I know you are super excited to finally be decorating your first home. You’ve been waiting for this day and now its finally here! So, firstly – A hearty congratulations! Now, let’s get to business.

Decorating your first place from scratch is both thrilling and daunting. To help you deck out your newbie nest with all the essentials while avoiding beginner mistakes, here’s my comprehensive room-by-room checklist. Get ready for a mega-detailed brain dump – because I’m holding nothing back!

The Entry/Foyer

You only get one chance at a first impression, so give your entry that “wow” factor:

• Durable entry floor mat to trap dirt/moisture from outdoors

• Decorative console table or sideboard to dress up the space

• Stylish wall mirror to make the area look larger

• Striking pendant light, sconce, or table lamp for ambiance

• Decorative storage pieces like trunks or bookshelves

• Umbrella stand or coat rack for guests

• Artwork, plants/flowers, candles for personality

The Living Room

Likely the most-used everyday space, so inject both comfort and character:

• Sofa – buy as large and high-quality as your budget allows

• Cozy arm chair(s) or loveseat

• Accent chairs for additional seating as needed

• Coordinating area rug to ground the space

• Coffee table for which to gather around

• Side tables and lamps for ambient lighting

• Entertainment center, media console, or shelving unit

• Bookcases for books, decor accents, and family photos

• Decorative mirrors to amplify natural light

• Window treatments (curtains/drapes/shades)

• Throws, pillows, candles, plants, and objets to personalize

The Kitchen

The heart of the home deserves both style and substance. Essentials:

• Dining table and chairs to fit your space

• Counter stools for casual breakfast nook/island seating

• Kitchen rug to delineate the dining space

• China cabinet, sideboard, or bakers rack for dish storage

• Essentials like cookware, bakeware, utensils, tools

• Small appliances: coffee maker, toaster, blender, etc.

• Dish sets – plates, bowls, glassware for daily use

• Linens like placemats, napkins, tablecloths

• Cutting boards, canisters, and counter accents

• Artwork, plants, ceramics, open shelving for personality

The Dining Room

If you have a separate formal dining area:

• Dining table and chairs for at least 6-8 people

• Sideboard, buffet, or credenza for dish storage/display

• Decorative area rug to define and warm up the space

• Flattering dining room lighting, like a statement chandelier

• Window treatments like drapes or shades for privacy

• Table linens – runners, placemats, chargers, napkin rings

• Serving dishes, drink ware, and floral centerpiece

• Artwork, mirrors, sconces or candles to dress up walls

• China cabinet or curio to showcase nice dishware/collectibles

The Bedrooms

Ensuring your personal oasis is supremely cozy and serene:

• High-quality mattress and box spring set

• Upholstered headboard or frame

• Nightstands and stylish lamps on each side

• Dresser and mirror for clothing storage

• Armoire or chest of drawers if lacking closet space

• Coordinating area rug to anchor the space

• Window treatments like blackout curtains/shades

• Artwork, plants, decorative accents for ambiance

• Reading nook chair if space allows

• Storage ottomans, boxes for stashing extras

• Full-length mirror to check those outfits

• Hampers, laundry baskets, and other housewares

The Bathrooms

Even small spaces deserve a spa-like luxury feel:

• Plush bath towels, hand towels, washcloths

• Bath mats and shower curtains/liners

• Storage canisters for toiletries

• Soap dishes, dispensers, toothbrush holders

• Shelving or cabinetry for linen/supply storage

• Vanity lighting for grooming

• Wall mirror to open up the space

• Decorative accents like candles, sculptures, artwork

• Plants or fresh flowers for a pop of life

• Toilet brush/plunger and other necessities

The Closets

Don’t forget the hidden storage workhorses:

• Quality hangers – a mix of shirt, pant, skirt variations

• Storage bins, baskets, shelving

• Full-length mirrors on doors

• Closet lighting to illuminate interiors

• Shoe racks to organize footwear

• Drawer organizers and dividers

• Iron, ironing board, and steamer

• Laundry baskets and hampers

The Home Office

Create a focused, functional workspace:

• Desk and ergonomic office chair

• Desktop organizational accessories

• Filing cabinets and shelving units

• Desk lamp and floor lamp for task lighting

• Bulletin board or dry erase board

• Wall-mounted shelves for design books

• Artwork and imagery to inspire creativity

• Comfy lounge chair for reading

• Plants to freshen the air

• Tech needs – printer, router, charging stations

The Patios/Outdoor Living

Don’t neglect your “bonus rooms!”

• Weather-resistant patio furniture set

• Outdoor area rug to delineate the space

• String lights or lanterns for ambiance

• Coffee table, side tables for holding drinks

• Potted plants, herb gardens, flowers in planters

• Outdoor speakers for entertaining

• Grill and grill tools for the chef

• Lawn games like cornhole, croquet set

• Fire pit or outdoor heater for cool nights

I could keep going, but you get the idea! When outfitting your first place, think through each room’s purpose, essential furniture needs, storage solutions, and how to layer in personality through lighting, textiles, and decorative touches. Take it one space at a time so you don’t overwhelm yourself. Most importantly – have fun feathering your very first nest!