Are you looking around your home completely unsatisfied with what you see? Before you go running to the nearest furniture store or cracking open a can of paint, you might want to consider the way you think about decorating your home–your mindset and understanding of furnishing your space may be ruining the style of your home before you ever set foot into a home décor store.

Below, we’ve put together a list of decorating resolutions that can change the way you look at decorating and make this year the one you finally create a space you love.

Stop purchasing cheap furniture that doesn’t last. Furniture is like anything else in life: you get what you pay for, something you know if you’ve ever purchased a big box store sofa, only to find its cushions misshapen and its fabric pilling a year later. Purchasing a high-end sofa may seem like a splurge now, for example, but a quality piece in a classic style can last you decades (and can withstand re-upholstering as your tastes change). High-end pieces also don’t have to cost a small fortune. Buying something from a consignment or resale business (we know a great one!), or purchasing a floor model are great ways to acquire quality furniture without breaking the bank.

Define your personal style. If you have a vision in your head for the way you want your home to look, but can’t quite seem to pull your dream home together, it might be time to define your personal style. Putting a label on what you love–maybe you’re a French Country, neutrals-only person, or perhaps you’re drawn to eclectic, mid-century pieces with clean lines–can help you stick to your guns and create a cohesive space when you’re out shopping. Before you make a purchase, ask yourself if it suits your personal style–if not, put it back on the shelf.

Only bring things into your home that are beautiful/useful. You know that saying … “Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful?” It’s a motto to live by. Like defining your personal style, remembering this quote will give you criteria for the things you bring into your space (and the ones you allow to stay in it).

Don’t be a slave to trends. Unless a trend truly speaks to your sensibility and personality, don’t feel obligated to ditch your current décor scheme to incorporate the latest patterns and finishes. In fact, doing so is a surefire way to end up disappointed in your space every few years as trends cycle in and out. Instead, refresh a classic decorating scheme with a few low-cost, easy-to-update accents. Think: throw pillows, decorative objects, light fixtures.