Have you ever shopped to decorate your home, got some pieces you absolutely loved and you were very happy about your choices because after all, you liked every single piece. BUT, as soon as you put them in your space you realized nothing seemed to go together, or the pieces were too big or too small, or simply were too many different colors and styles..... that is because you made the biggest mistake while decorating: YOU DID NOT MAKE A PLAN.
MAKING A PLAN.
1. The first thing you have to do is figure out your style.
Is your style modern, vintage, boho-chic, glam, contemporary-farmhouse, traditional, mid-century modern, minimalist, eclectic, etc?. I know it sounds overwhelming but all you have to do is to look online for inspiration. Once you find the style you identify with, make it CONSISTENT throughout your home. To make it even easier, identify the purpose of the space first and plan to do one room at a time, keep screenshots or magazine clips of your inspiration with you while shopping to make sure you get the right things.
2. Choose a Color Scheme and your Accent Colors!
One or two accent colors seem to be the best way to go. Keep it consistent. Having accessories around the house with the same color scheme will tie room after room together, making your home have a good flow.
3. Establish a budget
No one likes to talk about money, but it is absolutely necessary. Don't be afraid to create a budget, but also be realistic. Once you know how much you are spending, you get to decide if you splurge on an item or two and be frugal on others.
4. Make a list.
Look around the room and ask yourself what you need to get. Need art? Decide how many pieces and take measurements. Need a sofa, coffee table or an area rug? Measure your space and make sure it won't be too small or too big- there has to be enough room to walk around but not too much where it makes your space look empty. And don't forget to measure the door frames- nothing will be more frustrating than finding out your brand new table or sofa does not fit through the door! Measure, double measure, triple measure!!!
5. Start with large items and then layer-in accessories.
A good rule of thumb (if you want to keep things simple) is to get big pieces in neutral colors, like couches, dining tables, etc. and add some color and texture with accessories like pillows, vases, throws, picture frames, etc. Make sure to select furniture pieces that reflect you. And remember, furniture should be beautiful, comfortable and functional.
6. It's all about the accessories!
These are considered the icing on the cake. Accessories and accents are the items that will transform a good space into a great space. You can mix new and old and have some fun with them by combining different shapes, textures and colors and grouping them in uneven numbers. 3, 5 or 7 items in a group will make them interesting to the eye, but always make sure it looks balanced. You can even change accessories seasonally, making your home feel different and fresh every time.
7. Make it Interesting!
Avoid making your home look like it’s "out of a catalog." Having statement and conversational pieces is a must. If you want to make your home look like a designer has done the job, incorporating interesting pieces is the way to go. Don't be afraid to mix up some unique vintage or antique pieces, or some bold colors and textures. Play around with oversized items or unique shapes, but make sure not to overdo it. Just a bit here and there will do the trick.
8. Lighting is so important, it is a tool that is often overlooked.
You want to take advantage of your home's natural light by keeping the area in front of windows clear and unobstructed, and window treatments should be easy to open to make the most of it. Another trick is to use wall mirrors around the house, as they will reflect the light coming from the windows. At night time, create the mood with soft and cozy lighting. Choose table lamps and floor lamps and position them strategically around the house. And lastly, add dimmers to ceiling lights and light fixtures, which will create a feeling of coziness. The truth is, without the right lighting all those well thought designed spaces with beautiful furniture and accessories will be lost. Lighting can truly make a house into a home!
9. Be aware of Open Box Items.
Buying open box items it's a great way to save money, but you have to know you can NOT return them, so again, take measurements and make sure it will go perfectly with the rest of the room.
10. Let the experts handle it.
If after all, you still find decorating to be daunting, then your best bet is to contact an e-design website or an interior decorator to help you.
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