Interior design can be difficult and time consuming, especially for first time home buyers. After the whole ordeal of finding a house, bidding, inspecting the property, and closing the deal, most people can’t deal with any more stress. Luckily, interior design doesn’t have to be a stressful event, and if done right, can actually be an enjoyable and fun experience.

The largest problem that most first time owners encounter is how to decorate their space to express their individual tastes and ideas. This is usually the hardest obstacle to overcome as the majority of first time owners don’t have a clue as to what their tastes are. Modern, sleek and new aged? Classic, rustic and country? Eccentric, colorful and eclectic? The choices are endless.

Everyday Inspiration
For first time owners, the easiest way to start defining their individual taste is to look around them. Many owners will find they have a certain piece of furniture, artwork, or random household item that “speaks” to them, attracts their eye, and represents their taste. After finding an item of design inspiration, the next step is to discover the color palette.

Finding Color Everywhere
Usually, a first time owner can find their color preference from the item of design inspiration as the color of the item is one of the reasons for the attraction. However, this isn’t always the case. For color ideas, first time owners should once again look to the things around them and their space. While owners should consider the space they’re decorating (natural light, low ceilings, etc.), they should also choose colors that make them feel good. For inspiration, first time owners should visit the staged rooms at a furniture store or home improvement store. Even though these rooms may be bland, seeing the final product can help owners who are completely lost or wavering between two choices.

Design and Decoration
When a first time owner is finally ready to put their ideas on paper (and paint on the walls), the best thing to do is to take things slowly. Instead of buying five gallons of fire-engine red paint, owners should instead buy paint samples, paint a portion of the wall, and live with it for a few days. While owners can’t buy a sample of furniture (wouldn’t that be wonderful!), they can spend time looking at different styles, colors, and options either online or in the store. Once the furniture is paid for and delivered, owners shouldn’t be afraid to rearrange things as many times as necessary. Finally, owners shouldn’t forget the little things, like wall art, lighting, and table arrangements, as these little things help to bring a room together.

As a first time home buyer, the idea of owning a piece of property and doing anything with it is both exciting and daunting. Although interior design might not come natural to everyone, the key for first time owners is to take things slow, identify their likes and dislikes, and cater to their personal needs. This way, a first time owner can create a space they’ll love to live in for many years to come.