Ask Joshua: Which Room Should You Decorate First in a New Home?

Hi Joshua,

I just bought my first home here in Minneapolis, and I’m so excited — but honestly, I don’t even know where to start with decorating. Every room is empty, and it’s hard to decide which one to focus on first. I want the whole place to feel pulled together, but my budget doesn’t allow me to do everything at once. Which room should I decorate first to make the biggest impact?

Emily - Minneapolis, Minnesota

A Modern Victorian–style primary bedroom designed by virtual interior designer Joshua Jones of JJones Design Co., featuring elegant four-poster bed columns, a patterned wallpaper, and blue-and-cream textiles that blend traditional charm with modern sophistication.

Hi Emily,

Congratulations on your new home — what an exciting chapter! That first blank canvas can feel both thrilling and overwhelming. I’ve worked with many new homeowners who feel the same way: they’re eager to make their house feel like home but unsure where to even begin.

The best place to start is the room that will impact your daily life the most. For most people, that’s the living room — it’s where you relax, unwind, and often host friends. It’s also the space that sets the tone for the rest of your home’s design. If you create a cohesive look here, it becomes much easier to carry that mood and color palette throughout the rest of your rooms.

However, if you’re someone who values calm and comfort at the end of the day, the bedroom might deserve first priority. Waking up and going to sleep in a finished, peaceful space does wonders for feeling settled in a new home.

My advice is to pick one “anchor” room and focus your energy and budget there. Start with the key furniture pieces you’ll use daily — a sofa, a bed, or a dining table — before moving on to decor and accents. From there, you can gradually expand to other rooms, using your first finished space as inspiration for color, materials, and mood.

You don’t have to decorate everything at once — homes evolve over time. Begin with the space that makes you feel most at home, and the rest will naturally follow.

If you ever feel stuck or need a little professional guidance, I offer virtual interior design services that make it easy to get a customized plan for your space from anywhere. You can learn more about how I work here — I’d be happy to help you bring your vision to life.

Warmly,

Joshua

Have interior design related questions? You can ask Joshua here.