How to Decorate Your House to Make it a Home

A well decorated home does not happen by accident. This article will list a few tips and tricks in order to decorate your home like a pro.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. You must have a style plan. Don't just go out an buy things here and there. Flip through magazines to determine your style and the overall feel that you want your home to have. It should be cohesive throughout all adjoining rooms that are not separated by a door.

2. Add color. Even if you are color-phobic, select a darker beige than the beige that is already on your wall. Paint is relatively inexpensive, so repainting in 5-10 years will not break the bank. Painting your ceiling a beige or creme instead of bright white will make your home more cozy.

3. Don't forget the architecture of the house. Adding crown molding or other decorative millwork can not only enhance the rooms beauty, but it can also increase your home's value.

4. Try to remove cheap elements of your home that everyone in your neighborhood has. Such items may include cheap light fixtures, cheap mirrors, and cheap carpet. Replace these items with higher quality ones, such as decorative pendant light fixtures, mirrors with wood frames, or hardwood flooring.

5. Next, create a furniture plan. Determine the size and types of furniture you need for room. You can use painters tape to mark the size of furniture on your floor, or you can get a large appliance box to mock-up the space. Furniture that is too small for a room makes the room look unwelcoming and furniture that is too big for a room makes the room look tiny.

6. Select timeless large pieces of furniture and trendy less expensive items, such as pillows. That way, in 5-10 years, you can easily replace the pillows for a new look.

7. Make sure you test drive furniture before you purchase it. You need to sit on sofas to make sure they are comfortable and not too low that you can't get out of them. Dining chairs need to be the correct height for the table, especially the arm height so the chair can slide under the table.

8. Don't overdo it. Simplicity is the key. Buy just a few items that are higher quality instead of a lot of items of lesser quality. If you cannot find the perfect accessory, just wait. You can always purchase it at a later date.

9. Find one-of-a-kind items to decorate with. Search flea markets and antique stores. Use traditional items in non-traditional settings, such as vintage glass fishing float balls in a bowl. Collect high quality accessories from your travels so they have sentimental value.

10. Mix it up. Your home should not look just like page 57 of your favorite catalog. Add some surprises for interest. Not everything has to match perfectly, however it does have to coordinate.

11. Don't forget to add the finishing touches to your home that your builder may have left out, such as unique or elegant kitchen and bath cabinet hardware.

12. Consider adding a live element to your home. Live plants are good, but beware of faux plants that just collect dust. Fresh flower are also a good idea.

[msknowalot]

on 4/5/2009 love this article, 3

[williamfjordan]

on 2/17/2009 Great info!

[Smireles]

on 2/17/2009 Thoughtful article. I will try some of these tips! 5*

[StarrySkye]

on 12/5/2008 Great article...I'm sure I will love many of your articles!