5 Action Steps to Get Decorating Today
Sometimes we just need a little incentive to get moving and decorating our homes as it can seem to be a lot of upheaval not to mention cost, so we tend to put it off, which means by the time you get around to it, it's looking a bit sad and you find you're always apologising for how it looks. But where do you start?
As soon as you make a start on one thing, it makes everything else look shabby. You need a plan of action and I'm happy to share these 5 action steps to get you decorating today.
Decorating Step #1
Assess Your Home
What's working and more importantly what's not working. It could be the layout, or the furniture is looking old and tired. Take a pen and paper and physically walk around your home making a list of what needs to stay and what must go.
Questions to ask yourself.
What are the needs of the room, it sounds obvious if it's a family room but maybe the kids are older now and don't use it so maybe you meed to rethink the space because it would be better used as a home office or guest bedroom.
Decorating Step #2
What's Your Personal Style
Sometimes we need to be sympathetic to a traditional or cottage style home but it doesn't have to be rigid. If you don't think you have a style, try going on Pinterest and see what your are drawn to, when you see a repetitive look that you keep pinning this will give you an idea of what you like even if it seems you like a lot of things, a pattern will emerge.
Decorating Step #3
Figuring Out A Budget
If you have no idea how much it would cost to buy a sofa and other furniture, go online add everything to your basket as far as shipping. This will give you a rough idea how much things cost.
Decide on priorities - what are your non-negotiable. Start with the basics - sofa, two chairs and end tables.
Decorating Step #4
Space Planning
Once you have worked out how you want to use the room, how many people you would like it to sit comfortably, use some graph paper i.e. 1/4" graph paper = one foot. Measure the perimeter of the room and put in doors windows, fireplace any built in furniture etc.
Remember - Before you buy a stick of furniture - measure that it will fit through the door Ito the room it's going and don' make this classic mistake.
Quick Space Planner
The entrance must not be blocked off by furniture.
Create a focal point in the room (normally this is the fireplace) and build your seating around it and yes this normally means taking the t.v. into consideration.
Basic rule of thumb - you need 3 feet for major passageways or at the very minimum 30".
Space between a sofa and a coffee table is approx. 12"
Don't push all your furniture up against the walls, let it breath!
Decorating Step #5
The Plan
Here are a few essentials to get you started if you already have the sofa, chairs and end tables.
Rug - Go as large as you can afford and aim for all furniture on.
Fabrics - Curtains & Soft Furnishings
Wallpaper and Paint
Artwork
Accessories - read more on this here>>
Your inspiration from magazines or Pinterest.
