Congratulations! You've bought an apartment. Now, how do you make it into a home? You choose an interior designer who knows how to listen; one who knows how to match the design of the home to the personality of the dwellers. After all, it is the right choices of furniture, lighting and accessories which give the home the style and character you desire.

Home is where the heart is, so the saying goes; so how, during the design process, do we give the home a heart? By home styling!

Home styling is a process in which we make the interior of the home accordant with the residents' needs and no less important – their character. The way a home looks is a reflection of those who live in it. Each home has a complete world of possibilities. Each space has its own particular qualities which can, by using the appropriate design, be brought out, adapted and used in order to realize its potential.

The term "home styling" means dressing the home up in a manner which suits its nature, its dimensions and the needs of its dwellers. Each home has its own potential which is, at times, either concealed among its walls and various objects, or just worn out. An interior designer that specializes in home styling will know how to find and tap potential of each home, each space, for the benefit of its dwellers, and without their going bankrupt.

A unique look which reflects the residents

The process of home styling involves, in essence, giving the home a kind of facelift; this is done by adding accessories, moving furniture and matching colors, thus giving the asset a unique look becoming the style of its dwellers. On the other hand, the home's practical aspects should not be overlooked, such as finding ways to utilize its various spaces more effectively, finding storage solutions and creating a comfortable, roomy feeling while taking the existing conditions on the ground into consideration.

Home styling – step by step

Step one

Define the budget, considering what really matters to you in the new home (kitchen remodeling? a cozy bedroom?). Define your expectations from the remodeling.

Step two – planning

Define each room's purpose, and what furniture you're bringing with you or purchasing. Correct planning is the basis for all the design work. Without it, things will appear detached, hanging in space.

Step three – harmony

Decide on a style with which you relate (modern, classic, country). If you are not replacing your existing furniture, it is best to stick with the design of the furniture in the house. It is recommended to combine different styles in a subtle manner, thus creating an impressive overall effect.

Step four – colors

Decide which shades the dwellers connect with (children's rooms in pastel colors, parents' room in a softer, more romantic shade).

Step five – adding accessories

This entails purchasing the appropriate accessories i.e. correct selection of handles, shelves, curtains, light fixtures, concealed lighting, pictures, mirrors, decorations, drywall niches, changing of the room's focal point, etc.