I Asked ChatGPT to Decorate My “Bohemian Grandma” Bedroom, and I’d Do It Again

When I first realized AI’s increasing prevalence in our lives, I was angry and afraid. As a journalism student, I worried AI-powered chatbots such as ChatGPT and other technology like it would render the career I’ve been working toward obsolete. But as any student going to college in the 2020s knows, we have to be adaptable to the world around us, which is why I’ve cautiously begun to see ChatGPT as less of an adversary and more of a tool — one I’m using not just to improve my work, but also to improve my home.

Let me explain: As much as I love decorating my space, I hate spending hours online looking for things to order — I think it’s such a waste of time! It’s daunting to have the entire internet at my disposal with thousands of options to sift through without knowing where to start. So, in light of my newfound quest to stop freaking out about ChatGPT so much, I decided to test whether I could use the AI chatbot to create an efficient way to source home decor items — and let me tell you, I was thoroughly impressed with the results. 

After a bit of trial and error with different prompts, I came up with a solid plan for turning ChatGPT into my very own personal interior decorator. Here’s how you can do it too.

In order for ChatGPT to pick out accurate and helpful items, it first needs to know your budget and decor aesthetic. If you know what vibe you want for your space but have no clue how to achieve it, this prompt will help you discover the types of products to look for that fit your theme and budget. 

Give ChatGPT this prompt: I want to redecorate my room in the style of X. Pick out X items that stay within my budget of X.

In response, ChatGPT should give you a list of specific items you should look for, along with a description of what each item is and its general price range. For example, because I asked for “bohemian grandma” products that fit within the budget of $300, ChatGPT offered ideas such as a vintage rug, fringed throw pillows, and decorative ceramic plates, among others.

One of the things that makes a room’s design feel cohesive is a color scheme. Especially if you are attempting to pull off a certain aesthetic, sticking to a complementing color palette will help you nail the vibe you’re going for. 

Use this prompt: I need help picking out a color scheme that will stay within the parameters of the X decor style.

ChatGPT should give you suggestions for color schemes, along with a description of each, that stay within the parameters of your decorating style. For example, when I gave it this prompt asking for “boho grandma” color schemes, it suggested “earth tones” like terracotta, ochre, mustard yellow, and burnt orange, and described them as colors that evoke a sense of richness and vintage charm. 

Once you have a list of items that fall within your parameters, ask ChatGPT to give you recommendations for where to shop. 

Try saying: Give me X recommendations for where I can buy these items. 

The response should include recommendations for stores and websites to buy decor from, along with what types of items are sold at each place that fit within your parameters. For example, the suggestions to my prompt included Etsy for vintage rugs and antique picture frames, Urban Outfitters for throw pillows, and World Market for decorative ceramic plates, among others. 

If you need help articulating your design style in your search for products, you can ask ChatGPT for a list of keywords to use.

You can ask something like the following: Can you give me a list of keywords to use while searching the web for these products?

ChatGPT will then suggest a list of keywords to use when searching the internet for the types of products you want to buy. Some of the key phrases it suggested were “bohemian grandma decor” and “vintage suitcases for storage.”

If ChatGPT gives you a response you don’t like, you can hit the “regenerate” button, which will create a new response based on the same prompt you just gave. If that doesn’t help, you can try rephrasing your prompt to get the type of answer you’re looking for. 

For example, if you have a certain type of item in mind, ask for it by its name! Such as: Can you give me suggestions for items I can use as underbed storage that stay within my aforementioned budget and style? 

In this case, ChatGPT should provide a list of items specific to this request, as well as an explanation for why each item is included in the list. For example, ChatGPT suggested wicker baskets to me, noting they’re practical for storage and add a natural, rustic touch to a room.  

I set out on this endeavor to conquer my fear of the unknowns surrounding AI, and the more I understand how ChatGPT works, and how it can positively impact me, the more comfortable I feel about it overall. I now see AI as a tool, and like any tool, mishandling it can be detrimental. But as long as it’s used responsibly, I’m confident it can help make life easier … and maybe even more stylish.

This post originally appeared on Dorm Therapy. See it there: I Used ChatGPT as My Personal Interior Decorator — Here’s How It Went