I am sure you’ll agree with me when I say:
Decorating can be daunting…
…it’s not easy to take that first step as a Do-It-Your-Selfer.
There are countless choices and lots of steps in the process.
It is easy to make costly errors if you are not careful.
That’s why in today’s article I am going to share 25 home decorating tips (interior and exterior) you can use TODAY, as well as a SlideShare + a bonus PDF.
Free Bonus Guide: Download the free PDF eBook, that will walk you through these 25 tips plus 5 bonus tips not included in the article. Click here to get access >>
General Tips:
Planning ahead can save you time and expense in the long run.
Here are a few tried and true tips as you begin your project:
1. Editing what you have:
Take everything out of the space and put back only what you love or need.
This will eliminate clutter.
2. Defining your style:
Try to define your style before shopping.
Use tools such as houzz.com to discover what you love most.
3. Selecting flooring:
Use the least amount of flooring materials as possible for a consistent look.
4. Planning lighting:
There are three types of lighting: Ambient (general), Task, and Accent.
Try to use all three in each room for practicality and to add interest.
5. A sense of more space:
If you have a low ceiling, use tall items or vertical lines to visually lift the space.
Conversely, horizontal stripes can make a space wider or longer.
6. Keep your budget in mind:
Make a list of all of the items you want to purchase before you begin any shopping, this will prevent you from overspending and having to put your project on hold.
7. Purchase drapery:
Consider custom-sized drapery hardware for durability and a cohesive look.
Make sure your draperies fall within 1/2-3/4” from the floor for a tailored look.
Take in to account natural fibers such as linen and cotton, which will expand and contract with changes in the weather.
8. Selecting furnishing and materials:
It is best to start with the item that is least available. For example, there are fewer rugs in the market than there are fabrics…
…so choose your rug first and take your inspiration for your fabrics from the rug.
Last comes the paint color. After all, a paint color can be custom made. Having said that, you’ll want to make all of your selections together before purchasing anything.
Color Scheme:
Some insight ranging from color palette to paint finishes.
Great information for making your designs come to life.
9. Cohesive color palette:
Try to bring at least one of the colors from one room into the next.
10. Selecting trim colors:
All window frames, doorframes, base and crown moldings should be the same color and sheen throughout the home.
11. Selecting paint finishes:
Use washable flats on your walls, especially when you have kids or pets.
Flat paint will hide imperfections on older or textured walls.
Living Areas:
Mixing patterns and placing furniture can be tricky.
What you should think about when planning a room re-design.
12. Choosing fabrics:
Use solid fabrics on the larger pieces like chairs or sofas. Bring in patterns on your pillows and accessories.
These can be changed out as you tire of them, or even for different seasons or occasions.
13. Placing your television:
When deciding to place a television above a fireplace, be mindful of your viewing position.
Make sure the sofa or chair has a high enough back to support your neck.
14. Leaving room around furniture:
If using an area rug under a dining table, try to leave at least 24” from the table’s edge for the chairs to move in and out easily.
Also, leave 12-18” between the front of a sofa or chair and a cocktail table.
15. Updating a bookcase:
Dress up your bookcase by adding wallpaper or a paint treatment to the back panel.
Adding cabinet doors to your bookcase creates a custom look.
16. Using textures:
Patterns create their own textures. When mixed together, they can create great interest.
Try using different scales in patterns as you would when combining fabrics.
17. Mix up your dining chairs:
Use upholstered armchairs as your host chairs…
…they can also double as extra guest seating somewhere else in the home, as they are more comfortable for entertaining.
Kitchen & Bath:
From countertops to lighting, some good rules to follow when you are planning a kitchen or bathroom remodel.
18. Picking your countertops:
Solid surfaces, especially granite and quartz, are good choices in wet applications such as kitchens and baths.
This is because they do not easily promote mold and mildew.
19. Lighting placement:
Make sure to place overhead lighting ahead of where you are standing.
The kitchen sink and bathroom mirrors are especially important.
20. Selecting backsplashes:
A good place to splurge is the accent tile in your backsplash.
This can really dress up a space, and usually adds up to only a few square feet.
Outdoor Spaces:
Easy ways to make your outdoor spaces feel like an extension of your home.
21. Choosing a color scheme:
Coordinate your palette so the outside becomes an extension of the inside.
22. Using fabrics outside:
Outdoor fabrics, such as those from Sunbrella are family and pet friendly.
This is because the fibers are dyed all the way through and the fabric is stain and mildew resistant.
23. Mixing outdoor furniture:
Consider adding teak pieces to your outdoor area.
This will add warmth and is a pleasant contrast between other glass and metal items.
Project Wrap-Up:
No project is complete without art and accessories.
Here are some things to keep in mind as you complete your project.
24. Placing artwork:
Group art on a wall following the shape of the wall. Use an imaginary outline set in from the edge as a border to the grouping.
Also, it’s not necessary to fill every wall. The human eye can’t process what it sees if it has no place to stop and rest.
25. Accessorizing:
Try to group accessories in collections of similar items.
Use sets of three or any odd number to keep the eye moving. Always leave space between groups.
You now have plenty to think about and lots to do.
Which tip do you plan on using first?
Let me know in the comments section below!
Don’t Forget The Bonus Guide: Make sure to download the free PDF eBook, that includes 5 bonus tips not included in the article. Click here or the image below to get access >>
Talianko Design Group offers several FREE eBooks on popular design topics including Everything You Need To Know Before Hiring an Interior Designer. Click here to download yours today!
About the Author