Theme decorating has fewer rules than designer decorating. The themes are more forgiving. A novice home decorator can reasonably expect to decorate a successful room on an affordable budget.

There are a few pointers to help home decorators create the home of their dreams. The most important rule is to pick a subject or theme that you are in love with, something that touches a ?love language? in you, or a passion. Never pick a theme because it looks good in a book, or is the current popular theme.

The key to theme decorating is finding a unique decorating scheme based on your lifestyle, personality, and creativity. A unique design will not only impress friends, but it will ?speak to you? in a way that will feed your emotions, help you relax, and create rooms that are a pleasure to live in.

The first step to theme decorating is to pull inspiration from the surroundings. Look at the architecture, home style, and even the landscape outside the windows.

Themes can come from any source history, movies, books, tourist attractions, countries, societies, and environments. There is no limit to the places where home owners can find inspiration for their themes.

One way to find the perfect theme for you is to start hunting the attic, basement, and the rooms that exist. Theme decorating is so successful because it brings new life to the home you have already created.

Many home decorators believe they need to re-invent their home ? to decorate it the right way. This is a wrong attitude. Never assume that someone else can do a better job of decorating your home.

Mix and match old and new items that you own. Don't be afraid of mixing styles, old chic from a flea market and 100% Egyptian Cotton linen will blend successfully if the homeowner trusts their own instincts.

If the homeowner starts small, experimenting with knick knacks, they can try several ideas before embarking on an entire room makeover.

The decorator needs a clear picture of their ideal room before purchasing expensive items like quilts, comforters, art, and furniture. Fabrics and small items like table lamps can be replaced, a couch is there for a long time.

Don't think new. Many theme homes are given a professional touch by using a little craft decorating. An old lamp can be brought to life by covering it with a little stucco. Metal and glass can be painted. Fabric can be painted or dyed.

Most themes do not start with furniture. They start with pillows, plants, lamps and picture.

The last tip is to add universal items. Sunflowers, stars, moons, ivy, and flowers are universal in their appeal, and can often turn the outlandish and fantastic into a work of art.