call, Move Coach will compile your moving inventory list. There’s no need for physical visits. You just need to point the camera on your device at the items you want to move. Your Move Coach will also answer your questions about the moving process and advise you on the best options for your budget. 

After the virtual survey, you'll receive the inventory list. To achieve 100% perfection, refine it by adding or removing items and services as you see fit. 

When you are happy with your inventory list, approve it in the Shyft Next app. Your Move Coach will source quotes from reliable, Shyft-vetted moving companies. Shyft has a vast network of professional movers that can handle every type of relocation, from local to international, and provide any moving service you may require. 

You will receive three or more best quotes from different movers, as well as comprehensive company profiles. Such details empower you to make an informed decision when choosing one of the quotes. 

Once you accept a quote, the price is locked in and cannot be changed unless you add or remove items or adjust the move distance. Just ensure you book your move before the quote's expiration date.

Your dedicated Move Coach will oversee the entire process, providing continuous support from start to finish, ensuring a high-quality service. Shyft is available seven days a week throughout the relocation journey. You can call Shyft if you have any questions or want to get a progress update. Shyft’s commitment to customer service will make your moving experience truly exceptional.

To keep everything organized and on track, remember to print Shyft’s moving checklist

Book your move now and claim your exclusive discount of up to $250.

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