Why You Shouldn't Wait to Decorate

Start Small

Focus on decor and accessories only if you really want your current home to feel complete but plan on upgrading in the near future. Laying down inexpensive rugs, putting up fun art (Ikea is a great place to start), replacing hanging light fixtures (Overstock has a ton of options), adding curtains, and fitting in greenery will make all the difference. Chances are you will reuse a majority of these items at your next place.

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The In-Between

Image Source: Genna Margolis

If you are ready to throw out some furnishings already and want to start investing before you have found your dream home, then chairs (both lounge and dining) are great investments that you can bring anywhere, as is a console and side tables. You can also start to purchase rugs and buy quality decor, like wall mirrors, pottery, pillows, and throws.

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What You Should Wait On

Image Source: Genna Margolis

Regardless of your budget, if you are not in your dream home, there are still items to wait on. I highly suggest taking a pause on sofas, coffee tables, beds, and dining tables. These are the big pieces that set the tone for the rooms they're in and need to be the right scale. In other words, you need the perfect size, and since these items fill most of the space, you want to wait to know exactly the style you're going for.

Genna Margolis is the owner of Shapeside, a full-service interior-design firm based in Los Angeles.

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