| Copyright (c) 2006 Candy Arnold | | | | pictures and decor "pop" out of the background |
| Learn how to decorate your home like the | | | | and increases their intensity. Try using warm |
| professionals by using the furnishings you already | | | | colors like pink, peach or mauve. Or paint with |
| own. You can create eye-catching visual appeal | | | | soothing colors like blue or green. Remember, if |
| and a warm, inviting atmosphere with these | | | | you don't like it, you can always paint over it! |
| designer secrets. | | | | Floor coverings may be wood, tile or carpet of |
| Traditionally, decorators start by deciding on a | | | | the same color or a darker hue than the walls. |
| "decorating style". Popular styles include Traditional, | | | | Area or throw rugs may then be added to add |
| Contemporary and Cottage. There are also | | | | interest, color or texture. Rugs also serve as |
| geographic themes like Southwest, Oriental and | | | | protection from dirt and scuffs. |
| French as well as styles that recreate an era like | | | | Accents: These include small decorator pieces and |
| Victorian or Art Deco. | | | | items of personal interest. Keep collections |
| If you've furnished your home with random | | | | together in one area to highlight their uniqueness. |
| pieces that came from a variety of sources, then | | | | Very small collections can be placed on a tray or |
| you probably have the informal Eclectic look. | | | | attractively displayed on a table. You may also |
| Whether you call it a decorating style or a | | | | want to consider using some of your flat items |
| hodge-podge of furniture finds, Eclectic pieces are | | | | as wall decor, especially if you are limited on |
| a reflection of your individual tastes and almost | | | | space. |
| anything can be used. Simply keep these | | | | Throw pillows make a room feel comfortable. |
| professional tips in mind. | | | | They are an easy and inexpensive way to change |
| Proportion: Balance your room by placing large | | | | color accents. Afghans, throws and quilts thrown |
| pieces of furniture around your living space. If | | | | casually over a sofa or chair add texture and |
| possible, tall items like bookcases and grandfather | | | | warmth. |
| clocks should be across from one another to | | | | Lighting: Good lighting is the key to your |
| keep the room from looking lop-sided. Then add | | | | decorating success. Attractive floor lamps with |
| smaller pieces like tables in the spaces where they | | | | light colored shades provide ambient light for the |
| will be convenient and attractive. If you have | | | | entire room. Table lamps highlight small decorating |
| small furnishings or decorator objects, group them | | | | objects as well as providing concentrated light for |
| in uneven numbers like one, three or five items | | | | reading, working and study. Shades for small |
| together. | | | | lamps can match your furnishings or be |
| Color: Nature's colors like white, cream, brown, | | | | conversation pieces with a different color and |
| green and blue are normally neutral in a decorating | | | | style. |
| scheme. Black is grounding and should be saved | | | | If you want a warm and inviting atmosphere that |
| for small pieces. | | | | is unique to your home and personality, then the |
| Large areas like walls look best with a lighter color. | | | | Eclectic look is for you. Have fun with your |
| A darker or contrasting color can be used on one | | | | furnishings and create your own "decorating style" |
| wall for a dramatic effect. Beautiful paint makes | | | | today. |