Over the years I’ve decorated many homes, worked with numerous builders, and have learned a ton! I decided I’d share a few decorating tips with you that I’ve learn over the years…both from college and also from experience.
1. Don’t let your kids pick paint colors:)
I know it’s their space and you want them to feel involved, but what they think they want isn’t always the best choice. With the risk of sounding sneaky, let them pick a color and then tone it back a bit. They’ll never know the difference!
{Click on the images below to be taken to the direct source.}
Here are a few fun kids rooms with great, subtle, timeless wall colors.
2. Men feel more comfortable in a feminine setting.
That’s my story and I’m sticking to it! Really though, studies have proven it. I know they play all macho, but deep down they like to be surrounded with pretty things. That’s why they chose to be with us, right?! I couldn’t find any images to prove this, and my husband wouldn’t let me post a picture of him lounging on my Rachel Ashwell Shabby Chic sofa so you’re going to have to trust me on this:) I’m preparing to to a “Hunting Theme” family room in our basement so stay tuned and I promise you, there will be “pretty thing” down there! Stay tuned!
3. Paint your closets white.
It’s never fun to have to empty a closet to repaint when you’ve changed the rest of the rooms color scheme. Keep them neutral. It is also best to have a neutral backdrop when selecting your clothing.
4. Start with something you love.
I would say that the majority of the rooms in my home have began with 1 or 2 items that I was in love with, then I worked the rest around them. For instance, when remodeling my bathroom I had found a shower curtain that I fell in love with. Although I wasn’t planning of using a shower curtain, I loved the fabric and new I could use it as a window treatment. For a bedroom, it may be the bedding you start with. For a family room, it may be a special piece of art.
5. Keep the “bones” neutral, and add color with the accents.
{If you LOVE painting, redecorating, and spending $$, please skip this last tip…}
This may sound boring, but trust me on this… Unless you have an endless decorating budget, this is the way to go. Go with a neutral solid sofa, but then add pillows in the bold fabric you are in love with. Unless you LOVE painting, select a subtle color that can be the back drop to fun rugs, artwork, and accents.
Here are some great examples…
{click on the images for the source}
{love the neutral backdrop, so simple to change the bedding and drapes if you want to give the room a totally different look.}
{Get tired of the buffalo check? Try fun chevron print!}
{I always LOVE a white kitchen… but how fun is the red rug?! But I could switch it out for this one though when I get tired of red!
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Notice the walls of this room are a gray/green color, but that color is only slightly repeated in the artwork of the map? They pulled out the teal and gold in the accessories which both work GREAT with this neutral wall color!
So here are 5 simple tips, but my final bit of advice is to fill your house with what you love!!! Don’t feel rushed to do everything at once, or be embarrassed if you can’t. Time has a way of filling empty rooms- and inspiration often comes with time!!
If you decide you’d like assistance in this area, please feel free to contact me! I’d love to work with you and help you create the space you are dreaming of! I can work local (Minnesota), but also can assist you long distance as well. Here are some of my specialties…
*residential and commercial design
*interior and exterior color selections
*new home construction
*finish selections
*furnishings and accessories
*space planning
*home staging
You can click on the box below to find out more. Have a great day!!!!
natalie
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