Nicer house or Nicely Decorated?

I use money cheats to get nicely decorated homes. That's the only time I use them. I find it difficult to decorate as I go along playing a household. I'm better at decorating when I have the whole picture in my mind.

what i usually do is build a nice home first and then over time have it decorated when they get a decent amount of simoleons and clutter it up to feel more homey!!

My first priority with houses/remodeling is to first go for objects that have an impact on Sims' daily lives. I'll start with the kitchen and buy a better stove/refrigerator so they can make better quality food and reduce the risk of fires. Then I tackle the bathroom and buy better plumbing: showers that don't go cold in the middle of soaping up and toilets/sinks that don't break right when my Sims are leaving for work. Then I go for beds that help them get better sleep and couches that aren't uncomfortable. I also throw in items that help them build skills and fun -- workout equipment for my athletes, a better computer for my writers, etc. Decor/clutter is pretty much lowest priority for my houses, unless I have a painter Sim who can make his/her own wall decor.