There is no reason that decorating your home has to be hard or stressful. In fact, decorating, when done well, can be fun and relaxing.

One of the first things to keep in mind about decorating is why you are doing it. I think too many people get stressed or frustrated with decorating because they forget the importance of what they are doing. Decorating is an amazing thing because you are making the space you live in more beautiful. What can be more important and more fun that figuring out ways to make the most of your space? We have all felt the difference of entering a home that has been decorated well verses a home that has not been decorated at all. In a house where decorating has been a priority we feel peaceful and at home when we are there.

Another great thing about decorating is that it allows you to learn who you are and the things you like and then show it off to others. I love entering the homes of friends for the first time because I learn so much about my friends just by seeing the place they choose to live in. I get a sense of what they value and of the small things that make them uniquely who they are. I'd encourage you to let decorating be something that helps you gain more understanding of yourself. Be proud to show off who you are by decorating your house in a way you love.

Take your time decorating. Don't allow yourself to be rushed or to be on a strict deadline. You will have much more fun and end up with a space you love if you take your time. Sift through magazines, photographs and catalogs for weeks if you have to just to gain good ideas for your own home. Learn from the mistakes and victories of your friends and families as you see their homes. Especially when you are making big decisions like what color to paint your wall or what kind of furniture to buy, taking your time will make all the difference.


Decorating can be a great way to involve your family in something fun together. Allow your spouse, your kids, or your roommates to help make decisions especially about areas they care about most. Give them reasonable boundaries, but within those boundaries let them choose things they enjoy. Decorating will be fun as you learn to do it in the midst of relationship. Whatever strategies you take on, just make sure that decorating doesn't become something you dread doing.