Whether purchasing a new home or just freshening up an existing one, most homeowners need the answer to the age-old question of "Where do I begin to turn this house into a home?" When homeowners need advice, they call professionals to consult on plumbing, heating/cooling, landscaping and cleaning, but not decorating. "Once considered a luxury for the wealthy, decorating services are more of a necessity for today's busy homeowner who can't afford to make costly mistakes," said Carol Donayre Bugg, a member of the American Society of Interior Decorators.
To ensure homeowners new or old get off to the right start, the society offers "seven keys to great decorating" to ensure the best results.
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Be a Keen Observer.
Make note of what catches your attention; most likely you're attracted to that look. Consciously note what catches your eye as you flip through decorating magazines, watch decorating shows on TV, or you may even check out interesting Internet sites on the home such as homearts.com or take a virtual tour of room makeovers on decoratingden.com. Clip pictures and start a file; you will then be better able to draw a conclusion on your taste and style.
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Take an Honest Inventory.
Determine which room or rooms you would like to improve and take an objective inventory of what you already own. Assess your furnishings the way you seasonally review your wardrobe. Next, take out your camera and take snapshots of the room(s); photos never lie. Study the photos carefully, and keep the furniture and accessories you truly love. The easiest and least expensive way to make a notable change is to move some pieces to another room - for both function and design. |
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Make a Work in Progress.
Is there a special family event or holiday coming up by which you would like your project completed? You need a work-in-progress plan that sets a series of reasonable goals. A simple, written plan in a loose-leaf binder will help you remain on track. No matter how small or large the project, ideally at this point you should schedule a complimentary at-home design consultation with a professional. This person will ask questions and assist you in determining not only your design style but your functional needs as well
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Balance Practicality with Panache.
In decorating terms, panache is that personal touch you give the ordinary by turning it into something uniquely your own. Adding fringe shades to an average chandelier, displaying a special personal collection gathered over the years, painting a wall an unusual bold color - all are examples of how to personalize your surroundings with your own dash of panache. Best of all, panache does not have to be expensive, and practicality does not have to be mundane.
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Study the French.
Fabulous fakery has always been a part of French design. Faux finishes are ever popular and can be implemented in many areas of the home. It is popular for walls, fabrics and accessories. For example; do you wish to wake up a bare wall with a window with a pretty view but don't think you can afford the renovation and landscaping? Have a local artist paint one.
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Give Change a Chance.
Redecorating can be as simple as simply removing a piece of furniture, or the most dramatic change usually comes from introducing a strong new color or a different pattern. Just remember that all change - even for the better - requires a period of adjustment.
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The Joy is in the Doing.
Don't allow the constraints of the size of your house or your budget stop you from living beautifully and well. There are decorating schemes, furnishings, and accessories for every situation and for every budget.
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