If you’ve ever stood in the middle of a room and felt overwhelmed at the thought of where to even start decorating, you’re not alone. Years ago, I shared a post called Where to Start When Decorating a House, and the steps I laid out still hold true:
Start small. Take inventory. Create a budget. Pick a style. Find inspiration. Build your plan around a favorite piece. And most importantly—have fun, because nothing is permanent.
But today, I want to take it one step further and walk you through my actual sourcing secrets. Whether you’re starting from scratch or just updating a room, you can design your home like a pro—with the right tools, a little patience, and this step-by-step plan I swear by.
Step 1: Pinterest & Instagram—Your Virtual Design Assistants
Before a single item is ordered or a mood board gets created, I head straight to Pinterest and Instagram. These platforms are gold for home design inspo, especially when you know how to speak their language. I string together keyword combinations that help me get specific about the look I’m going for.
Here are some of my go-to search terms:
- Southern interior design
- Bespoke _____ (nursery design)
- Feminine bedroom ideas
- Floral wallpaper bathroom (insert colors you are aiming for)
- Neutral timeless kitchen
- Unlacquered brass hardware (insert room where you are wanting to incorporate)
- Picture frame trim dining room with wallpaper
TIP: If I’m designing around a piece I already own (say, my Jenny Lind crib), I plug that into searches to see how others have styled similar items. It’s such a smart way to build a design that feels cohesive and practical.
Step 2: Build a Mood Board (The Digital Kind)
Once I’ve filled up my Pinterest board, I’ll screenshot favorite ideas and drop them into Canva to create a visual mood board. This helps me see everything side-by-side—textures, colors, styles—to make sure it all “talks” to each other.
You’ll be amazed at how quickly a color palette and vibe come together when you can view everything in one place.
Step 3: Online Sourcing—Where Dreams Meet Reality
This is the part where I hunt down the actual pieces that will bring the room to life. I always start with a broad Google image search and—like clockwork—my eyes gravitate to the most expensive piece on the page (tell me I’m not alone?!).
That’s when I have to refer back to my imaginary budget and start hunting for more affordable alternatives. Occasionally, the splurge is worth it, especially for unique, high-impact, or hard-to-replicate pieces in scale or quality.
Not every item will be a look-for-less, and that’s okay. The magic is in mixing high and low thoughtfully. Check out these designer #looksforless I sourced this week:
Step 4: Order Samples—This is the Game Changer
You can’t fully commit to a design scheme until you touch and see the real thing. Designers don’t guess—they sample. And guess what? You can too.
Here are my favorite sources for ordering design samples:
- Paint: Samplize for peel-and-stick paint samples—no mess, no wasted gallons.
- Wallpaper & Fabrics: Decorator’s Best (think: high-end brands all in one place).
- Window Treatments: Two Pages and Neutral Curtains have beautiful options with quick sample shipping.
- Pillows & Fabrics: Etsy is a hidden gem for unique, handmade textiles. Plus, I love that you can also get connected with the makers on this website as well! Need custom curtains or pillows made? Find your fabric and seamstress on Etsy!
- All-In-One Sampling: DesignShop.com has everything from cabinet hardware to wallpaper to textiles in one place.
Ordering samples used to feel “off-limits” unless you were a designer. But many brands now welcome homeowners and DIYers—so take advantage of it!
Step 5: Scheme In-Person—Your Home, Your Light
Once those samples arrive, it’s time to lay them out and start scheming. This is where your vision starts to come alive—and trust me, nothing beats seeing materials together in your actual home and lighting.
Paint, in particular, can be tricky. That’s why I love Samplize’s peel & stick options—you can move them around the room and see how the light shifts throughout the day. I usually order several and compare them side-by-side.
This step can feel like a waiting game, but it’s so worth it. Take your time, move things around, and trust your gut.
Step 6: Pull the Trigger—Let’s Go Shopping
Once you feel good about your scheme, it’s time to order! This is the most exciting part—and sometimes the most nerve-wracking. But once decisions are made, the fun really begins.
Before I place any large orders (especially wallpaper and fabric), I always consult with my installer, seamstress, or upholsterer to double-check quantities. Professional input here can save you from costly mistakes.
Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This
Designing your home doesn’t have to be overwhelming, and you don’t need a degree to make beautiful decisions. If you take your time, source intentionally, and trust your style, you can be your own designer—and love every room in your home.
The secret? It’s not really a secret at all. It’s just about doing the work, staying curious, and having a little fun along the way.
Ready to try it yourself?
Pin this post for later, and don’t forget to check out my original Whole House Decorating Plan if you’re starting from scratch.
👇 Let me know in the comments—what space are you sourcing for right now?