1 - Get Organised.
Whatever your viewpoint is, the first most important step is to Get Organised.
Being organised will help you stay focus,and for the 'less than enthused' good organization will make the project less daunting.
Then you'll need a tote bag or a big purse.. something comfortable to carry along.
Next you'll need some file folders..this is for collecting purpose. you can have one file for Pictures That Inspires You..one for the Receipts and one to hold a copy of your budget and floor plan.
- In addition to file folders, it would be a great idea to keep a measuring tape,pencils,notepad and graph paper in your tote bag.
2 - Set A Home Decorating Budget.
Take a careful assessment of what you hope to accomplish with your project and come up with reasonable budget. By setting a budget you will avoid the problem of completing half of your decorating scheme.
If you do not have the money set aside to do the entire project exactly the way you want you can break up the project into stages and complete each stage as funds become available.
3 - Choose Your Style.
What is your decorating style? What mood are you trying to convey? Do you want a formal space or something more casual? Do you like country decor or are your more traditional? This is the time to pick the style and mood you hope to have in the room so that all of your decisions will work together to create a cohesive look.
For some helpful ideas on what you like to achieve, you should pour over some Decorating Magazines and pick one or two that appeals to you..and if there's any pictures that you like, that conveys the style and mood your after,have them cut out and paste them in your file. they will help you when you go shopping for items.
When you are deciding on a style don't forget to take the architectural style of your home into consideration. Stark modern furniture may not be at home in a New England style cape home. Of course this rule, like all rules can be broken or "bent" a little but it takes some amount of skill to pull off. If you have your heart set on Moroccan interiors but live in a traditional home take some of those elements that you love and apply them to a theme that fits in your home.
Often people, including professional designers, mix al little of this and a little of that to create eclectic interiors.
4 - Analyze Your Room.
In home decorating the first step in analyzing your space is to think about the function of the room. Is this a formal room or casual. Will you be entertaining here or will the family be snuggling up in front of the television. When you determine what the function of the room will be write it down this will help you remember to keep the function of the room foremost in your mind as you decorate the room.
Next, take measurements of the outside walls noting things like windows,doors,fireplace..etc.
Sketch those measurements out on a piece of graph paper. Most people do a floor plan on a 1/4 to 1 scale which means that every square on the graph paper (1/4") is equal to 1 foot of the actual room. You can also purchase a magnetic furniture planning kit. It will save you time later on when you pick furniture.
Now that you have the floor plan laid out its time to pick a focal point. Every well dressed room will have a focal point. Fireplaces make excellent focal points or maybe your room has a great view. There's lots of ways to create your own focal point,and it's all up to you..just make sure you make the right decision as its one of the most important decisions in Home Decorating.
5 - Lighting.
Lighting can have a huge impact on a home decorating scheme and will impact how well tasks can be performed in a room. If you will be installing permanent lighting fixtures those changes should be decided on before you begin implementing your decorating scheme.
A licensed electrician should install those fixtures before any painting or other wall treatment work begins. You can hold off on picking floor and table lamps until the time that you accessorize your room but you should know what lighting you will need when that time comes.
6 - Pick A Color Scheme.
It is a good idea to get a basic understanding of color theory.
A color scheme is simply a group of colors that harmonized eith each other. Here are some basic color schemes..
Complimentary
This color scheme uses two colors that are on the opposite side of the color wheel such as red and green or yellow and violet. Because there is a strong contrast between complimentary colors rooms using this color scheme are bold. Complementary color shades however, can be broken down further into the following categories:
A. Split Complementary: this scheme is used when one color is combined with the two colors on opposite sides of its complementary color.
B. Triad: a triad is accomplished when three colors of equal distance to each other on the color wheel are used. Red, yellow and blue combine to make a triad color scheme.
C. Tetrad: by combining to pairs of complimentary colors a tetrad color scheme is created.
D. Analogous: : Using colors that are next to each other on the color wheel.
E. Monochromatic: Using the same color with different shades, tints or tones. Textural interest should be added to monochromatic color schemes to keep them from getting boring. In addition, a small bit of color added to accessories will enhance a monochromatic color scheme.
7 - Flooring.
There are so many great carpet colors that it will be easy to pick one based on the final color scheme you pick. And wood? Well wood goes with everything. If you want to use a beautiful area rug or patterned carpet this is the best time to pick them. They can make a great foundation for the room. Take your paint chips with you and find the flooring that ties in well with your scheme.
8 - Choose Furniture Pieces
If you didn't purchase a floor plan kit you can get furniture templates at an office supply store in the section where they have rulers and graph paper - just make sure its 1/4" to 1" scale like your drawing . Simply trace the furniture you want to use on paper and then cut it out and place on your drawing. This will allow you to experiment with sizes and see what fits the best in the room. You will avoid costly mistakes by doing this - and its fun to consider the possibilities.
Don't forget your notes on function of the room. It is very helpful to use furniture templates to lay out the room.
Pick large pieces of furniture for your home decorating project first. This includes entertainment units, armoire, large upholstered pieces etc. Make sure you have created balance and incorporated your focal point with the placement of the furniture pieces.
Then its time to pick accent furniture. This includes coffee tables, side tables, sofa tables and occasional seating. If you have picked a solid fabric for your large pieces - go ahead and have fun and pick a beautiful print for smaller chairs.
9 - Choose Additional Fabrics
You now have a color scheme and perhaps a couple of fabrics for your upholstered pieces picked out so you can begin to choose additional fabrics to use for your home decorating project. These additional fabrics will be used in window treatments, accent pillows and accessories.
10 - Accessorize
Here is where you can let your individuality shine through. The things you choose to accent your room can show your own personality and give uniqueness to your home decorating project.
Accessorizing can include window treatments, lighting fixtures, decorative pillows and throws, art and other objects you love.
Here are some guidelines that will help accessorize your home.
* Group similar objects - either by color, shape, material or theme.
* Vary the size and height of objects.
* Don't put objects in a straight line - create interest by placing objects in front or behind other objects to create depth.
* Coordinate frames for artwork. They don't have to be the same but they should coordinate and match the style of your room.
* Make sure groupings of art is balanced on your wall. It is a good idea to lay out the grouping on the floor and work with it until you are pleased before you make holes in the wall.
* Don't over do and make the room look cluttered - in home decorating remember - if isn't functional or beautiful on its own toss it out.
Hope it helps.
Thanks For Stopping By.
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