After going through all the trials and tribulations of purchasing a new home, the idea of decorating it may be a bit intimidating. Before diving in and decorating the entire house at once, try one room at a time and you'll feel less stressed. Make a plan for every room and when one room is completed, move on to the other one and before you notice it, the entire space will be decorated.

1 Write down a plan for each room. Decide what look you want to create for each room and write down the elements that you think you'll need to create each look. If necessary, consult home design books and magazines. Think about color palettes, fabrics, furnishings and accessories.

2 Assign a rank of importance to each room. There are likely some rooms in your home that you likely want to have decorated as soon as you move in and others that can wait a while. For instance, the kitchen and living room may be of utmost importance to you, or the bathrooms and bedrooms. Tackling the rooms that are most important to you first will give you peace of mind and allow you to enjoy your new home.

3 Determine the necessities. If you're moving from one home to another, you will likely be able to use several of the items from your old home in your new home. Go through what you already own and decide what you can use. If this is your first home, you will probably need to go shopping for the materials. Even if it isn't your first home, you may want to add a few new touches to the home. Come up with a specific, or at least a vague list of things you need to serve as a reference point while you shop.

Execution
4 Jump into decorating after you've sorted through and collected all of your goods. Start by painting or wallpapering the walls. Consider using wooden furniture to enhance the look.

5 Arrange the furnishings. Start with the largest pieces--a bed and dressers, for example--as they will become the focal pieces of the rooms they are in. Once you've established where you want to position the bigger pieces, bringing in the smaller items, such as chairs, bedside tables and bookshelves.
   
6 Tie the look of the room together with accessories. Hang the curtains, display pictures, stack books, set out vases and any other accessory that you think will complete the room. Even if you don't get every accessory that you want in the room, the major decorating will be complete; adding accents and personal touches down the road is easy to do.