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