Watching your grown children buy their first home is such a special moment. Our son and his new wife are about to close on their very first place and they asked me for some initial decorating advice. I don’t want to butt in, but I also want them to avoid costly mistakes with their new home.
If you’re a first-time home buyer — or helping someone who is — these simple interior design tips can help make that new house feel like home without rushing or overspending.
Recently my son, daughter-in-law and I had a three hour telephone conversation to go over: Decorating Advice For First Time Home Buyers. Here is what we covered.
1. Start With What You Have
Before buying new furniture, take stock of what you already own. You might be surprised how many pieces can work beautifully with a little creativity — a fresh coat of paint, new hardware, or even reupholstery. Mixing older items with new finds creates character and keeps your home from feeling too “newly furnished.”
For my clients above, we used a family hand-me-down kitchen set with a new built in banquette. The white sofa was custom-made, an investment for the long run.
I told our son and daughter-in-law, to move in first and live with their things for a bit — it’s amazing how the right placement can make something old feel brand new. And they are lucky that they have family heirloom rugs they can use.
2. Invest In Quality Basics
There are a few essentials worth spending more on: a comfortable sofa, a good mattress, and a sturdy dining table. These foundational pieces will last through moves and changing tastes. Choose timeless designs and neutral colors so you can easily update them later with pillows, throws, or accessories.
Think of these as your “grown-up” purchases — items that will stand the test of time.
On our “conference call” we went through the realtor photos and floor plans so that we could determine approximate sizes for rugs and furniture, etc. I also gave them some initial “fun” ideas like where to put wallpaper.
3. Consider Secondhand Furniture for “Hard Wood Pieces”
Older secondhand furniture (like bookcases, chests and tables) are often better made than new pieces. So keep checking Facebook Marketplace, etc. There is a lot you can do creatively with paint, removing cabinet doors, styling, etc, to make something updated and your own.
The dresser above used to be dark brown, but it was stripped for a lighter look.
My client snapped up that bookcase (after I urged her to) for $150. When people need to get rid of pieces…that could be your good fortune. And then it’s just a matter of styling with your possessions.
Personally, I draw the line at buying used upholstered pieces like sofas as who knows how clean they are.
4. Create Mood Boards On Your Computer By Room
Research on Pinterest and magazines to hone in on your tastes. Which may be different than that of your spouse’s so this can help you determine compromises that suit you both.
While we were on our conference call, I asked my son (who is computer literate) to start putting certain elements on a Powerpoint page (or you could use Canva) by room such as room measurements, photos from the real estate listing, existing art, rug possibilities, etc. This helps in developing a direction. In fact, by the end of our call, we had several pages of decorating notes.
past mood boards
5. Have A Living Room Furniture Arrangement That “Welcomes You”, Allows For Conversation And Provides Good Flow
This is really important:
For major walkways (like to the back door), try to have 36″ of space.
When standing at the entrance of a room, make sure there is an opening between the furniture so that you are encouraged to come in and sit down.
Pull furniture in so that you have a conversation area.
6. Make A Budget Based on Your Priorities and Goals
Partners need to work together on a tight budget so that you are realistically on the same page.
And put lighting in there upfront as often it gets left until the end when the budget is spent.
7. Take Your Time
If you are a first time homebuyer, it’s tempting to want every room finished right away, but great decorating takes patience. Living in your space for a few months helps you see how you really use it — maybe that extra bedroom becomes a home office or you realize where natural light hits best.
I reminded them that the best homes look collected, not completed overnight.
8. Pay Attention To Lighting
Lighting is one of the most overlooked (yet transformative) parts of decorating. Layering your lighting — ceiling lights, table lamps, sconces, and even candles — instantly adds warmth and atmosphere.
You can switch out builder grade lights for more unique light fixtures. The two ceiling lights you see above used to be “boob” lights.
I was so happy when my son said he wanted their living room to feel cozy and that he read (hopefully on CCH) “that you should have lamps and not just overhead lighting.”
This is where your story comes in… Hang artwork, display meaningful photos, or style your shelves with treasures from your travels and family heirlooms. These personal accents make a house feel warm, lived-in, and uniquely yours.
I told them not to rush out and buy “filler” décor — those personal layers will come naturally over time.
Finally…
If you’re a new homeowner, remember that creating a beautiful space doesn’t happen in a weekend.
Also you may find this helpful: What To Do After Immediately Buying A House like changing the locks and securing all the important documents (with a reminder to pay your property taxes).
Take your time, buy what you love, and let your home evolve with you.
After all, a well-loved home tells your story — one layer at a time.
Nice tips — clear and practical. Quick question: for first-time buyers on a tight budget, would you prioritize spending on the sofa or mattress first, assuming they can only pick one high-quality item right now? Also, any simple rules for sizing rugs to avoid rookie mistakes?
We’ve moved numerous times to all different types homes… new, dated & now a 100 yr old home… these tips are all great to remember…question though.. I’m trying to find velvet pillows that are not from big stores that advertise all the time .. any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
I received an email from Marshalls,etc. I clicked and found many Visual Comfort brands in the lighting section. Tjmaxx had several online as well. They may check there to see if anything strikes them. I’ve never seen the ceiling fixtures in my local stores.
They are lucky to have you to consult on their home
This is all great information. When I started out years ago no one gave me any advise. I figured things out for myself! I own a Pennsylvania House sofa and two chairs that look like new because we use our family room and the living room at all. Now with downsizing on the horizon we are having those pieces reupholstered. We bought high quality cherry end tables and sofa table over the years – they will be going with us. I swapped out my coffee table with a brushed brass and glass one that updated the entire look, as well as new lighting. My favorite item that we own was a custom made dining room table with 2 leaves. I remember the day bought it because my parents and very young daughter were with us. We had it refinished several years ago and updated the look with fabric Parsons’ chairs. One piece of advise – pay cash – plan your purchases and don’t go into any debt!
Thank you for your terrific advice and one of my favorites from your blog. The example spaces are fresh, interesting, and beautiful without the burden of feeling like a showroom. Your gift of combining old, new, high, low and collected is always an inspiration. As for me, my rooms are never fully realized. I love the hunt, and mentally rearrange my accessories while appearing to be engrossed in a movie. If there’s a cure for this, I don’t want it.😉
Great post!
Where do you recommend buying a solid, long lasting couch? I purchased one from Pottery Barn and after a year the frame is creaking!
Thank you!
That’s too bad. Which sofa did you buy? The PB ones that friends and clients bought (like the Jake and the Big Sur) are holding up well and they are made in North Carolina. Our sofas were made 20 years ago at a custom shop in California. I like the sofas from Lee Industries which you can buy through designers or in some stores. Those are also made in the USA.
What a special milestone for your son and his wife!
Some additional advice:
Measure, measure, measure. Scale is key. Disparate styles will give that collected look as long as the pieces are of the right scale.
Keep a detailed notebook of measurements and a schematic of each room with you at all times. You never know what you might find at the oddest moment. I might also add, keep a tape measure in your car.
Upscale estate sales can be a treasure trove. Tommy grew up with you, so he knows how pieces can be transformed. Bring those measurements and tape measure!
Some people have great luck with FB Marketplace. I haven’t, but we’ve all seen the story of the great item someone snagged there.
I also prefer to buy my upholstered pieces new. Avoid trendy designs in sofa arms, backs, etc., and buy the best sofa you can afford.
Our son attended college in a town that held monthly furniture warehouse sales. Everything was available to take home that day. There were some well-priced items. Have them check their local area for something similar as i’ve seen these in other cities, as well.
Waiting for the right piece is far preferable to living with the regret of buying the wrong one.
Measuring is key, of course, Catherine. Good idea about the tape measure…they could keep one in their car.
We’ve seen SO many good things on FB Marketplace. I had a client that got two Serena & Lily chandeliers on it…and I regret selling my WS Home dining bench on it now as Tommy and Mona could have used it. But that lady got a great deal and she was happy 🙂
Couldn’t agree more with your list! Especially #3- antique and vintage case goods are so well made and can easily be refinished or painted, but usually just a good cleaning and a little tlc will bring them back to life. Beautiful pieces in the thrift store, fb marketplace or antique malls are usually a fraction of what you might pay for a mass-produced particle board item at ikea or value furniture store.
Hi Mary Ann,
Congrats to Tommy and his beautiful wife, they’re so lucky to have you to help them with all things home decor! I love all your ideas and tips for furnishing your first house and also for updating your home you’ve had for years. Of course, I immediately zeroed in on Debbie’s house and so many great designs you’ve done for clients. Always enjoy whatever you post, after all, it is my favorite blog I follow!
Hi Mary Ann,
Thank you for sharing this.I am going to send this to my daughter and her husband who are saving like mad to afford a place in Los Angeles where the real estate is insane. I know she is hoping for my sofa’s!! Great tips!
I have read your article on the importance of lighting in a room. My challenge is how to add overhead lighting in an 8 ft tall living room. Any suggestions for a transitional style?
Thank you,
Leah
Do you really need it? In our San Francisco apartment living room we used two lamps and a floor lamp and we had enough lighting. But if you occasionally really want it, look for a pretty flushmount fixture.
I wish someone had given me this advice when we purchased our first home. I would add one more thing when giving advice to my adult children: Be patient and enjoy the hunt for the perfect pieces. It’s so satisfying when you find a piece with a great story behind it. I recently bought a $20 chest of drawers for our cottage on Marketplace that had been made by the owner’s grandfather for her father who was an infant at the time. It was passed down to her then her children.
Nice tips — clear and practical. Quick question: for first-time buyers on a tight budget, would you prioritize spending on the sofa or mattress first, assuming they can only pick one high-quality item right now? Also, any simple rules for sizing rugs to avoid rookie mistakes?
We’ve moved numerous times to all different types homes… new, dated & now a 100 yr old home… these tips are all great to remember…question though.. I’m trying to find velvet pillows that are not from big stores that advertise all the time .. any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
I received an email from Marshalls,etc. I clicked and found many Visual Comfort brands in the lighting section. Tjmaxx had several online as well. They may check there to see if anything strikes them. I’ve never seen the ceiling fixtures in my local stores.
They are lucky to have you to consult on their home
This is all great information. When I started out years ago no one gave me any advise. I figured things out for myself! I own a Pennsylvania House sofa and two chairs that look like new because we use our family room and the living room at all. Now with downsizing on the horizon we are having those pieces reupholstered. We bought high quality cherry end tables and sofa table over the years – they will be going with us. I swapped out my coffee table with a brushed brass and glass one that updated the entire look, as well as new lighting. My favorite item that we own was a custom made dining room table with 2 leaves. I remember the day bought it because my parents and very young daughter were with us. We had it refinished several years ago and updated the look with fabric Parsons’ chairs. One piece of advise – pay cash – plan your purchases and don’t go into any debt!
Our son is in finance and hates the idea of paying interest…good advice, Lyn. Now you can use all your best furnishings as you downsize.
Thank you for your terrific advice and one of my favorites from your blog. The example spaces are fresh, interesting, and beautiful without the burden of feeling like a showroom. Your gift of combining old, new, high, low and collected is always an inspiration. As for me, my rooms are never fully realized. I love the hunt, and mentally rearrange my accessories while appearing to be engrossed in a movie. If there’s a cure for this, I don’t want it.😉
Lisa, I don’t want the cure either 🙂
Great post!
Where do you recommend buying a solid, long lasting couch? I purchased one from Pottery Barn and after a year the frame is creaking!
Thank you!
That’s too bad. Which sofa did you buy? The PB ones that friends and clients bought (like the Jake and the Big Sur) are holding up well and they are made in North Carolina. Our sofas were made 20 years ago at a custom shop in California. I like the sofas from Lee Industries which you can buy through designers or in some stores. Those are also made in the USA.
Thanks for your reply Mary Ann. I bought the Buchanan roll arm. I’ll keep Lee in mind for my next purchase
What a special milestone for your son and his wife!
Some additional advice:
Measure, measure, measure. Scale is key. Disparate styles will give that collected look as long as the pieces are of the right scale.
Keep a detailed notebook of measurements and a schematic of each room with you at all times. You never know what you might find at the oddest moment. I might also add, keep a tape measure in your car.
Upscale estate sales can be a treasure trove. Tommy grew up with you, so he knows how pieces can be transformed. Bring those measurements and tape measure!
Some people have great luck with FB Marketplace. I haven’t, but we’ve all seen the story of the great item someone snagged there.
I also prefer to buy my upholstered pieces new. Avoid trendy designs in sofa arms, backs, etc., and buy the best sofa you can afford.
Our son attended college in a town that held monthly furniture warehouse sales. Everything was available to take home that day. There were some well-priced items. Have them check their local area for something similar as i’ve seen these in other cities, as well.
Waiting for the right piece is far preferable to living with the regret of buying the wrong one.
Measuring is key, of course, Catherine. Good idea about the tape measure…they could keep one in their car.
We’ve seen SO many good things on FB Marketplace. I had a client that got two Serena & Lily chandeliers on it…and I regret selling my WS Home dining bench on it now as Tommy and Mona could have used it. But that lady got a great deal and she was happy 🙂
Oh, yes. The “why did I sell that?” is real!
Ha!! yes.
Couldn’t agree more with your list! Especially #3- antique and vintage case goods are so well made and can easily be refinished or painted, but usually just a good cleaning and a little tlc will bring them back to life. Beautiful pieces in the thrift store, fb marketplace or antique malls are usually a fraction of what you might pay for a mass-produced particle board item at ikea or value furniture store.
They have some good thrift and antique malls in Tampa…a lady in one of them gave me her list!
Very good information. Thank you. You have a lovely home.
Thanks, Linda… a lot of those homes were former clients.
Hi Mary Ann,
Congrats to Tommy and his beautiful wife, they’re so lucky to have you to help them with all things home decor! I love all your ideas and tips for furnishing your first house and also for updating your home you’ve had for years. Of course, I immediately zeroed in on Debbie’s house and so many great designs you’ve done for clients. Always enjoy whatever you post, after all, it is my favorite blog I follow!
I miss you, Gail. I look at the art you did of Rocky and Chief every day.
Hi Mary Ann,
Thank you for sharing this.I am going to send this to my daughter and her husband who are saving like mad to afford a place in Los Angeles where the real estate is insane. I know she is hoping for my sofa’s!! Great tips!
Yes…it is CRAZY there. My daughter and son-in-law are “house poor” in L.A. Prices are a little better in Tampa.
I have read your article on the importance of lighting in a room. My challenge is how to add overhead lighting in an 8 ft tall living room. Any suggestions for a transitional style?
Thank you,
Leah
Do you really need it? In our San Francisco apartment living room we used two lamps and a floor lamp and we had enough lighting. But if you occasionally really want it, look for a pretty flushmount fixture.
I wish someone had given me this advice when we purchased our first home. I would add one more thing when giving advice to my adult children: Be patient and enjoy the hunt for the perfect pieces. It’s so satisfying when you find a piece with a great story behind it. I recently bought a $20 chest of drawers for our cottage on Marketplace that had been made by the owner’s grandfather for her father who was an infant at the time. It was passed down to her then her children.
What a great find, Karen…I’m glad you know the story behind it.