Re-Decorating A Room - Where To Start

Decorating or redecorating a room can seem a formidable task, particularly if you have never attempted it. Although most people know what they like and what they don’t, putting that into a cohesive theme for a room or rooms may seem a Herculean task. Consider these three tips to help you get started:

1. Set a budget and stick to it. No matter how pleasing your finished design project, ultimately you won’t like it if you have maxxed out a credit card to make it happen.

2. Determine what you want to accomplish. Do you want a complete makeover or do you want to simply update the room? Do you want a lively upbeat room or one that is calming and serene? Generally, the colors in a room should reflect the desired mood.

3. Express yourself. One of the fun things about decorating is that it is easily changed. If your idea doesn’t turn out satisfactorily, it is a relatively easy and inexpensive fix.

Starting the Work

After determining your budget, decide on the necessities you will need and purchase them first if possible. Even if you have a very small amount to work with, you can still achieve a fantastic finished room that reflects your personality and tastes.

Although you may find one item that completely blows your budget, it’s best to mull over the purchase and see if there is an alternative that will work as well as, or even better than. the expensive item.

The Next Step

The next step is to determine the scope of your project:

Are you updating draperies, area rugs and toss pillows or is this a complete renovation from the floor covering up?

What time frame do you project for completion? Be sure to allow sufficient time for the unanticipated events that always seem to occur. How much of the work will you be doing yourself and how much will be subcontracted?

Necessities

You will need a floor plan that is accurately scaled and be sure to carry this with you on your shopping expeditions as well as a tape measure. The locations of doors, windows and closets should be correctly indicated on your floor plan. Also, be sure to also make a list of what you need as well as what you have, in order to prevent duplication of items.

Once you have completed the above steps, you are ready to commence the fun part of the decorating process. Although many people think of visiting a furniture showroom when they think of redecorating, many fabulous rooms are created with an eclectic mix of items.

Don’t be afraid to use your creativity! Even if someone else doesn’t particularly care for your choices, if you are happy with them, that is all that matters. Many finds can be repurposed into unique and different items, such as a door for a table or a wheel for a hanging light fixture. Particularly if you have a small budget, visiting estate sales, flea markets and yard sales can dramatically increase the value for your dollar.

Have fun with your decorating project and revel in expressing yourself through beautifying your home.