THE ESSENTIALS CHECKLIST FOR NEWLY MARRIED HOMEOWNERS

After a beautiful wedding celebration and exotic honeymoon, you and your loved one are ready to settle in and enjoy your newly married bliss, especially in a new home. Although putting together a house can seem like an everlasting project, you can make it your home right away with the following new-home essentials.

Drapes
Create a color scheme for your home by starting with your window treatments. The interior-design theme of your home can be a long-term project, and hanging curtains is a great starting point. Colorful curtains and stylish blinds can eliminate a room's drab aura and create interior warmth, even without other complementary furnishings. Go for eye-catching, rich hues, such as emerald green, indigo blue, canary yellow, or even Pantone's 2014 color of the year, radiant orchid.

Bed Coverings
As a newlywed couple, your bedroom is your sacred sanctuary. The relaxing space should be free of electronics and full of tranquil elements and decor reflective of you both as a couple. Start with your bed and gender-neutral bed trimmings, including a duvet, bed skirt, throw pillows and linens. An accessorized bed will create aesthetic comfort as you begin to incorporate more furniture and other decor, such as wall art, a rug, flower-filled vases, and plants.

Cleaning Equipment
Cleaning a house is a monumentally more challenging and exhausting chore than cleaning an apartment. Although more space in a home is enjoyable, you've now got more ground to cover with a broom and mop. Visit Macys.com and invest in a Dyson vacuum that will help keep your floors clean and spotless. Not only will the superior-quality vacuum help give you flawless floors and carpeting, it can make cleaning a pleasant experience, rather than a dreaded household duty.

Toolkit
Since you're now responsible for your own home repairs and around-the-house tasks, you'll want a well-stocked supply of tools. ToolGuyd.com provides a list of safety gear and 12 basic tools that every homeowner-turned handyman should own. For unexpected repairs and home DIY projects, you'll need to start a tool collection that includes, for example, a utility knife, tape measure, a variety of screwdrivers, and adjustable and combination wrenches. Along with the Tool Guyd recommended list of tools, you'll also want to stock up on paint supplies, sandpaper, an electrical outlet tester, nuts, screws, nails, and sandpaper.

12+ Essential Tools for DIYers and Homeowners
Posted on January 10th, 2012 by Stuart Deutsch
0. Safety Gear - Goggles, Hearing Protection, Gloves
1. Utility Knife
2. Tape Measure
3. Multi-Bit Screwdrivers
3.5 Precision Screwdrivers
4. Hex Key Set
5. 16oz Claw Hammer + Dead Blow Hammer or Mallet
6. LED Flashlight
7. Adjustable Wrench, Combination Wrenches, Ratchet and Socket Set
8. Pliers and Cutters
9. Saw - Hand, Hack, Corded or Cordless
10. Tool Box
11. Cordless Drill Driver + Drill and Screwdriver Bit Set
12. Wet/Dry Shop Vacuum

PLUS
There are several other tools that, while not as absolutely essential as those listed above, can greatly improve project results or make certain tasks easier to accomplish. At the minimum, I would suggest the following layout tools: 12″ or 16″ combination square with detachable straightedge, 9″ torpedo level, 24″ level and a Speed Square. And if you're going to be mounting anything to your walls, you're going to need a stud finder.
I was going to make these layout tools #11 on the list, but technically you can get around not having them. But how are you going to drill anchor holes for new window shades without a drill?

Custom Accents
For most new homeowners, splurging on fancy decor isn't within the budget. Get creative with how you personalize your home and give it character. Shop at flea markets for photo frames, vases or a vintage piece of furniture that you can refurbish with a bright paint color and fun patterns. Visit CasaSugar.com for home inspiration. Decorate a plain white vase with orange washi tape. Frame an old map to cover bare wall space. Glue metallic buttons to a lamp for glammed-out lighting. DIY decor projects can also become a new hobby and creative outlet for a happy homemaker.

Entertaining Supplies
Enjoying a new home is the most exciting when you can share it with your friends and family. Stock up on party-hosting essentials such as wine and cocktail glasses, a cocktail shaker, a serving platter, place mats, a table runner, and basic dishes and cutlery. Don't forget to create a soothing playlist for your guests to enjoy during your dinner party. Plan an upcoming housewarming party and play host and hostess by inviting guests and cooking them a delectable dinner.