As mentioned in the previous two parts of this article, it should be noted that the way we decorate our homes, much as the way we view art, is completely subjective. What is visually appealing to one is not necessarily so to another. Beauty is indeed in the eye of the beholder. That said, there are still a few general rules of thumb to be taken into consideration. Regardless of your personal tastes, this guide will help you improve the overall look and feel of your home.
Note: This is “Part 3” of a three-part article. See previous article posts for tips 1-7.
8. Inexpensive and Cheap are Not the Same!
We all want to save money when we can, and there’s nothing wrong with that. However, you should not buy the lowest priced sofa simply because it is cheaper.The money you save now won’t matter when you have to replace the sofa in 5 years because the material has not held up, or the frame and cushions are weakening and about to give. Always buy the best quality that you can afford, even if it means saving up for it. The quality will be worth the wait. er, quality and price point are not always directly related. So, how do you discern the quality of something? That’s where a Designer comes in handy.
An Interior Designerknows what type of fabric and construction will stand the test of time, so can guide youto finding quality pieces that are within your budget.
9. Less is more.
Most people think the more the merrier. This may be true for your dinner parties, butnot for the furniture and accessories in your home. There is no need to showcase all ofyour belongings in one space. This can give a room an overcrowded and cluttered look. It can be very distracting and take away from the restful and relaxing atmosphere you would like to create. It can also take away from the pieces you truly value and want to stand out. Keep the space looking fresh by packing away some items and rotating them in at a later time.
10. Don't lose focus.
Especially when working on larger rooms, it can become very easy for people to lose focus of the big picture. Before you even start to decorate, you should assess the areaand furniture you have, and designate one central focal point. Perhaps it is a fireplace or an oversized bay window, overlooking the lanai. In Great Room situations, it may be the entertainment unit that includes the TV. Start by placing the furniture around that focal point and work out from that.
The room featured above is a good example of justwhat you can accomplish by following these guidelines. Notice the furniture is not flush with the walls. The furniture is proportionate, and a sense of flow has been created. In a much larger room, there may be a need for two focal points and two separate entertaining areas.In this article series, I have discussed 10 potential decorating errors. But, there are many more you should be aware of. I look forward to educating my readers, and helping you prevent costly mistakes in the future. Happy decorating!