We don’t all have the ability to work with an interior designer when making changes to our home. If you are considering some updates to rooms in your home. Here are some basic rules on what NOT to do.
- Don’t Let Someone Else Dictate Your Choices
Your home is your personal space and it should reflect your personality. If you need help, by all means ask a professional, but a good decorator/designer will not demand that you do things their way. They will take your taste into consideration when making selections. It's your home and you should feel comfortable with the choices. - Don't Select a Paint Colour First
Paint comes in a huge array of colours. When deciding on your choices, make sure that you choose your fabric, carpet or flooring and upholstery first. Matching your paint to these selections will be much easier.
- Don’t Rely on a Paint Chip
When it is time to select a paint color don’t just look at a paint chip at the paint store to make your selection. The chip may look great in the store under fluorescent light but way too overpowering on your wall at home. Additionally, paint will take on different undertones based on the lighting and direction your home faces. Once you’ve narrowed down your choices to two or three, purchase paint samples and try them on the wall, or paint large pieces of cardboard and hold them up on the wall for a more accurate picture of the final look. Be sure to leave the sample on the wall and view it at various times of day and with your lights on and off. - Don't be Afraid of Bold and Settle for Beige
A gallon of bold blue paint doesn't cost any more than a gallon of beige. If you love color, find a way to use it in your home. You can always highlight a feature wall with your bold favourite color or with some great wallpaper to really give your room some personality. - Don’t Turn Your Room into a Theme Park
If you love animal prints, don’t turn your room into a zoo! Instead choose a tasteful ottoman of zebra print or a couple tiger throw pillows. A little goes a long way. You can coordinate the room in subtle color allowing the few pieces you do have to really pop! - Don't Ignore the Psychology of Color
If you want a relaxing environment, don’t paint your walls red. Choose blue or green for a more calming effect. Colours like red and orange work great in dining rooms or family rooms, where you want the atmosphere to be more lively. Choose a colour scheme that reflects the overall atmosphere you want in your home. - Don't Ignore the Focal Point of Your Room
Every room will have a focal point. Arrange your decor, artwork and other items around this important element. Don't Put Your Furniture “Under Arrest”
Don't arrange the chairs, sofa, and tables all up against your walls with a big open space in the middle of the room. Make smaller groupings of furniture for conversations and pull pieces into the center of the room for a warmer feeling.Don't Build Barriers
Don't put a chair in front of a door or a table in an obvious traffic area. Leave room for easy access and movement within the room.Don't Settle for Cheap
Don't choose a piece of furniture because of a pretty cover or fun color. First, see if it's well made, has interesting details or classic lines. If it does, you can always recover the upholstery in a fabric you choose or refinish the frame.Don't Invest in Trends
Don't break you budget on pieces that are trendy. Trends come and go. You'll want to spend your precious resources on pieces that will last for a while. If you are attracted to crystal studded or fur-covered furniture, experiment with a less expensive crystal embellished lampshade or faux fur throw.Don't Keep Things Because You Think You Should
Don't feel obligated to keep a piece you've inherited. If it doesn't appeal to you or it doesn't fit your space, either fix it or get rid of it. After all, it's your home. They'll understand!Don't Display Every Personal Treasure
Don't overcrowd your home with collectibles and family photos. Make each piece be important. Keep your family photos confined to a bedroom or one wall. Your guests aren’t as interested in Aunt Betty’s 50th birthday celebration or the 5th Grade picture of your daughter.
