Stardew Valley: Comprehensive Guide to Decorating Your House

Decorating your house in Stardew Valley is one of the most enjoyable aspects of the game, allowing you to create a personalized and cozy environment. This guide will cover various strategies, tips, and resources to help you design your dream farmhouse.

Starting with House Upgrades

Before diving into decorating, ensure your house is fully upgraded. House upgrades not only provide more space but also additional rooms that you can decorate.

• First Upgrade:
Adds a kitchen, allowing you to cook meals.
• Second Upgrade:
Adds two extra rooms, one of which includes a nursery.
• Third Upgrade:
Adds a cellar, perfect for aging cheese and wine​​​​.

You can get each upgrade from Robin at the Carpenter's Shop, and you'll need a mix of gold and materials.

Finding Inspiration and Planning

Finding inspiration and planning out your layout are super important steps when decorating your house.
Inspiration Sources:

• Reddit: Subreddits like r/StardewValley and r/StardewHomeDesign showcase various player creations.
• Pinterest: Offers visual inspiration with themed rooms and decor ideas.
• YouTube: Watch videos for step-by-step guides and creative ideas.
• Planning: Sketch a rough layout of your house or use digital tools like the Stardew Planner to visualize your design. Consider functionality and aesthetics to maximize both beauty and practicality​​.

Must-Have Decor Items and Where to Get Them

Decorative items can be found, crafted, or purchased from various in-game vendors.
Catalogues:

• Furniture Catalogue: Available from Robin for 200,000g, gives unlimited access to all furniture items.
  Wallpaper and Flooring Catalogue: Available from Pierre for 30,000g, provides unlimited access to all wallpapers and floorings.
• Seasonal Items: Many unique items are available during festivals, so be sure to participate in events like the Egg Festival, Spirit’s Eve, and the Feast of the Winter Star.
• Crafting: Crafting items like the Wood Lamp-post, Rustic Plank Floor, and Seasonal Decor can enhance the theme of your rooms.
  

Special Sellers:

• Traveling Cart: Sells rare and unique items every Friday and Sunday.
• Desert Trader: Offers exotic decor items in exchange for trade goods.

Tips and Tricks for Decorating

Here are some detailed tips to elevate your house design:

• Thematic Rooms: Create themed rooms such as a cozy reading nook, a rustic kitchen, or a vibrant plant-filled conservatory. Using specific furniture sets and matching wallpapers and flooring can help achieve a cohesive look.
• Utilize Lighting: Good lighting can transform the ambiance of a room. Use a combination of windows, lamps, and seasonal decor to brighten your space. Experiment with different light sources to find what works best for each room.
• Functional Spaces: Designate areas for specific activities. For instance, set up a dedicated kitchen with cooking utensils and a dining area with tables and chairs. An organized crafting area with workbenches and storage can streamline your farming operations.
• Personal Touches: Add personal touches with rare items, such as the Rarecrow collection or unique furniture pieces obtained from fishing chests and secret notes. Displaying your achievements can make your house feel uniquely yours.
• Seasonal Redecoration: Change your decor with the seasons. Swap out wallpapers, flooring, and furniture to match the current season, making your house feel fresh and festive year-round.

Advanced Tips for Decorating

For those looking to take their decorating skills to the next level, consider these advanced techniques:
Space Management: Remove unnecessary furniture and open up space to prevent clutter. Use the “Move” tool to rearrange items until you find the perfect layout.

• Color Coordination: Pay attention to color schemes. Matching colors between furniture, walls, and floors can create a harmonious look. Use contrasting colors sparingly to highlight specific areas or items.
  
• Interactive Displays: Create interactive displays, such as a museum area with artifacts or a trophy room with collected statues and rare items. This not only decorates your house but also showcases your in-game accomplishments.
  
• Hidden Details: Incorporate hidden details and easter eggs in your design. For instance, place secret items behind furniture or create hidden pathways within your house. These little surprises add depth and interest to your design.
  

Changing Up Your Rooms for Different Seasons

One of the most delightful aspects of decorating your house in Stardew Valley is the ability to tailor your decor to match the changing seasons. This not only keeps your house looking fresh and festive but also enhances the overall gaming experience by aligning your interior with the seasonal changes outside.
Spring Decor:

• Color Palette: Focus on pastel colors like light blues, pinks, and greens to reflect the blooming flowers and fresh start of the season.
• Furniture: Use light, airy furniture such as wicker chairs and floral-patterned sofas. Add vases with flowers and pastel-colored rugs.
• Accessories: Incorporate spring-themed items like butterfly displays, fresh flowers in vases, and decorative eggs from the Egg Festival.

Summer Decor:

• Color Palette: Bright and vibrant colors such as yellows, oranges, and bright blues to mimic the sunny, lively atmosphere.
• Furniture: Choose beach-themed items like hammocks, sun chairs, and brightly colored cushions. Add items like seashell decorations and beach paintings.
• Accessories: Include items like tropical plants, beach balls, and starfish. Participate in the Luau and Summer Festivals for unique summer-themed decorations.

Fall Decor:

• Color Palette: Warm, earthy tones like oranges, browns, and dark reds to reflect the harvest season.
• Furniture: Opt for cozy furniture such as plush armchairs, wooden tables, and checkered or plaid patterns. Use darker, richer woods.
• Accessories: Decorate with pumpkins, autumn leaves, and cozy blankets. Utilize items from the Stardew Valley Fair and Spirit’s Eve for seasonal touches.

Winter Decor:

• Color Palette: Cool, icy colors like whites, blues, and silvers to represent the snowy landscape.
• Furniture: Choose elegant, cozy furniture such as white or blue sofas, fluffy rugs, and fireplaces. Add snowflake decorations and winter-themed curtains.
• Accessories: Include items like Christmas trees, wreaths, and winter star ornaments. The Feast of the Winter Star provides a plethora of winter-themed items​​​​.

Using Space Efficiently

Using space efficiently is key to making a functional and good-looking home in Stardew Valley. Here are some strategies to optimize the space in your farmhouse:

• Multipurpose Furniture: Use furniture that serves multiple functions, such as tables with storage drawers or beds with built-in storage. This helps reduce clutter and makes better use of limited space.
• Vertical Storage: Take advantage of vertical space by using shelves and wall-mounted cabinets. This is especially useful in the kitchen and crafting areas where you need to store a lot of items.
• Zoning: Divide large rooms into distinct zones for different activities. Use rugs, screens, or furniture placement to create separate areas for cooking, dining, crafting, and relaxing.
• Compact Furniture: Opt for smaller, more compact furniture that doesn’t overwhelm the room. For example, choose a small dining table and chairs instead of a large set if space is limited.
• Hidden Storage: Use hidden storage solutions such as under-bed storage boxes or ottomans with storage space inside. This keeps items out of sight but easily accessible.
• Declutter Regularly: Regularly go through your items and get rid of anything you don’t need. This not only frees up space but also makes your home feel more organized and spacious​​​​.

Making Your Space Your Own with Unique Items

Personalizing your farmhouse with unique items can make it feel truly yours and showcase your achievements and preferences in the game.

Rare Items and Achievements: Display rare items and trophies that you have collected throughout your gameplay. This could include Rarecrows, Golden Pumpkins, and statues from completing major milestones.

• Custom Furniture: Craft or purchase custom furniture that fits your personal style. This could be anything from a rustic wooden bench to a modern glass coffee table.
  
• Art and Decorations: Decorate your walls with paintings, posters, and other art pieces that you can find or purchase. Many unique artworks can be obtained through events or from the Traveling Cart.
  
• Themed Rooms: Create themed rooms that reflect your interests. For example, you could have a fishing-themed room with aquatic decor, a mining-themed room with ores and gems on display, or a garden-themed room with plenty of plants and flowerpots.
  
• Interactive Elements: Include interactive elements like jukeboxes, televisions, and fireplaces. These not only add to the ambiance but also provide functional benefits within the game.
  
• Lighting: Use different types of lighting to set the mood in each room. Soft, warm lights can create a cozy atmosphere, while bright, white lights can make a space feel more open and airy​​​​​​.
  

Got Questions?

Wrapping It Up

Decorating your house in Stardew Valley allows for endless creativity and personalization. By utilizing various resources, planning your design, and incorporating both aesthetic and functional elements, you can create a cozy and stylish farmhouse. Whether you're a seasoned player or new to the game, these tips and tricks will help you make the most of your interior design efforts. Happy decorating!