To start decorating your home, create a budget, gather inspiration, and identify your personal style. Then, plan the room layout and choose foundation furniture, create a color scheme, and add layers of lighting.

1. Plan and prepare
   Set a budget: Determine how much you can spend and use a spreadsheet to track expenses, adding a buffer of about 10-20% for unexpected costs.
   Gather inspiration: Create a mood board using images from magazines, websites, or social media to visualize your desired style, color palette, and furniture.
   Define your style: Use quizzes, magazines, and online galleries to discover what styles you like. Look for elements that speak to you, but don't be afraid to mix and match.
   Plan the layout: Measure your space and draw a basic floor plan. Plan where large pieces of furniture will go before you buy anything to ensure everything fits and functions well.
2. Choose the foundation
   Select foundation furniture: Choose larger, anchor pieces first, such as your sofa, bed, or dining table. These items will set the tone for the room.
   Pick a color palette: Choose a dominant color, a secondary color, and an accent color, often using the 60-30-10 rule (60% dominant, 30% secondary, 10% accent).
   Plan the lighting: Incorporate different types of lighting: ambient (general), task (for specific activities), and accent (to highlight features). 
   
3. Add details and personality
   Define a focal point: Every room should have a focal point to draw the eye, such as a fireplace, a large piece of art, or a window.
   Mix textures and patterns: Combine different textures in your textiles and accents to add depth and prevent a room from looking too uniform.
   Incorporate personal touches: Add items that are meaningful to you, such as artwork, plants, and decorative objects. Don't be afraid to "shop your home" and move items between rooms to refresh a look.