How to create a decorating plan

The best way to kick start any project is by getting inspired and there’s plenty of different ways to do this. The internet is the most obvious place to start as there is an abundance of ideas out there. Pinterest in particular is a great source to gain ideas of colours, furniture, fabrics and textures. There are also tonnes of great home and lifestyle magazines out there so why not grab a few copies and start compiling a collection of images that you like. Once you have an idea of the style you like, your next step should be creating a mood board that gives a clear representation of what you are trying to achieve. Having this can help you keep focused on completing the project.

Creating a budget can also feel a little scary but it is an important part of decorating planning and it’s easy once you get started. We suggest thinking about the overall amount that you are wanting to spend as this will help you not go over budget. No matter what budget you have, you will be able to achieve something amazing. Start by creating a shopping list of all the items you will need to complete the project and the cost of each item. If you’re list comes in on budget then that’s great but if your list has gone over then don’t worry because we’ve got a few tips to help.

Consider the pieces that you may already have that you can re-use and take off your shopping list. Your existing furniture can be reinvented by using the Harris Upcycle Kit, or given a new lease of life with decorative cushions and throws.

Always make sure that you have done your research on your items in your shopping list. You may have fallen in love with that over budget stunning piece, but there might be a cheaper alternative out there just waiting to be found. It’s also ok to splurge on one or two of those luxury items that you think will really tie it all together. At the end of the day it’s all about balance and making sure you are happy with the end result.

You may already know exactly where you want everything to go but if you don’t then creating a room plan can be really useful. If you’re getting new furniture then this is especially helpful as you will need to measure the room and the size of the pieces to make sure everything fits. It’s also a great way to experiment with different layouts on paper without having to do any heavy lifting. Although you may want to consider any features that may affect the layout like doors and windows.

Experiment with different materials like paint and wallpaper samples from your supplier. Pin or paint your samples on your wall and live with them for a while to help you decide. Having a clear vision of the room is crucial for ensuring a quality finish and it also helps you feel closer to your end goal.

This can be the most daunting part of any project but it’s also where the fun begins. However, there are a few things to consider before you get stuck in, such as preparing the room for painting, making sure you have the right tools and ensuring you plan your time effectively before moving onto the next project.

We recommend always painting ceilings and walls first, leaving all decorative touches until the end. Preparation is key to getting a smooth finish, so make sure that your surfaces are ready to be worked on by removing any existing wallpaper, peeling paint, and filling in any holes. We’ve got some great stripper and scraper tools and how to resources for stripping paint and wallpaper.

When painting we suggest using the Harris Blade paint brush to cut in around the edges and a paint roller set to paint the walls from top to bottom. For more information or advice on painting, check out our how to guides or general ideas and tips.

Once your paint or wallpaper is dry you can start moving your main furniture into the room using your room plan. After you have got your key items in place you can start adding a touch of personality through lighting, artwork, accessories and decorative features. Finally after all the hard work is complete you can rest your feet and admire the beautiful room you have created.