Our homes are our sanctuary and where we need to find respite and peace. While it does take time to build the perfect collection of furniture and decor, when you finally hit the point where your home feels like a true reflection of you and your family - it's a beautiful feeling. There are many tips for finding your home design style, and let's look at some of them to get you on the road to feeling right at home. 

Be True To You 

These days with all of us on multiple social media platforms, it's easy to feel influenced to have our homes look a certain way. But, the reality is, when you chase someone else's version of comfort and beauty, you may end up wasting a lot of money to not vibe with the space you're in. That's why it's important to be true to yourself when it comes to what you bring into your home. You may prefer neon signs in your child's bedroom while others go with a woodland theme. Don't follow the crowd; follow your heart when decorating - that's rule number one. 

Know Your Budget 

For some people, the sky's the limit to how much they can spend when decorating their home, and for others, they need to be more frugal. Knowing your budget before doing serious home renovations or redecorating is critical. If you know you can afford original artwork for sale and it's your style, by all means, go ahead and purchase - artwork is an investment that can pay off in treasured heirlooms or significantly increase resale value. On the other hand, if you're more constricted financially, you can find unique pieces that fit your taste and budget at second-hand stores or through some online digging. Sticking with your budget is essential for your financial health but also, going into debt to decorate your home isn't a reflection of the real you if you can't afford it. Looking around at everything you bought out of your price point can bring buyers remorse and feelings of guilt. Just as if you have the money to be lavish and opulent in your decor, you will feel you're well represented in your home decor. 

Hire A Designer

If you can, it's worth it to hire an interior designer to help you execute your vision. Some people can easily decorate homes, and the home flows as you tour it, and everything ties together seamlessly - many more cannot. Hiring someone who decorates homes for a living is an investment well worth it if you want to get the most out of your money on new decor and furniture. They will work with you based on your aesthetic and budget to develop a plan that will make your home feel beautiful and be a solid representation of you and your family. 

Keep Things Functional 

Life is full of seasons, and they're ever-changing. If you have very young children in the house or many pets, the way you decorate will be significantly different from someone who is childless or has just one cat. You want to make sure you're picking functional and sensible pieces for the stage you're at in life. Don't invest in the mid-century Eames chair of your dreams when you've got a cat that could claw it to pieces. White suede sofas may not work when you've got a toddler or two around. Remember, your home will change as your lifestyle does, so decorate for what makes sense here and now. 

Slow & Steady Wins The Race 

While you may be excited about purchasing your first home or finally finding your dream home after several other rentals or ownership, don't be in a rush to get everything completed at once. As they say - slow and steady wins the race. Don't settle for pieces of furniture that are "kind of" what you're looking for; wait until you find that credenza you've been searching for. You will eventually get to where you've seen everything you've been looking for, but you will get there. 

At the end of the day, investing in your home is an investment in your future. The comfort and security we feel in our homes are critical to our emotional well-being, so take your time and figure out what makes you and your family feel good in your space. Happy Decorating!