Have you just bought your first property? What an exciting time! You’re probably filled with energy and excitement, eager to tackle what comes next: turning your house into a home.
This may be a daunting prospect if you’ve never tried your hand at interior design or furnishing before, but it can be an incredibly rewarding process.
Whether you’re thinking of just applying the finishing touches or making more drastic changes to the property, here are some of the best ways to put your stamp on it.
Go big with home improvements
One of the best ways to make a house your own is to do something big straight off the bat. You may or may not have the financial resources just yet, but there are always personal loans to help you settle in. If your home purchase has disrupted your credit score, you can look to improve it so you can access better borrowing rates.
Depending on your budget, significant changes such as a loft conversion or kitchen overhaul can have a massive impact on the feel and functionality of your home. Alternatively, upgrading your heating system by installing a new boiler or modern radiators can save you money on bills and bring your house up to scratch.
Other major renovations include changing carpets and flooring throughout or knocking non-structural walls down to create more open-plan living. Why not dream big?
Add personal touches
More subtle changes may help you to settle in a property that already has the fundamentals taken care of. Personal touches can be anything from painting or wallpapering around the house to adding your choice of furniture, fixtures and fittings.
Your sense of personality can really shine through here, so there’s no need to go with the status quo. If you fancy brightening a space up or transforming a bedroom into a themed paradise, then why not?
Budget-friendly decorating tips
Chances are, you may not be ready to make drastic changes to your property so soon after buying and your bank account may not be either. If so, there are always budget-friendly ways to turn your new house into a home.
DIY projects are your best friend here, so be prepared to get covered in paint, dust and all sorts. After a good clean, a few coats of paint in certain rooms can get you into the swing of things. If you’re not ready for expensive furniture, you could try to find some cheaper alternatives in charity shops or online marketplaces – you’d be amazed what people are trying to get rid of.
Soft furnishings such as curtains, duvet covers, cushions and rugs are some of the fundamentals that you can start your design journey with. There’s plenty of time for the rest!
