Five Tips for Decorating New Spaces

Decorating new spaces is a total thrill for me because it’s exciting to source new furnishings, decor and storage. We’re in the midst of a busy season where people move to new homes, students move into dorms or when people change up things in their current home to feel “new” again.

I’m so honored to be part of the BHG Live Better Network, and I’ll be blogging every other month about the fabulously affordable Better Homes & Gardens line available at your local Walmart or online. I bought all of the items featured in today’s post online, and I received them at my door step about 5-7 business days later.

I decided to tackle my office because it still didn’t quite feel finished after the reveal I posted two weeks ago. The reason it felt so incomplete is because it was missing the five key components to make a new space function and feel great.

The five components are: rugs, lighting, storage, comfort and accessories. With those five things you cannot fail when decorating a new space, I promise.

I opted for the amazing Serape Shag Rug from the BHG line. It’s so funky and unexpected (especially for this traditional girl), plus it helps anchor the space. Rugs can really make a huge impact in a room, especially when you choose to go bold like I did. Plus, they feel great under bare feet. 

Lighting is paramount to good design, and I know that installing hardwired fixtures isn’t possible in places like dorms or apartments, so lamps are your besties. For my purposes I chose this gorgeous desk lamp to give me ample light at night when I am blogging or online shopping. Floor lamps are perfect for reading chairs and table lamps are wonderful for living rooms. 

The color didn’t quite do it for me, so I opted to whip out my trusty gold spray paint to make it jive with my office color scheme. Doesn’t it look like a super high end lamp now? I love the BHG line, especially since so much is available online– seriously the selection is so much larger than the in-store offerings and shipping is free if you spend $50.

Storage is always a top concern of mine when thinking about a space. Personally, I love functional storage that is out of sight. This rolling cart from the BHG line was the perfect solution to my quandary– I can wheel it out into the office when I need extra workspace, or I can simply leave it tucked in the closet out of sight. This cart in a kitchen/dorm could serve as a small island/pantry, and it could work in a living room to hide kid’s toys and board games. The baskets are generously sized and hold a lot of stuff, plus the canvas liners are washable. 

What I love most about the cart is the amount of workspace I get. I can easily work on crafts, plus the  height of the cart is a lifesaver for my back!

When I do use it in the office, it’s tucked under the window so I can look outside as I work. I love seeing the squirrels chase each other in the yard. 

Comfort is the ultimate goal of any space, isn’t it? I love feeling at home no matter what the space is, so I’m a huge fan of throw pillows and blankets. I’ve been eyeing one of these glam furry pillows for awhile, and I was able to snag the arctic fur pillow for about $16. The color is true white, it doesn’t shed, and it’s a perfect fit for my ghost chair.

And finally, accessories. Personal touches and punches of colors are what make our spaces uniquely ours, so I chose to go all out with a bold color on an ornate frame. Pee Wee’s little face stares down at me as I work, and the color makes me happy. Choosing the right accessories can help make a home, dorm, or rental feel more curated and polished. 

I always know I’ve succeeded in making a space feel comfy and finished when Pee Wee doesn’t want to leave the room:

I hope my five commandments for decorating new spaces help you tackle your design and decor dilemmas. What new or old space do you hope to spruce up this summer? 

This post was brought to you by the BHG Live Better Network where, as a blogger, I’ve received compensation by BHG at Walmart to share my ideas and reviews with you. The opinions stated here are my own. For more updates on their products and decor ideas, you can always follow them on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter and Instagram.