Rebecca Decorates

Rebecca Decorates

Decorating Do's

Decorating Rules Can Focus Your Planning:

The rules of interior decorating can be as solid as a rock or as open to interpretation as a piece of abstract art. Many experts agree that learning the rules can be the first step towards freely breaking the rules when necessary. Here are some of the decorating dos:

Sketch your floor plan and record the room dimensions, window sizes, placement and the location of special features, electrical outlets etc.
Take your floor plan with you when you shop
Do take the time to discover your personal style by reading magazines, attending show house tours and browsing online and in stores to learn what styles and colours really appeal to you.
Do identify the focal point in the room (ie. A fireplace, a view, a bed, an armoireÖ)
Do define a roomís style in writing, being specific. Not just ìFrench Countryî but ìFrench Country with a rooster motif, chicken wire cupboard fronts and colour scheme that includes black and goldî.
Do pick a signature piece to focus your decorating decisions. It could be a beautiful fabric, an area rug, a picture, a piece of pottery, dishes or a postcard. The item should embody both the colour scheme of the room as well as the style and mood you hope to create.
Do coordinate fabric and flooring choices before making any major purchases and before choosing exact paint colours.
Do purchase large elements first: rugs, draperies, upholstered furniture, whenever possible and use the exact colours and style of those major pieces to coordinate all other choices.
Do use a mix of patterns ñ large scale, small scale, checks, stripes, geometrics, plain, when coordinating a room.
Do allow for natural pathways in a room, such as from the door to the closet. Try to arrange furniture with those walkways in mind.
Do consider the uses and function of a room before deciding on furnishings and arrangements. For example, if your dining room will also be your study, then youíll need room for a desk, books, lighting and files as well as the dining room tale and chairs.
Do consider using unifying elements such as trim colour, wood tones, flooring, motifs, fabrics or materials.
Do use the principal of repetition when planning shapes, colours, fabrics and patterns. One red accent in a room may look like an afterthought whereas several red accents here and there, will contribute to the colour.
Do plan ahead for appropriate task, general and dramatic accent lighting by using a mix of light fixtures on dimmers for maximum control.
Do purchase the best quality furniture you can afford.