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By: Candy Arnold
Learn how to decorate your home like the professionals
by using the furnishings you already own. You can create
eye-catching visual appeal and a warm, inviting atmosphere
with these designer secrets.
Traditionally, decorators start by deciding on a "decorating
style". Popular styles include Traditional, Contemporary
and Cottage. There are also geographic themes like Southwest,
Oriental and French as well as styles that recreate an era
like Victorian or Art Deco.
If you've furnished your home with random pieces that came
from a variety of sources, then you probably have the informal
Eclectic look. Whether you call it a decorating style or
a hodge-podge of furniture finds, Eclectic pieces are a
reflection of your individual tastes and almost anything
can be used. Simply keep these professional tips in mind.
Proportion: Balance your room by placing large pieces of
furniture around your living space. If possible, tall items
like bookcases and grandfather clocks should be across from
one another to keep the room from looking lop-sided. Then
add smaller pieces like tables in the spaces where they
will be convenient and attractive. If you have small furnishings
or decorator objects, group them in uneven numbers like
one, three or five items together.
Color: Nature's colors like white, cream, brown, green
and blue are normally neutral in a decorating scheme. Black
is grounding and should be saved for small pieces.
Large areas like walls look best with a lighter color.
A darker or contrasting color can be used on one wall for
a dramatic effect. Beautiful paint makes pictures and decor
"pop" out of the background and increases their
intensity. Try using warm colors like pink, peach or mauve.
Or paint with soothing colors like blue or green. Remember,
if you don't like it, you can always paint over it!
Floor coverings may be wood, tile or carpet of the same
color or a darker hue than the walls. Area or throw rugs
may then be added to add interest, color or texture. Rugs
also serve as protection from dirt and scuffs.
Accents: These include small decorator pieces and items
of personal interest. Keep collections together in one area
to highlight their uniqueness. Very small collections can
be placed on a tray or attractively displayed on a table.
You may also want to consider using some of your flat items
as wall decor, especially if you are limited on space.
Throw pillows make a room feel comfortable. They are an
easy and inexpensive way to change color accents. Afghans,
throws and quilts thrown casually over a sofa or chair add
texture and warmth.
Lighting: Good lighting is the key to your decorating success.
Attractive floor lamps with light colored shades provide
ambient light for the entire room. Table lamps highlight
small decorating objects as well as providing concentrated
light for reading, working and study. Shades for small lamps
can match your furnishings or be conversation pieces with
a different color and style.
If you want a warm and inviting atmosphere that is unique
to your home and personality, then the Eclectic look is
for you. Have fun with your furnishings and create your
own "decorating style" today.
Copyright (c) 2006 Candy Arnold
About The Author
Candy Arnold began designing home interiors in Dallas, Texas
in 1975 where she and her husband built custom homes. A
demand for unique furniture and lighting accents led to
Candy's interest in Victorian furnishings. She has been
sewing and restoring antique and traditional lamp shades
ever since. Candy now lives with her family in the Tri-Cities,
Washington. If you would like to purchase a lamp shade or
have a lamp shade restored, visit http://www.accentshade.com
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