Take a look at the following tips, suggestions, guidelines, and rules of thumb to use as you decorate your home. Pick and choose the ideas you feel would work best within the environment you are trying to create. The key to success is one specific idea that is echoed throughout these all these hints-planning.
It’s important to think about your purchases carefully:
How is your new purchase (fabric, paint, chair, lamp, etc.) going to fit into the already existing scheme? What kind of feel do you want a room to have: cozy, formal, intimate, casual, etc.? What are your favorite colors? What style do you like? Do you plan on entertaining?
The most beautifully decorated homes are the result of careful thought and decision-making. Don’t skip this important process in your decorating scheme.
Above all, have fun. There is no right or wrong way to decorate your home. There is only your own, unique, individual style. Make the most of it and don’t be afraid to experiment and try new things.
The sections to the right are organized chronologically, suggesting what to start thinking about first. Make your decorating decisions about that subject and then move on to the next one. Good luck!
COLOR
Decide on your color scheme first, before you begin planning other aspects of your decor. Choose from one of three possible color schemes:
Monochromatic-uses one color in varying shades and intensities. This kind of scheme creates a unified, harmonious environment between rooms. Complementary — a rich color scheme that plays warm colors against cool colors. Depending on the color choices, the effect can be either striking or soothing. Analogous — select a favorite color and then use two or three additional colors that are related to it.
Avoid trendy colors — they come and go just like clothing fashions. Be aware of the color likes and dislikes of those who will live in or use the space. Experiment with many different color combinations-you may be surprised by what you like.
Work with as large a sample palette as possible, leaving no possibility unexplored. Light colors are expansive and, in general, make small rooms appear
brighter and larger.
Dark colors absorb light and, in general, make large rooms appear cozier and more intimate.
Paint your ceiling the same colors as the walls — or even lighter — to create
the feeling of space. Paint your ceiling a darker color to make the room appear smaller and cozier.
LIGHTING
Think of lighting as yet another dimension of interior design. Forgetting about this element of a room’s design often results in the random placement of lamps on tables or in corners, counteracting much of your carefully planned scheme. Lighting creates atmosphere and interest in a room, just like colors, patterns, and textures.
Of the three basic types of lighting, a room should usually have at least two, if not all three, lighting types.
Background lighting — muted lighting serves as a backdrop in a room and frequently involves dimmer switches. This type of ambient lighting can be provided by: concealed lighting, display-shelf lighting, ceiling light fixtures, crown molding, recessed ceiling lights or illuminated ceiling panels; reflections off the ceiling can be created with uplights, wall lights and recessed fixtures in the floor, wall or ceiling.
Direct or task lighting — illuminates areas meant for specific activities such as reading, food preparation, applying makeup, walking up or down stairs, etc. Direct lighting can be provvided by: table, floor or desk lamps; fluorescent or incandescent tubes or circular fittings; strip lights or bulbs around a mirror; downlights over sinks, baths, or wall-mounted fixtures over a bed.
Decorative or accent lighting — provides dramatic effect and spotlights the interesting features of a room. This type of lighting can be provided by: spotlights — ceiling or wall-mounted; uplights and downlights; and even candles.
PATTERNS
Choose from three possible pattern schemes:
Simplicity includes unpatterned walls, windows, furnishings, and subtle textures as accents.
Maximize patterns by using them on everything-but do it carefully. Start with one large pattern on the largest surface in the room and add two or three smaller-scale patterns around the room. Try to avoid pattern clusters.
Balanced use of patterns can be accomplished by leaving walls plain and using patterns on the window dressings, for instance, or vice versa.
Patterns add depth, movement, and visual interest to any decorating scheme.
Correspond the size of patterns you use to the size of a room. Use small-scale patterns for small rooms, where the smaller pattern can be clearly seen and absorbed. Use large-scale patterns in large rooms to take up space visually, bringing the room down to a smaller scale.
A rule of thumb for combinations: each pattern should have at least one color in common.
Combine similar patterns of different sizes, as long as there is a common color.
Combine floral with floral, geometric with geometric. If you mix different types of patterns, create a link with colors and shapes such as checks or stripes.
Mix patterns with solid colors to create interest and contrast.
TEXTURE
Smooth texture reflects light and makes colors appear lighter and more lustrous, cool and sophisticated.
Rougher textures absorb light and make materials appear duller and more casual.
Use of texture depends on how you have used colors and patterns in your decorating scheme. For example, a monochromatic color scheme without patterns allows for using more texture than a decorating scheme with bold colors and patterns.
Remember that patterned fabric-while it may be smooth to the touch-has a visual texture.
