- \n
- Set a budget<\/a><\/li>\n
- Get some inspiration<\/a><\/li>\n
- Pick a style, theme, or mood<\/a><\/li>\n
- Choose a color palette<\/a><\/li>\n
- Decide what functionalities you need<\/a><\/li>\n
- Measure your space<\/a><\/li>\n
- Carefully select your anchor purchase<\/a><\/li>\n
- Create a layout<\/a><\/li>\n
- Make a purchasing plan<\/a><\/li>\n
- Order samples<\/a><\/li>\n
- Pick out accessories<\/a><\/li>\n
- Don\u2019t forget the lighting<\/a><\/li>\n
- Add a personal touch<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
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1. Set a budget<\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Set-a-budget-600x373.png\")
\nMaybe you\u2019ve already been setting aside money for months; maybe you just got a bonus. Maybe you\u2019re willing to tap your home equity<\/a> so that you can fund the renovation and have your dream space sooner rather than later.<\/p>\nWhatever the case, get the number-crunching step out of the way first. Once you know how much you can spend, you can take on the creative steps with confidence.<\/p>\n
One way to access your home equity is through a cash-out refinance<\/a>. Credible makes finding a great deal on a cash-out refinance easy. You can compare multiple lenders and see prequalified rates on our site in as little as three minutes.<\/p>\n
Get the cash you need and the rate you deserve<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n- \n
- Compare lenders<\/li>\n
- Get cash out to pay off high-interest debt<\/li>\n
- Prequalify in just 3 minutes<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Find My Loan<\/a>
\nNo annoying calls or emails from lenders!<\/small><\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Trustpilot<\/a><\/div>\n<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/a><\/p>\n
2. Get some inspiration<\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Get-some-inspiration-600x373.png\")
\nDIY designers love using Pinterest for a reason: It puts thousands of images in one place and lets you save them in one click. You can organize those images on your own personal boards, as well as peruse boards other users have created. And, as you save images, Pinterest gets better at suggesting more images you might like.<\/p>\nHome magazines and home improvement shows \u2014 which often share their designs on Pinterest \u2014 are another great source of inspiration.<\/p>\n
At this stage, you\u2019re not trying to find the exact items you want to buy or a specific room you want to copy. You\u2019re just gathering images of aesthetics you like.<\/p>\n
Check Out: <\/i><\/b>10 Ways to Craft an Elegant Outdoor Space<\/i><\/b><\/a><\/p>\n
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3. Pick a style, theme, or mood<\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Pick-a-style-600x373.png\")
\nLook over the images you\u2019ve found and see if there\u2019s a common thread among them. Maybe your selection is clean and minimalist, warm and comforting, or reminiscent of your favorite vacation spot. Pick a style, theme, or mood that matches your personality and feels good to your soul.<\/p>\nAs inspiring as those perfectly designed rooms you\u2019ve gathered inspiration from can be, they usually reflect someone else\u2019s personality \u2014 or no one\u2019s, because they\u2019re meant to be broadly appealing. Now\u2019s the time to think in broad strokes about a space that would really feel like your own.<\/p>\n
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4. Choose a color palette<\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Choose-a-color-palette-600x373.png\")
\nYour design will have a more cohesive look if you decide what colors you want to use before you buy or paint anything. Paint stores often have free sample strips or brochures showcasing modern, coordinating colors.<\/p>\nPinterest also has loads of color palettes other users have created, inspired by nature, seasons, design styles, and locations.<\/p>\n
Tip: <\/b>Adobe offers a free online color wheel tool called Adobe Color<\/a>. This tool can help you choose complementary colors and allows you to experiment with different types of color schemes, such as monochromatic and split complementary. Give it a shot if you\u2019re having a difficult time deciding on a color palette.<\/div><\/div>\nSee: <\/i><\/b>15 DIY Bathroom Remodeling Projects to Tackle This Winter<\/i><\/b><\/a><\/p>\n
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5. Decide what functionalities you need<\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Decide-on-funtionalities-600x373.png\")
\nIn real life, your space can\u2019t just be attractive: It has to be practical and useful, too. Maybe you need more storage space or somewhere to charge electronics. Or stain-resistant upholstery and plenty of light. Make sure to include these functionalities in your plan.<\/p>\nThis is also a good time to do some decluttering \u2014 only keep what you really need and use. You may not need to buy as many bookcases, for example, if you scale down your library first.<\/p>\n
Get Inspired: <\/i><\/b>8 Popular Pandemic Home Renovations to Transform Your Space<\/i><\/b><\/a><\/p>\n
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6. Measure your space<\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Measure-your-space-600x373.png\")
\nThere\u2019s nothing worse than finding out your new couch won\u2019t fit through your front door. Make sure to double-measure your space and carefully check the dimensions of items before you order them.<\/p>\nUsing masking tape or painter\u2019s tape to mark off the size of furniture and wall decor can help you visualize whether an item is too big or too small before you buy it.<\/p>\n
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7. Carefully select your anchor purchase<\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Carefully-select-anchor-purchase-600x373.png\")
\nYour anchor purchase is usually the main focus in the room, like a couch in the family room, a vanity in the bathroom, or a headboard in the bedroom. This will be the piece that you plan the rest of your design around.<\/p>\nKnowing its dimensions, colors, and textures will help you narrow your options for the other items you want to buy. Also, do some research to get cost estimates. Knowing what your anchor purchase will cost helps you establish how much you\u2019ll have left for the rest of the room.<\/p>\n
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8. Create a layout<\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Create-a-layout-600x373.png\")
\nIf you don\u2019t want to learn a new software program, here\u2019s an easy way to plan a layout for your room: search online for free grid paper, customize the square size, then print it out. Decide how much space each square on the grid will represent: perhaps one square foot. Then, pencil in the outline of your room and each element you want to include to see if things will fit where you\u2019d like them to go.<\/p>\nYou can use online design software to draw up a plan. Here are two popular (and free) options to consider that run directly in your web browser:<\/p>\n
- \n
- SketchUp: <\/b>Lets you model a room in three dimensions. You can also view your 3-D models on your mobile device via the SketchUp Viewer app.<\/li>\n
- FloorPlanner:<\/b> Allows you to make 2-D and 3-D floor plans and has a library of items you can use to lay out your space.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
YouTube tutorials are a great way to learn how these programs work.<\/p>\n
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9. Make a purchasing plan<\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Make-a-purchasing-plan-600x373.png\")
\nNow that you know how you want to lay out your space and where everything will fit, you\u2019re ready to make a purchasing plan.<\/p>\nMake one list of items that you already have, and another for items you will need to purchase. Start shopping around, getting real prices, and seeing how your desired purchases work with your budget.<\/p>\n
Remember, you don\u2019t have to buy everything at once. You can plan purchases around sales and months when you know your expenses might be lower.<\/p>\n
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10. Order samples<\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Order-samples-600x373.png\")
\nPaint, window coverings, and flooring are usually easy to get samples of. Upholstered and fabric items, like couches and curtains, may not have samples available unless you\u2019re ordering higher-end or custom items.<\/p>\nSamples are important because seeing an item online or in store is not as useful as seeing it in your own space. That paint color you loved might look too dark or too light in your dining room. Planks of flooring might look too narrow or too wide. Fabric might be too scratchy or too thin.<\/p>\n
As much as you can, try before you buy to save money and time. This\u2019ll help ensure you\u2019re happy with the finished product.<\/p>\n
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11. Pick out accessories<\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Pick-out-accessories-600x373.png\")
\nRugs, throw pillows, curtains, shelves, and art will help pull your space together and make it feel like home. These items are also the perfect way to incorporate the accent colors from your color palette.<\/p>\nIf you\u2019re crafty, you might make some of these accessories yourself. If not, Etsy is a great place to find unique items. Local thrift shops, discount stores, estate sales, and garage sales can be good sources of inexpensive items, if you enjoy the thrill of the hunt.<\/p>\n
Don\u2019t forget plants:<\/b> Living greenery makes for a nice touch. Pothos, jade, and aloe are known to thrive even under the care of the inexperienced.<\/div><\/div>\nSee More Ideas: <\/i><\/b>18 Home Improvement Projects You Can Wrap Up in a Day<\/i><\/b><\/a><\/p>\n
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12. Don\u2019t forget the lighting<\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Dont-forget-the-lighting-600x373.png\")
\nLight fixtures and lamps add another design element to your room, and lighting plays a key part in setting the mood of your new space. Observe how much natural light your room gets at different times of day, then think about how to supplement it.<\/p>\nYou might need light-filtering shades if the daytime sun is too harsh, or strategically placed lamps combined with overhead lighting to read at night.<\/p>\n
Tip: <\/b>There are also affordable smart lighting options that are easy to set up. You can program and customize each bulb\u2019s brightness, color, and hue for different times of day. Their adaptability is also great for adjusting to seasonal changes that affect your home\u2019s natural lighting.<\/div><\/div>\n<\/a><\/p>\n
13. Add a personal touch<\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Add-a-personal-touch-600x373.png\")
\nWhether it\u2019s family photos, travel mementos, or your trophy collection, adding meaningful items will help your newly designed room feel like your own. Incorporate those keepsakes you have packed away in a box into your new space by framing them or arranging them on a tray or shelf.<\/p>\nHow to fund your perfect room<\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/How-to-fund-your-perfect-room-600x373.png\")
<\/a><\/p>\nLet\u2019s be real: Having a perfectly designed room, even if you\u2019re doing it yourself, is a luxury. If it\u2019s the only project you\u2019re doing, saving up for it or paying for it one step at a time might be the most cost-effective choice.<\/p>\n
However, if designing a room is just one part of a major home renovation you\u2019re planning to borrow for, consider a cash-out refinance. It replaces your existing mortgage with a new, larger mortgage while letting you take out home equity in a lump sum. It can be a good choice if today\u2019s interest rates are lower than your current rate.<\/p>\n
Credible can help you compare lenders and find a great rate on a cash-out refinance loan<\/a> in minutes.<\/p>\n
- FloorPlanner:<\/b> Allows you to make 2-D and 3-D floor plans and has a library of items you can use to lay out your space.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- SketchUp: <\/b>Lets you model a room in three dimensions. You can also view your 3-D models on your mobile device via the SketchUp Viewer app.<\/li>\n
- Get some inspiration<\/a><\/li>\n