The Don'ts of Home Décor
It is easy to find all sorts of information about how to decorate your home. Books, magazines, the internet and even TV shows abound, to tell us how to decorate our homes. However, there is less information about what not do. So before you begin your next redecorating projects, here are some tips, from experienced homeowners about the don'ts of home décor-
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- Don't let someone else make the choices for you-Even if you are lucky enough to afford an interior designer, keep in mind that your home should be a reflection of who you are. If you allow someone else to make the choices for you, you will end up with something else. While you can certainly ask for suggestions, when the time comes, for the final decisions, they should be yours. This way you can feel comfortable with the end result.
- Don't choose paint from a paint chip- It is important to keep in mind that a small chip of a paint sample might look great in the fluorescent light in the paint store, but a whole wall of it might be overpowering. When you've decided on a color, you should purchase a quart of the color, and paint a small section, to see how the color looks in the room with natural light. If you are worried about messing up the walls, paint a piece of cardboard, and tape it on the walls in the room where you plan to use the color. Another equally important paint tip is never paint first. Remember that you can have paint mixed in any imaginable color you might want, so it is important to choose fabric, carpet, and upholstery first.
- Don't decide on any color while you are still in the store-Even the most experienced designers know never to buy fabric, flooring, or paint on their first visit. Instead, you should ask for samples of paint, carpet, and swatches of fabric, so you can see what they look like in your home. You want to be able to check them out in natural light and in the evening with lamps.
- Don't settle for less then what you really want-Remember that a gallon of paint in your favorite bold color doesn't cost any more than a gallon of white. If you love color, print or a wild design, find a way to use it in your home. You should choose an overall design theme that expresses your personality, and coordinates with things you love.
- Don't overlook the importance of color-Don't think that you can create a relaxing sanctuary in a room with bright red walls. Blue and green are more calming and relaxing. You should choose red and orange for play rooms, or family rooms where the action is. Make sure that you select a color scheme to create the atmosphere you want in the room. Also it is important to remember that not all green is green, or blue is blue. You should look beyond the main color to see if the hue is light or dark, crisp or dull. You want to choose coordinating colors that have the same intensity.
- Don't invest in trends-You shouldn't break your budget on pieces that are trendy. Remember that trends come and go. You'll want to spend your hard earned cash on pieces that will last for a while. If you are attracted to crystal studded or fur-covered furniture, you can experiment with a less expensive crystal embellished lampshade, or faux fur throws. Along with this tip, keep in mind that you should never be extravagant on useless pieces. Make is rule that if a piece doesn't serve some function, and won't last for years; put your money back in your wallet. You should save your funds, for the necessities unless you just can't resist.
