Are you more of a do-it-yourselfer? Let our Design Consultants show you some of the tricks of the trade
to help make your room makeover project a success. They can teach you where to start, what you can do
yourself and what’s better left to professional contractors, how to choose colors, patterns and textures,
and how to fill in your palette with the right accents.
Plus, be sure to check out our Pinterest Design Tips & Tricks Board
for even more helpful hints to see
your do-it-yourself project through to completion.
And as always, feel free to ask our Professional Design Consultants for advice on your design challenges
or set up an appointment for a complimentary In-Store, In-Home or Commercial Property Consultation.
It's always best to start at the beginning.by Deanie Gory
In The Wizard of Oz, Glinda the Good Witch advised Dorothy, “It’s always best to start at the beginning.”
That might sound like oversimplification when deciding how to decorate a home, but here’s a way that
might keep the fun and excitement in what many consider an overwhelming task.
To “start at the beginning,” think about how you want your home to feel. Do you want it to be calm and
relaxed? Do you want it to be fun and exciting? Do you want it to be orderly? Do you want a combination
of these or other feelings? So, how do your furniture and accessories speak to whatever feeling you
decided you want for your home?
Again, start at the beginning. What is going to be the inspiration for the room? If you are going to have
an area rug in the room, that’s a great starting point. It is much easier to find furniture fabrics that work
with the rug you have chosen than it is to find a rug that works with the selected fabrics. If the room is not
going to have a rug, consider choosing a wonderful piece of art or the boldest upholstery pattern first.
Usually the boldest fabric pattern is used on toss pillows or a chair and ottoman. Once you have selected
your piece of inspiration, whether it’s a rug, a fabric or a piece of art, select a color from that piece.
Generally, choosing the most neutral of the colors in the inspiration piece is the safest. Time to go back
to the questions you asked yourself concerning the feeling of the room. Calm and relaxing might mean
neutrals or earth tones. If you want a more bold and striking appearance, pull a strong color from the
inspiration piece into the rest of the furnishings.
what is going to be the inspiration for the room?
This is just an example of how this helpful tip can make your design project fun and easy.
Once you have the flooring and main upholstery pieces, you have the bones of the room. The tough part
is done. Now comes the fun; time to accessorize! Choose art, lighting, and accessories that compliment
not only the colors and feeling of the room, but always choose things that remind you why this home is
your home and not someone else’s. After all, there’s no place like home.