How to Create a Decorating Plan that Gets Results

EASILY CREATE A HOME DECORATING PLAN THAT GETS RESULTS BY FOLLOWING THESE SIMPLE STEP BY STEP INSTRUCTIONS.

I see you there on the other side of the screen.

You desperately want to change-up your home. You long to create a space that is warm and inviting. A place you can relax after a long hard day. A space you can be proud of when friends walk through your door.

I can feel the excitement build inside as you gaze at all of the latest styles and decorating ideas you find online, in magazines and on Pinterest pages.

You’re anxious to begin blending all of the ideas you have discovered into your home …. or at least a few of them … but you end up doing none of them.

Instead, you’re overwhelmed just thinking about it.

The colors – the budget – the accessories … Where do you begin?

You begin with a plan – a decorating plan that will guide you through the steps to bring your dream into a reality.

Start with a Vision

Take some time to quiet your mind and envision the look you want to create. You have dreams of how you want your space to look. You’ve browsed the internet, devoured the Pinterest pages, drooled over magazines and deep down inside you know the things you love.

Start by digging through those ideas and begin bringing them to life. Ask yourself questions.

What will the purpose of the room be? In what way will the room be used?

• Entertaining
• Relaxing
• Working
• Eating

Who will be using the room?

• Adults
• Children
• Both

How do style you want to the room to have?

• Formal
• Casual
• Dramatic
• Bright
• Modern
• Rustic
• Comfortable

What mood do you want to invoke?

Sit down in the room. Consider how you want to feel when you are in the space.

• Cheerful
• Relaxed
• Invigorated
• Cozy

Shop your home.

• Do you already have items you will incorporate into your room?
• What things do you want to eliminate?
• What things do you want to change?

By defining your vision, you will begin to bring your decorating plan to life.

Keep a notebook, planner or file of ideas.

If you haven’t already, now is the time to begin collecting ideas of what you love. Add pictures, samples of colors, textures, paint chips, styles, and even flooring samples. Start noting things that appear consistently in your choices. Do you see colors you are drawn to? Are there styles that excite you? As you narrow your choices, you will begin to see a pattern emerge revealing who you are and what your personal style is.

Begin making a wish list of the “must have” items you find.

Keep a record of websites and stores, listing articles you find for future purchase.

Record the size of your room. Sketch your room and create a floor plan indicating the doors, windows, outlets, switches and unique features of the space. Measure any large pieces you will be using. Note all of this in your planner.

Create a Budget

To prevent future unhappiness a budget is a must. No one wants to start a project only to find out later down the road they have run into financial problems. Be practical and realistic with your budget.

• How much money will you be able to devote to your plan? Do you have $20 or $20,000?
• Will you be able to afford an interior designer to help with your selections?
• Will you be using your decorating skills and using your budget for purchases?
• Do you have the skills and time to devote to your DIY projects?
• Are there items already in your home you can reuse?
• Can you find your needs on eBay or Craigslist?

Determine Your Signature Piece or Main Feature

Every room should have a signature piece which often becomes the focal point of your room. Your signature piece could be an element of the room – a fireplace – a unique shelving unit – an architectural feature.

What in your room will be the main feature of the space?

• A piece of art
• An area rug
• A furniture piece
• Fabrics

Your signature piece should be something that speaks to you, brings a smile to your face or a memory to your heart.

Take a picture of your chosen feature and add it to your notebook.

Develop a Color Palette

Color can bring magic to a room.

Studies show that the use of color affects us in all aspects of our lives. You can help define the mood in your room by the color palette you choose.

Your signature piece should be used to help determine your color palette and paint colors should only be chosen after the piece has been selected. Using colors and undertones of the featured piece makes it easy to pull the room together. Compliment your room furnishings and accessories with your chosen color palette.

Consider Your Lighting

Lighting is an important element in your decorating plan and is determined by the size of your room, the use of the room, the natural lighting provided by windows and the colors you choose.

Your lighting needs will vary from room to room. For instance kitchens, bathrooms, playrooms and work areas often require bright lights while bedrooms, dining rooms, and areas of relaxation may benefit from more subdued or dim lighting.

Include lighting in your decorating plan.

• Where do you need light in the room?
• What mood are you trying to create?
• Where are the current outlets, fixtures, and switches?
• What are natural lighting sources already provided?

Tip: Light affects color. Changing out the types of bulbs used can often change the look of your colors. Incandescent lights can enhance warm colors such as reds, oranges and yellow while fluorescent light works well with blues, violets, and greens.

Carry Your Vision Throughout Your Home

Wearing a red shirt, orange pants and purple socks would make your fashion style look out of place and disoriented. The same is true for your home decorating.

Think about the nearby areas of your home. Integrating decorating ideas throughout your home, using complimentary styles and colors, will help create a cohesive look.

Choosing a “home color palette” will make your rooms easily flow together. One way to do this is using the same neutral color in every room accenting with secondary colors, patterns, and textures to give each room its own personality.

Accessorize and Personalize your Space

Your personality should be reflected as soon as someone enters your home. Showcase the things you love by adding photos, books, collections, and accessories you treasure.

Use textures and patterns to make your room come alive and keep it from being boring.

Now is also the time to add trendy pieces and accessories. Things you can easily change out when the trend has faded.

Develop a Timeline

It is important to set a timeline to ensure your decorating plan runs smoothly.

Including specific, measurable goals will help keep you focused on your current project, so you won’t find yourself moving off into another area of your home.

• When do you want to start?
• When do you want to complete your project?
• Is your vision coming together as planned?

Begin by listing all of the tasks needed to complete the project and once the tasks are determined, prioritize the list.

Schedule breaks to reassess your progress.

Don’t settle

It’s safe to say your decorating will never be done. There will always be new trends, new styles, and new things to try. If you don’t like it; change it.

Have fun with your decorating. Experiment and play every day.

Always be open to change.

Ready to turn the home you’re Dreaming of into a Reality? You can do it!

Download your FREE  Planning Workbook and you’re on your way!

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