Decorating Tips

Part of the excitement of buying a new home is being able to decorate it your way, allowing your home to become an expression of yourself and your family. The possibilities of design are endless so we have offered some tips of advice to steer your vision in the right direction.

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  Stay Organized

  Being organized will keep you focused and will help your project run smoothly. A great way to stay organized is to find a tote bag or large purse to keep with you when you are out shopping. Keep in your bag a measuring tape, camera, pencil, notepad and folder. In your folder you should include pictures that have inspired you, color and fabric samples, purchase receipts, a copy of your budget and a floor plan. This way, when you stumble across that amazing piece of furniture, there is no need to go home and see if it will fit because you've got all the information you need right there with you in the store!

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  Decisions. Decisions. Decisions.

  • You have made the toughest decision already, which home to purchase. Now you just need to decide how to decorate it. The first step is to determine what your decorating style is. Do you like modern decor or would you like a traditional look?  Perhaps you prefer an eclectic style. It is important that you pick the style for your home first so that all of your decisions will work together to create a cohesive look.
  • The best way to find your style is to flip through magazines and search design websites and see what images speak to you. Find three or four pictures of rooms that you feel are a good representation of the overall look and feel you hope to accomplish. Cut out or print these images and put them in your folder.
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  Analyze Your Space.

  • It is important to analyze the rooms of your home and take accurate measurements. This step will ensure that your new purchases will not only fit in the space but into your design as well.
  • Begin by taking measurements of the outside walls noting things like windows, doors, fireplaces etc. Sketch those measurements onto a piece of graph paper creating a floorplan. Create your drawing on a ¼ to 1 scale by making every square on the graph paper (1/4") equal to 1’ of the actual room.
  • After creating your floorplan, you should choose a focal point, which is the key to any stylish room. Architectural elements in the room, fireplaces, and great views are a few examples of excellent focal points.
  • The next step is to place the furniture. Before you begin, take a moment to consider the function of the room. Will this room be a formal setting for entertaining, a casual spot to get cozy around the TV with family, or both?
  • Place your furniture accordingly by simply drawing the furniture to the ¼" to 1' scale onto paper. You can cut out the drawings and place it on your floorplan to experiment with different sizes and arrangements. Keep in mind when arranging the furniture that you should leave between 3’ to 3’ 6” for walkways.
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  Pick a Color Scheme

  • The easiest way to choose a color scheme is to pick out a fabric with a print whose colors convey the feeling you hope to accomplish in your room.  You do not have to like the print; you just need to love the colors.
  • To define your color scheme, choose two or three of the colors from the print, ignoring neutrals for now (black, whites, grays and beiges). Then decide how daring you want to be. Use one of the colors as your main color in the room for a bold statement, or for a more peaceful color scheme pick a neutral tone for your main color.  Your main color should take up about 60% of the space, while your secondary and accent colors should take up 30% and 10% respectively.
  • With your new color scheme in hand, go to your local paint store and pick up paint chips that match the colors you have chosen. Place these paint chips in your folder so you can take them with you when you go shopping.

We hope these basics will get you started on designing your dream home. Now go out, get inspired, and shop. When you are done send us pictures. We love to see the transformation from a house to a home.