How can I turn my house into my home?

by Dian Hymer

January 04, 1997

Imagine having enough money left after buying a home so you can completely redecorate before moving in. Nice fantasy. Most home buyers are cash-poor, at least initially. But even with enough money, the challenge of making a new house feel right can seem formidable.

The first step to creating your decor in new surroundings is to realize that, in most cases, it's a process that's best done over time. So initially, your goal is to move into a home that's clean and livable.

Some homes are spruced up for sale before they're marketed. So you could be the beneficiary of a fresh coat of paint. If the sellers chose a neutral color scheme that will compliment your furnishings, have the home professionally cleaned and move in.

Homes that are painted or papered in strong colors or patterns should be repainted if the decor clashes with your belongings. Painting will go more quickly and cost less if you have the work done before you move.

Buyers who are renting should arrange to continue renting until the work is done. If you're selling a home to buy the new one, try to negotiate a rent-back from your buyers so that you can stay in your old home while work is being done on the new place.

It's wise to stick to neutral colors unless you're certain of the direction your decorating scheme will take. Homes need re-painting periodically, so you'll have an opportunity to add color later when your overall plan is developed.

Hardwood floors are also easiest to refinish when a home is vacant. If you're buying a home that has worn hardwood floors that need refinishing, it's best to have it done before you move in.

After the cleaning and sprucing is complete, the next challenge is to move your belongings in and arrange them so that your new place feels like home. Some home buyers have a well-honed sense of style and a great eye for decor. They know before they even move in where each piece of furniture will go. Most homeowners, however, feel intimidated by the decorating process. If you like the way the sellers arranged their furniture, take photographs to use a guide for placing your own furniture when you move in.

FIRST-TIME TIP: Recently, sellers have been hiring decorators who specialize in staging for sale to help them get their homes ready to market. These decorators are usually available for hire on an hourly basis (for about $50 to $75 per hour). They work with the homeowner's belongings, sometimes adding accessories and furnishings the homeowner either buys separately or leases.

Home buyers can also hire stagers to help them arrange their furnishings in their new home. A good local real estate agent can recommend decorators who specialize in staging.

It's usually best to live in a home for awhile before undertaking major renovations. You'll learn a lot about your home and how you want to customize it to suit your needs by living in it.

Plan to make changes gradually and you'll enjoy the process of seeing your house transform into your home. Start with a relatively minor project that will yield positive results in a short period of time.

For example, perhaps your home lacks storage space and you need a place where you can work at home. Have a storage cabinet and desk unit designed and made to fit in a corner of a spare bedroom.

THE CLOSING: After you've had a chance to appreciate the results, move on to other, more complicated, projects.