How to prep a room before decorating?

Here’s a detailed guide on how to prep a room before decorating so the process is smooth, efficient, and produces a polished result:

1. Clear the Room

• Remove all furniture, rugs, and decor items if possible.
• This gives you a blank canvas and lets you see the space clearly.
• Tip: Use temporary storage or move items to another room during prep.

2. Deep Clean the Space

• Dust walls, ceiling corners, and baseboards.
• Clean floors, windows, and light fixtures.
• Tip: A clean space helps paint, adhesives, and new furnishings adhere properly.

3. Inspect and Repair

• Check for cracks, holes, or peeling paint on walls and ceilings.
• Repair any damage, fill holes, and sand rough patches.
• Inspect flooring for scratches or loose tiles.

4. Plan Layout and Functionality

• Decide on furniture placement and walking paths before buying new pieces.
• Measure the room dimensions and create a floor plan.
• Consider zones for different activities (e.g., seating, work, dining).

5. Check Lighting and Electrical Points

• Note the location of outlets, switches, and ceiling fixtures.
• Add additional lighting if necessary (floor lamps, wall sconces, or pendant lights).
• Tip: Ensure lighting complements both function and aesthetics.

6. Protect Surfaces

• Lay down drop cloths if painting or doing messy work.
• Protect flooring and furniture from scratches or spills.

7. Declutter and Organize

• Remove unnecessary items from the room.
• Sort items into keep, donate, or discard piles.
• Tip: Decluttering makes decorating faster and more visually appealing.

8. Gather Supplies

• Collect paint, brushes, rollers, tools, furniture, and decor items.
• Keep everything in one place to avoid interruptions mid-project.

9. Decide on a Color Palette and Theme

• Choose wall colors, furniture shades, and accent tones.
• Decide on a decorating style (e.g., modern, farmhouse, bohemian).
• Tip: Use mood boards or sample swatches for clarity.

10. Set Up a Workspace

• Have a small area for tools, paint cans, and decor pieces.
• Keep cleaning supplies handy for quick touch-ups.

✅ Quick Summary:

1. Clear the room
2. Deep clean
3. Inspect & repair
4. Plan layout
5. Check lighting & outlets
6. Protect surfaces
7. Declutter & organize
8. Gather supplies
9. Decide on color & style
10. Set up a workspace

If you want, I can create a step-by-step pre-decorating checklist that you can print or save to make sure nothing is missed before starting any room makeover.

Do you want me to make that checklist?