Ten (almost) instant decorating tips Viewing page 1 of 2   Next >

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Any time one undertakes an interior design project, numerous details, from the mundane to the major, need to be considered. There are obvious considerations such as color scheme, fabric and furniture selection, and there are subtle, yet complicated details, such as electrical re-wiring to improve lighting. A professional designer knows what needs to be done, and when, during a project. Fabrics can be delivered in as little as two weeks if in stock, or from four to six weeks if special ordered; meanwhile, some furniture pieces could take as long as 16 weeks. If you're contemplating a complicated makeover and need a carpenter, electrician and painter, it could take months to get on these contractors' "dance cards" thanks to the popularity of home improvement these days. Logistical mistakes with any of these goods or services can become costly indeed.

Eliminate clutter. Disorganization affects our emotional sense of well-being. Assess how you live and work to determine storage needs based on lifestyle, hobbies and needs before considering changes to the room or furniture. This first step removes a major obstacle standing in the way of good room design. 

Arrange furniture. Group sofas and chairs into conversation areas using the room's entire space, not just areas against the walls. Furniture doesn't need to be "matchy-matchy" -- I think it's best if it's not. Wood color and furniture style are key benchmarks for blending pieces from different collections. Fabrics also need not match exactly, but should work well together and be of similar "weight." For instance, a dark corduroy sofa might overpower a light-colored cotton side chair and create an unbalanced feel. 

Paint. Painting can be the least expensive, highest impact change in a room. If painting the whole room a bold color seems daunting, paint one wall and make it the focal point. Hang interesting art on that wall and move a nice piece of furniture there to create a unique vignette. 

Think green. Plants always add a breath of fresh air to a room. Those born without green thumbs can try silk plants and trees. These days, the quality of these items makes it difficult to distinguish them from the real thing. 

Use area rugs. An area rug is a wonderful way of defining a conversation area. Lay it at an angle beneath a coffee table or try a runner along a hallway to add color and warmth! This is true even over wall-to-wall carpet. 

Hang pictures or mirrors. Hang pieces reflecting your personality, interests or travels, but keep them at eye level. A mirror will both brighten a room and make it seem bigger. Position mirrors to capture nice views or interesting architectural elements. 

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Group collectibles. Dust off those figurines, objets d'art and knick-knacks. Create a display area and group related objects together, in sets of three or five in varying shape. Rotate pieces from season to season to keep it fresh! 

Add decorative pillows. This is a no-hassle way to add color, texture and pattern to a room. 

Consider lighting's impact. Illumination makes the biggest difference in our décor. Insufficient lighting means that nice fabric and furnishings won't be seen to their best advantage. Lamps and fixtures can "age" quickly, but these can be updated to create a bold new look in your home. 

Treat your windows. This can be expensive and opulent or simple and homespun. It's a place to let imagination take flight -- the finishing touch that completes a whole look. If done correctly in harmony with the rest of the room, any fabric from silks and trims to a simple, ribbon-tied sheer drape accentuates, enlivens and gives "pow" factor to a room. 

A good designer is prepared to deal with the pitfalls inherent in any project time line. In addition, designers provide a wealth of knowledge attained from education and direct experience. Professional decorators and designers have spent years studying architecture, the history of furniture, textiles and decorative styles, lighting design, functionality and ergonomics and many other facets of interior design. All of this knowledge helps to ensure that the final outcome of the project is esthetically pleasing as well as functional and livable. When a homeowner hires a professional designer, she or he also buys time and access. You won't need to run from store to store -- the designer will do that for you and present you with a small selection of good choices. A professional also knows where to find unusual or unique items to create that one-of-a-kind look. The client will also benefit from the decorator's established relationships with these suppliers and businesses through the availability of discounts on designer goods. The clients make their final selections at their convenience, and the designer can complete purchases and arrange for delivery. It seems as if time is short for all of us these days. Saving time and relying on the experience and knowledge of an expert are the best reasons to hire an interior design professional.