Decor Tips

You don’t need a formal education in interior design to create an environment that you, your family and guests can enjoy. Your decorating style reflects the stage of life you are in and who you are right now. As you grow and change your style will reflect those changes. Don’t be afraid to keep the things you love and use them in new ways as your own style evolves. Whether you are just starting out or going through an “evolution” in your decorating style here are some tips to get started.

The very first thing to do is determine your decorating budget. Once you have decided what you have to work with then you can plan what you will spend on the individual components of your room. Consider what you already have and how you can update it to work in you space. Check you local consignment and thrift shops for budget helps. Choose what items are essential to your plan and use the bulk of your budget on these items.

One of the easiest ways to begin a decorating project is with paint. The colors of your walls can change the whole feel of a room. If you are not sure what colors you like you can begin with your closet. What colors do you like to wear? Another source is nature. Take a walk and really look around at the palette of colors and decide what is pleasing to you. Once you think you have an idea of what you like visit the paint store. You may want to consider purchasing a small amount of paint in the colors you are considering and painting a poster board and hanging it on your wall for a few days. This way you can see how the light during different times of day affects the color. It also gives you the chance to see how the color you have chosen will blend with the elements in your room that you are unable to change at this time.

In addition to the color you may what to consider using decorative painting techniques. You can create stripes with flat and semi gloss paint of the same color or using contrasting colors. Stencils can be used to add designs where you choose. You can use ragging to give your paint a variegated look. This technique is really beneficial in homes where the walls have blemishes because it disguises them. Your local paint store has helpful information on what techniques there are to choose from and how to achieve them.

Once you have chosen the color scheme you are using gather you paint chips and get swatches of fabric for your window treatments, furniture, accent pillows and rugs. Taking the time to co-ordinate your colors and patterns will save you time and even help you stay on budget.

Area rugs are a good way to work with a budget and still have a dramatic impact. An area rug can pull the whole look of a room together. When choosing furniture mix, don’t match. Not only does blended furniture add a unique feel to your room it is a great way to stay on target with your budget. One of a kind chairs are great finds. Slip covers are an option that can allow you to use what you already have.

Curtains, wall hangings and accessories are the icing on the cake. The walls, rugs and furniture are the canvas that allows you to make your own decorating statement with the finishing touches. When you want to change a room that already has a great canvas just update some or all of these items to give your room a new and invigorating look. An example would be putting contrasting accent pillows on the couch and changing the coffee table accessories to change the whole mood of the room. Go ahead; have a great adventure creating your own decorating style!

Bibliography

Cohen, Sherry, and Teri Seidman. Decorating for Comfort. New York:Villard Books, 1995.

Hallam, Linda, ed. Real Life Decorating. Iowa: Meredith Books, Better Homes and Gardens Books, 2000.

Holms, John, ed. Decorating 1-2-3. Iowa, Meredith Books, Home Depot Books, 2000.

Find Great home furnishings and accents online at www.legendaryresources.com.

by Marian McLean

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