The Top Ten Decorating Dilemmas
Renee Lambing, IRIS, ODDA, SDP Have you wondered what element(s) are not working in your room's décor? Or why you can not achieve the warm and inviting look where everything works? Today we will address the Top Ten Decorating Dilemmas that are the most likely culprits of your decorating woes. 1. Ignoring the "bones" of the room. If you emptied out your room, what are the architectural features? Is there a fireplace, picture window, bookshelves, etc? Establishing these features will enable you to identify the focal point you want to build your room around. 2. Establishing a color scheme. Use the "70% - 20% - 10% Rule". Use 70% for your base color, 20% for your medium color and 10% as an accent color. 3. Furniture placement -- furniture should be placed to create a conversation area or togetherness while watching TV. Don't line the walls with your seating; instead bring them in close enough for people to communicate in a normal voice. 4. Area rugs -- size is one of the most important aspect of an area rug. For a sofa/loveseat conversation area use a 5'x8', and never smaller than 4'x6'. In a dining room use an area rug 4' longer and wider than your dining room table. 5. Ignoring lighting -- be sure to create a lighting triangle within your room. You should have three sources of lighting excluding the overhead lights. Place your lights in the room to create a triangle to provide ambiance and warmth. 6. Hanging artwork too high. It is important to relate your artwork to the closest objects, such as a sofa, chair or buffet. The standard height is 6" to 9" above, except for a fireplace mantel where the artwork should be 4" -- 5" above. If art doesn't relate to an object the general rule of thumb is 60" from the floor to the center of the picture. 7. Scattered accessories -- rather than scattering your accessories around the room, group then in odd numbers. Group items together to create a theme or to tell a story. 8. Keeping tired floral arrangements. Many times we hang onto floral arrangements too long. Dried flowers should be replaced in 2-3 years and silk arrangements within 5 years. Don't let your room be dated by your floral arrangements. 9. Stagnant lines --don't place everything in your room at the same heights. This includes furniture and accessories. Placing items at varying heights creates a rhythm in the room and will keep the eye moving from the highs, lows and transitional areas. 10. Seek professional help. You know you have your personal style, nice furnishings and accessories, but it still doesn't work. Seek a redesigner's help! Redesigners use your existing furniture, lighting, artwork and accessories to create the style you want with the things you own and love. For a redesigner in your area go to www.weredesign.com. I hope you have enjoyed these tips on the top ten decorating dilemmas and that they help you to enhance your home's décor and your personal decorating style. About the Author
Renee Lambing, IRIS, ODDA, SDP is the owner of Crystal Redesign's. She specializes in Redesign - decorating your home with what you own and Vacant Home Staging. Renee is a member of the Interior Redesign Industry Specialist, One Day Decorating Alumni and the Society of Decorating Professionals. Renee Lambing, IRIS, ODDA, SDP may be contacted at http://www.CrystalRedesigns.com. Click here to view more articles by Renee Lambing, IRIS, ODDA, SDP. Reprinted with Permission from IdeaMarketers.com
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