Print Article for : How To Decorate A Home

Your Online Guide » Home Decor » Home Management

[H1006]How To Decorate A Home

by Greg Fisher, Gre

1. Always have a plan.

Before you even step foot inside a Home Depot or local department store, you should come prepared with a full plan of what you're going to do.

By identifying exactly where you want to make changes and how you want to decorate your house, you'll save money in the long run. Start by visualizing the style you want, along with the overall theme, and then figure out exactly where you want to make structural or major changes. For inspiration, try browsing decorating magazines and manuals at your local library.

The most critical component of any project is a detailed plan. Without one, you will likely make a number of purchases you'll later regret - or get part way through the project and wind up starting all over.

Remember, just because you have a plan doesn't mean you can't buy a great light fixture that's on sale. Rather, it just means that light fixture needs to fit into your overall plan.

2. Highlight your focal points.

Redecorating doesn't mean you have to overhaul the entire house. By focusing on one particular area, you can concentrate more of your efforts and budget on major renovations that can make a big impact on its attractiveness.

One of the best returns on any home decorating investment is a kitchen project. By updating your countertops, appliances and cabinets, you'll not only be highlighting a major focal point, but also investing in the future value of your home.

3. Identify your needs.

Are you redecorating because you want a new look or because you need to create extra space for a new child or a home business? Do you hope to make it more attractive to guests, or more functional for young children? By identifying the "why" behind your choice to decorate, you're less likely to steer off track.

If your goal is to create new space, then you'll stay focused on space-saving, multi-functional pieces. But, if your goal is a contemporary, new look then you'll know to stay away from those adorable country kitchen chairs that don't really fit your plan.

4. Measure twice, buy once.

Especially if you're buying wholesale or on sale, it's extremely important to know all your measurements. Heavily discounted furniture is often not returnable, meaning if you accidentally buy a couch that's too big for your living room, you may have to buy an axe to cut it down to size. Even if you are able to return mis-measured furniture, it results in a waste of time and certainly unrefundable delivery expenses.

5. Save money where it counts.

Just as you should spend money on high-quality items like flooring, you should always save money where it counts too. One of the easiest places to save money is on accessories and fabrics - so when it comes to accent pillows and upholsteries, be ready to hunt down a bargain. You can find them at specialty stores, thrift shops, and through a casual search online.

Learn how to decorate your home like the professionals by using the furnishings you already own. You can create eye-catching visual appeal and a warm, inviting atmosphere with these designer secrets.

Traditionally, decorators start by deciding on a "decorating style". Popular styles include Traditional, Contemporary and Cottage. There are also geographic themes like Southwest, Oriental and French as well as styles that recreate an era like Victorian or Art Deco.

If you've furnished your home with random pieces that came from a variety of sources, then you probably have the informal Eclectic look. Whether you call it a decorating style or a hodge-podge of furniture finds, Eclectic pieces are a reflection of your individual tastes and almost anything can be used. Simply keep these professional tips in mind.

Proportion: Balance your room by placing large pieces of furniture around your living space. If possible, tall items like bookcases and grandfather clocks should be across from one another to keep the room from looking lop-sided. Then add smaller pieces like tables in the spaces where they will be convenient and attractive. If you have small furnishings or decorator objects, group them in uneven numbers like one, three or five items together.

Color: Nature's colors like white, cream, brown, green and blue are normally neutral in a decorating scheme. Black is grounding and should be saved for small pieces.

Large areas like walls look best with a lighter color. A darker or contrasting color can be used on one wall for a dramatic effect. Beautiful paint makes pictures and decor "pop" out of the background and increases their intensity. Try using warm colors like pink, peach or mauve. Or paint with soothing colors like blue or green. Remember, if you don't like it, you can always paint over it!

Floor coverings may be wood, tile or carpet of the same color or a darker hue than the walls. Area or throw rugs may then be added to add interest, color or texture. Rugs also serve as protection from dirt and scuffs.

Accents: These include small decorator pieces and items of personal interest. Keep collections together in one area to highlight their uniqueness. Very small collections can be placed on a tray or attractively displayed on a table. You may also want to consider using some of your flat items as wall decor, especially if you are limited on space.

Throw pillows make a room feel comfortable. They are an easy and inexpensive way to change color accents. Afghans, throws and quilts thrown casually over a sofa or chair add texture and warmth.

Lighting: Good lighting is the key to your decorating success. Attractive floor lamps with light colored shades provide ambient light for the entire room. Table lamps highlight small decorating objects as well as providing concentrated light for reading, working and study. Shades for small lamps can match your furnishings or be conversation pieces with a different color and style.

If you want a warm and inviting atmosphere that is unique to your home and personality, then the Eclectic look is for you. Have fun with your furnishings and create your own "decorating style" today.

Article Source : Pg. 52

About Author

Both Greg Fisher & Candy Arnold are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.

Greg Fisher has sinced written about articles on various topics from Home Management, Martial Arts and Home Management. For info on practical interior design ideas, please visit www.interior-creative-design.com, a popular site providing insights about home upgrade recommendations such as. Greg Fisher's top article generates over 3600 views. to your Favourites.

Candy Arnold has sinced written about articles on various topics from Home Management, Family and Mobile Phone Reviews. Candy Arnold began designing home interiors in Dallas, Texas in 1975 where she and her husband built custom homes. A demand for unique furniture and lighting accents led to Candy's interest in Victorian furnishings. She has been sewing and restoring antiq. Candy Arnold's top article generates over 2400 views. to your Favourites.