Interior Design Tips for First-Time Buyers
From mastering layout to choosing colour schemes, interior designer Sally Watson reveals the expert styling hacks every first-time buyer needs to style their space.
There’s no feeling quite like getting the keys to your very first home. Now you can begin the exciting process of putting your personal stamp on the interiors. But where to begin? It can feel like there’s a thousand and one decisions to make, particularly if you’re starting from scratch with no existing furniture or are choosing a colour palette for the first time.
So, we asked interior designer Sally Watson, from Abode, to share her essential pointers for first-time buyers on styling a new home with confidence.
Display photos and objects that mean a lot to you
How to Create Instant Atmosphere in a New Build Home
Even in your first week, there are a few quick wins to make your new home feel lived-in and personal to you.
“Photographs and pieces that have special meanings are a great way to instantly make a place feel like home,” says Sally.
“Lamps are a great way to make a new home feel instantly cosy. It’s all about the ‘golden hour’ soft, ambient light is calming and relaxing,” adds Sally.
Overcoming Decision Fatigue
With an entire home to furnish for the first time, the sheer number of choices – from paint shades to furniture – can be overwhelming. “A good starting point is to create a Pinterest board. Begin by saving all the images you like. This will start to illustrate a style that resonates with you,” says Sally.
It can help you work out what you like and how they go together, helping you narrow down your choices. Don’t feel pressured to have a fully formed idea of what you want on day one.
“Personal style is unique and an exciting journey. It’s like a shirt – nobody wears the same shirt in the same way,” says Sally.
“Add things to your Pinterest board that you love and pieces that have meaning to you as a person. Remember, personal style evolves too.”
You can also ask AI to help! ChatGPT can be useful for planning or researching designs, comparing colour schemes and purchases you want to buy, advises Sally.
Make sure your table fits in your layout
Masterminding Your Layout
Measuring is the bit that most first-time buyers find stressful. There’s nothing worse than a sofa arriving that won’t fit through the door or is too big for a room.
Measuring a space is more than just checking if a sofa fits the wall, it’s about how you move through the room. “Check for circulation space and that you can actually move around the furniture with ease,” says Sally.
Use masking tape on the floor to map out the size of the furniture you’re considering. Walk around the tape outlines. A common mistake is buying a dining table that fits the room but leaves no space for someone to walk behind a chair while another person is seated.
Focus on your Bed and Sofa
Your biggest outlay on furniture will be your bed and sofa as they’re pieces you’ll be using and loving the most for years to come. “These are big ticket items so it’s really important to do research,” says Sally. Start this while you’re waiting to move in.
“Comfort is the main factor to consider for your personal requirements,” says Sally. For beds, prioritise the mattress over the frame. It’s worth buying the best you can afford.
“More money can be spent on beds and sofas or a piece you fall in love with,” advises Sally. And then you can spend less on other pieces.
“It’s also worth checking for guarantees. Some also come with added protection cover, meaning they’ll be replaced if a pet or a 50 glass of wine spills over damaging the upholstery,” adds Sally.
Neutral vs. Bold Colour Schemes
Should you stick with the neutral palette ‘as built’, or dive straight into the paint pots?
Sally suggests a balanced approach: “Probably the best advice is to stick with neutral colours as a starting point. This will give you time to get to know how your home feels and how the light appears through the course of a day. If you’re feeling adventurous and love colour, why not go for it? Start on a feature wall and take it from there.”
Adding Texture
When you’re ready to put your stamp on the decor there are lots of ways to add texture. Beyond just paint, what are some cost-effective ways to add architectural character?
"Adding some cost-effective architectural character to new walls can really elevate a space from standard to super cool. This can be achieved by buying 3m wooden strips from hardware stores and neatly gluing to your walls. Strips can have the original wood finish or be painted in the wall colour for a more subtle look,” says Sally.
A DIY slat wall or shaker-style panelling is a game changer for first-time buyers on a budget. It adds depth and shadow to a room.
“Try wallpaper too. Choose textural or tonal options for a softer interior or a statement pattern to inject some personality,” suggests Sally.
Maximise the Feeling of Space
“Mirrors are the classic space enhancing pieces,” says Sally. “Also, accentuating the size of sofas, media units and artwork creates a sense of scale.”
Counterintuitively, putting lots of small furniture in a small room can actually make it feel more cluttered. Choosing a few large, confident pieces can make the room feel grander. Don’t be afraid of a big piece of art or tall storage either.
Look for tall shelving or wall-mounted cabinets to keep floor space clear. “Vertical wall units with cabinet fronts will create storage options, which you can literally close the door on any clutter,” says Sally.
Trends vs. Timelessness
How do you balance what’s ‘on-trend’ right now with a design that won’t feel dated in three years?
“Live by the rule that you only buy things you love and you won’t want to throw them out when the trend has passed. Little inexpensive trend items can be sold on or given to charity. Supermarkets are a treasure trove for these finds,” says Sally.
Lighting Like a Pro
You don’t need a rewire to get a luxe look, explains Sally. “High-end lighting is all about creating a mood. Think about lighting in layers: bright, ceiling fixed lights are practical and lamps with a lower wattage and soft warm light create a relaxing ambient environment.”
Use a rug to zone open-plan rooms
Zoning Open-Plan Living
Many new build homes feature stunning open-plan layouts, which make them extremely versatile. But using visual anchors such as rugs can help define how you use these areas, says Sally.
“Paint and colour to walls can also achieve a space within a space. The colour will influence the mood, too. For example, neutrals and greens are very calming and perfect for a working space, whereas stronger, more vibrant tones can be introduced to social areas.”
Adding Soul with Vintage Pieces
To prevent a new build from feeling too new, Sally advocates for mixing the old with the new. “Vintage buys instantly add personality and are often bought for their character.”
Whether it's a mid-century vase or a restored chest of drawers, these items provide a sense of history.
Scour local antique markets or Facebook Marketplace for one or two hero vintage pieces – a mid-century sideboard or an ornate mirror. These items give a new home a sense of history that you can't buy off a shelf.
When is a Room Done?
It’s tempting to want everything finished quickly. But Sally’s final piece of advice is perhaps the most important for any new homeowner: “Don't rush into making big, permanent decisions. It’s always a good idea to take a breath and let a room evolve. Take your time to enjoy putting your home together.”
Your first home is a work in progress. It doesn’t need to be Instagram-ready by the end of the first month.
Abode has designed an array of showhomes for Berkeley, including a new apartment at Camellia Court at Hartland Village, West Sussex. Book a showroom visit today.