Many have asked that all too familiar question, “Where do you start in decorating a home?” It’s a big question with a lot of answers so I thought I’d capture as much as I can in a summary that would be easy to the beginner home decorator. Now, what I disclose will be for the homeowner and apartment renter as well.
These are basic design principles that both can apply.
Since most people are overwhelmed with the task at hand, I would offer this bit of advice…start with one room at a time. Even if you have a brand new house and you’re starting from scratch, this can still apply. You will have all rooms to consider, this I understand, but you can still focus on one room at a time.
Let’s start with considering what I like to call the seven layers of design:
- Layer 1: Shell of the room – Walls, floors, ceilings, windows, fireplaces, focal point.
- Layer 2: Flooring – carpet, hardwood, tile, linoleum.
- Layer 3: Upholstered pieces – sofa, chairs, recliners, and ottomans.
- Layer 4: Case-goods- cocktail table, end tables, console tables.
- Layer 5: Lighting- general, task, accent.
- Layer 6: Window Treatments – hard treatments like blinds or shutters/ soft like curtains and drapery.
- Layer 7: Accessories – area rugs, oriental rugs, artwork, sculptures, accent plants, decorative pillows, blankets and throws, candles, pictures, posters, etc.
By breaking it down this way I’ve just given you a substantial game plan that you can begin to take action on.
First, you must decide on your personal design style and color scheme you will utilize in the space. Remember, start with one room.
Let’s start with giving you a bit of information on color.
Did you know that color can excite you, make you feel happy, comfortable, relaxed, anxious and even sad? Color affects your moods and feelings and can make or break any design project.
Here are some tips to remember:
- To make a room look larger – use light, cool colors.
- To make a room cozier and inviting, use warm colors.
- To make a ceiling look higher, use white or light colors.
- To drop the ceiling and make lower, use darker colors.
Some say the best all-time rule to follow is this:
Your primary areas – floors, walls, and ceilings, should receive neutralized colors in a range of values. Make the floor the darkest surface, the walls medium, and the ceiling the lightest value.
Now on to Personal Style. What do you really like when it comes to your personal decorating style? Do you know? Is it traditional or contemporary? Casual or elegant?
If you’re not sure, simply visit a few furniture showcases. Furniture stores always display their furniture in groups called “vignettes”.
These vignettes will display groupings from living rooms to kitchens. As you visit these displays ask yourself, “What do I feel most comfortable in?”
In decorating, your personal style is a reflection of you. I always say it’s an expression of who you are, your life’s experiences, your education, your travels, and so forth.
You will eventually grasp what you like if you don’t already know by simply shopping to see what is out there. Also, clip out magazine pictures of rooms you like and sort them in a decorating file to inspire your creativity.
Note how certain architectural features work together. Notice the different lines of furniture, various fabrics of upholstery and window treatments.
Take note of the many lighting fixtures and home décor that was selected in each of the spaces and in the stores you will shop. What do you like best and least about them? You’ll begin to affirm what appeals to you and what does not. You’ll soon realize what your personal style is and what you will incorporate into your own space.
Shop with the seven layers of design in mind. Do this room by room, focusing on one room at a time. Before you know it, you will have decorated your home and then will then begin to enjoy all the benefits within the space that graciously displays you!
