A well decorated home does not happen by accident.
Here are a few tips and tricks to decorate your home like a pro.
photo courtesy of Roger Ward flickr.com/photos/acradenia/5847565272/
Have a Plan
You must have a style plan.
Don't just go out an buy things here and there.
Flip through magazines to determine your style and the overall feel that you want your home to have.
It should be cohesive throughout all adjoining rooms that are not separated by a door.
Color
Add color.
Even if you are color-phobic, select a darker beige than the beige that is already on your wall.
Paint is relatively inexpensive, so repainting in 5-10 years will not break the bank.
Painting your ceiling an off-white or creme instead of bright white will make your home more cozy.
Even rooms that are mostly white have pops of color through wood tones, metallics, and greenery.
For a more contemporary look, paint your walls and ceiling the same white as your trim and add color through your furniture, art, and accessories.
Add to the Architecture
Don't forget the architecture of the house.
Adding crown molding or other decorative millwork not only enhances the room's beauty, but it can also increase your home's value.
Photo by Geoff Chick & Associates - Search bedroom pictures
Remove the Generic
Try to remove cheap generic elements of your home that everyone in your neighborhood has in their homes.
Such items may include mass produced light fixtures, plain sheet mirrors, and basic beige carpet.
Replace these items with higher quality ones, such as decorative vintage light fixtures, beveled mirrors with wood frames, or hardwood flooring.
You do not have to buy the most expensive products, but you should focus on items that are high quality and unique (but not weird).
Furniture Layout
Next, create a furniture layout plan.
Determine the size and types of furniture you need for your rooms.
You can use painter's tape to mark the size of furniture on your floor or you can get a large appliance box to mock-up the space.
Furniture that is too small for a room makes the room look unwelcoming and furniture that is too big for a room makes the room look tiny.
Timeless and Trendy Together
Select timeless large pieces of furniture and trendy less expensive items, such as pillows.
That way you can easily replace the pillows in a few years for a new look but the expensive pieces are not out of fashion.
Furniture Needs to Function
Make sure you test drive furniture before you purchase it.
You need to sit on sofas to make sure they are comfortable and not too low that you can't get out of them.
Dining chairs need to be comfortable and the correct height for the table.
Check the chair's arm height to make sure it can slide under the table.
Don't Go Overboard with Accessories
Simplicity is the key.
Buy just a few accessory items that are larger and of higher quality instead of a lot of smaller items of lesser quality.
If you cannot find the perfect accessory, just wait. You can always purchase it at a later date.
Feel free to spray paint items that have a nice shape, but you don't like the color.
Individuality
Find one-of-a-kind items to decorate your home.
Search flea markets and antique stores.
Collect high quality accessories from your travels so they have sentimental value and a story to tell your guests.
Mix it Up
Your home should not look just like page 57 of your favorite catalog.
Add some surprises for interest.
Not everything has to match perfectly, however it does have to coordinate.
Don't forget the details
Add the finishing touches to your home that your builder may have left out, such as kitchen and bath cabinet hardware.
Plants and Flowers
Plants and Flowers add life to a room.
Beware of faux plants that just collect dust. If you must purchase an artificial plant, then make sure to purchase the best quality that you can afford and clean it regularly.
Decorate with live plants, trees, and flower to make your home more warm and welcoming.
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