Creating the perfect home requires a lot of time and energy. If it is your first time decorating, there are some key tips to help you along. There are some very basic things to get you started.

1) If there is more than just you living in the house, the first thing you need to do is think about the personalities of the other people you are living with. If you are single then you only need to look at your own personality. If you and your flatmate or partner has varying preferences, this can cause problems. Compromise and negotiate on colour, furniture and accessories so you end up with rooms you both like.

2) Have a look in magazines and design journals for inspiration and to get an idea of what your room could handle. If you are having trouble finding your creative side, looking at magazines will help you imagine what those blank walls could look like when finished.

3) The colours in a room can create atmosphere and tone so take your time when it comes to choosing your colour scheme. If you have a favourite colour, see if it will fit in with the theme you have chosen for your room. You might have chosen your furniture already, or be using some that you already have, if this is the case make sure you pick colours that works with this. You can draw upon some of the colours in fabrics you will use in the room. You can make a statement with bed linen or keep the colours neutral so that the wall colours are emphasised.

4) It is important to position your furniture wisely so that you do not overfill the room. You don’t want to make a room too small. Keep rearranging until it is right.

5) Accessories can really liven up a room and make it look like a home instead of a show room. Plants and bright flowers can brighten a room up. Not only are they good for the air around you but they can make a room feel more comfortable. A crystal vase or some photos can also soften a room.

Don’t let decorating stress you out. You just have to find out what your style is and what makes you want to be there and then have fun putting it all together.