How to Decorate for Less, Choosing a Color Scheme

Decorating your space can be overwhelming with so many options, and varying styles. This article will take some of the stress out of the process and add a little fun in its place. As a professional decorator I share a few tips that make it easy to find a style for you and your family.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• A space
• A few extra dollars
• Time

1. So, you have a space and you don’t know what to do with it. Begin with the purpose that space will serve. Is it a bedroom, a studio, a kitchen? After identifying the use for the space you will need to list the type of furniture needed. The typical individual will already have a space, including furniture, but not know where to go from there. If you need to select your furniture, do so after measuring your space. Nothing is worse than buying a bed room set only to find that it does not fit in the room.
2. Once your room has been furnished, the fun begins. We are decorating for less, which means bargain shopping. Most people will begin by selecting a paint color for the room and then accessorizing around that color. I recommend selecting the paint color last. Accessorizing a room is fun and interesting. Go to flea markets, garage sales, clearance sales, and antique stores. There is so much to be seen, you are sure to fall in love with something. Collect the items for the room that you believe would add the feel you are looking for. Keep in mind the idea is to decorate, not to clutter. You may want to limit this exercise to 2 or 3 items.
3. Do you have digital photos from vacation, your kids, or your garden? With the ability to crop and edit photos we are able to create black and white, or full color prints for very little. Choose 2 or 3 life style photos and have them printed at your local office supply store. You will want to print them out on glossy, card stock.
4. Take the items you have collected and lay them all on a table together. Look at the colors within each item. By looking at the colors they share among themselves, or by the contrasting colors which these items may sport, you can begin selecting your color scheme. At this time you will begin choosing a mat and frame for your photos as well. Keep in mind not only the colors within the photos but those of the space you are creating. Choose your window covering to bring out the colors in some of your accessories. Once the widow coverings have been selected, you will want to consider any soft furnishings such as bedding, throw pillows, or accent rugs. Staying within the color scheme you have selected, choose items on sale or clearance. If you can sew, using a large sheet or other inexpensive fabrics, allow you to make your own curtains, or throw pillows.
5. Now you are ready to choose your paint color. You will want to bring out the colors in your accessories, not over power them. You do not have to match the colors exactly, a little variation in shades can add to the décor.