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