Are you asking yourself,  "How do I make my home beautiful without spending any money?"

Perhaps I can help!  If you can't afford to have a decorator/designer come into your space to make suggestion during a Design Consultation, you could perhaps go to the local library and read design idea books or view ideas on the cable channels.  Or you could get information right here on my blog.

 First thing - Review what you have and what you like. If you don't like your sofa or loveseat but can't afford new one, perhaps you could make some economical slip covers out of bed sheets.  Necessity is the mother of invention.   If you have some money to work with, there are great sales on slip covers.  Some times just pillows and throw blankets can make a big difference on your current upholstery pieces. 

Second -  Place the furniture in a pleasing way which would be commonly known to decorators as the "L".   Place the largest piece first and then the smaller piece as the lower part of the "L" angle.    The largest piece should be facing the focal point of the room; either a fireplace or a view or an entertainment center.  If your room doesn't allow for that placement, then place the largest piece with the angle on the side just off the focal point.   Say your focal point is on the south wall, but a large piece facing the south wall would not allow for a natural traffic flow, because the room is too narrow.  Then place the sofa facing the east wall where the viewer can still see the TV but by turning their heads. 

 Third -  Place an item (chair, ottoman, or something) directly across from the point of the "L" .  This will create a pleasant coversational area that is nice and relaxing and beautiful to the eye.  

 Fourth -  Hang nice art work, family photos in a nicely arranged area similar to an art gallery displaying them at eye level or just below.  Try to avoid placing the gallery above a sofa.  A wall that can be viewed by walking up to the gallery would be ideal.  Avoid placing the frames on the entire wall space (down low and up high) because they will be viewed by those stooping, bending and straining to see them. When you view art you usually step back for a better perspective or you walking in closer and usually no bending of stretching is involved.  Use the same color of frame for your gallery.  Black is best but could feel cold.  Paint them all the same or cover them with the same paper.  Be creative but tasteful.

Fifth - Arrange lighting in a triad or triangle view around the perimeter of the room.  If you have a square room be sure to do only 3 lamps.  Especially in a rectangle space, which most rooms are, only use 3 lamps if at all possible.  Over head lighting doesn't count.  All rooms need more than over head lighting to bring out the details and the ambiance of a space. 

Sixth -  Accessorize in layers and remember texture, height and color in a pleasing arrangement is always the most appealing and relaxing to the eye.  Plants, flowers and natural materials are always the best.  Please do not use Plastic Flowers At ALL COST.   Rocks, sticks and grasses are inexpensive and will go much farther in your decor than PLASTIC!

and Seventh -  Take Pictures before you begin and then Take Pictures after to see how well you did.  If you don't like what you see, you'll at least have the next set of Before Pictures for you next adventure in decorating on a budget.

 Renae

Ask yourself,  What do I need to do first? 

 Here are some answers that will help you in your redesigning /decorating /interior designing pursuits.

1.  Decide on a color scheme.  Scheme sounds like a plot or a not so pleasant event, but actually it is simply a plan that brings the room together.  Notice the colors you see in advertisments, store displays or magazines.  Those are the colors that are available in your local paint stores now.  They will be more accessable and more pleasant as an updated look.  Choose what you really really want and don't compromise.  Have the colors be what "speaks to you" and only you.

2.  Decide on a style.  Some are trends and some are timeless.  If you have buckets of money you would be more prone toward a trend, because you may need to replace it in a year or two.  Most people go with traditional styles because they are actually more thrifty and you don't have to change it out as often.  Whatever you choose along with the budget you have will help determine the style.  But try to select a specific style without being too eclectic.  (If your style is eclectic, then by all means be eclectic, which is a style on it's own).

3.  Determine your floor layout.  Measure EVERYTHING!   So many times I see people at furniture stores and they say "hmmm, I wonder if that will fit the livingroom?"  You won't be absolutely sure unless you measure.  Several websites have floorplan templates to work with.  Don't forget your focal points. (that's next) and where you'll layout the furniture according to the focal point. 

 4.  Focal points.  Fireplaces - always.  Fireplace and gorgeous view can be shared with a  "V" shape layout.  If neither, then create a focal point with a piece of unique art, an antique piece or a unique piece of furniture.  A focal point is a natural place the eye will gravitate to without conflict.  It is a must in any correct design plan. 

5. Paint!  This is the best time of year to paint.  The milder climate is better because you don't have the extremes to deal with.  However, I must admit I paint all year round.  Most stores have great deals of paint this time of year because they are bringing in their new color lines.  Faux finishes are still popular but more solid walls and softer tones are being used along with bolder neutrals (black and white) this season.

6.  Consider your fabric finishes you'll be using.  Microfibers were all the rage a while ago because of their durability.  Some of the color choices are limited in standard forms but you can get great colors and weaves in micros now if you ask.  Leathers and faux leathers are popular and faux animal hides are getting a great deal of attention.  You'll want a mix of finishes and "feels" in your space.  Adds to greater contrast which adds to drama and emotion.

7. Don't forget accent tables.  Coffee tables are the most logical table because they are usually necessary in front of a the largest upholstered piece, the sofa.  But you'll also need adjacent tables.  Interesting styles and shapes are the fun part! There are several stores that carry interesting side tables.  They don't always have to match but they need to "go".  (does that make sense?)  They need to have something about them that meshes well with the rest of the room.  That is the determining factor of how it "goes". 

Have a great time getting started.  Make it a happy time of creation and memories!  After all, that's the best part.

 Renae

Several of my clients have great looking homes! When I first enter, I wonder why are they having me here? But soon I realize they have actually commited some decorating blunders or "Ooops". So perhaps this blog could help with some of the more common areas I see, that could save you from those mistakes

1. Mirrors aren't Art:  If you are afraid of commitment to art, don't be! Art is so full of emotion. Go to a local art purchasing gallery (they are nice and friendly environments, really) to scope out what you really like. What speaks to you. Then find a "knock off" or get a local artist to do a nice rendition you can afford. Or save your money for that piece you absolutley love. Perhaps take a class or better yet, remember what you did learn in school and then do it yourself on a larger scale. You just may surprise yourself. Most of the Art I have purchased for my clients were mark downs. It really isn't very expensive. Shop around! Mirrors are 'ok ' in very specific places (especially small rooms) but as a substitute for Art, nah - - doesn't work.

2. Paint worries:  Paint is the least expensive item in a makeover. You get more "bang for your buck" when you invest in paint. Don't be afraid of colors, light or dark. One of my favorite redesigns was in a home that already had one wall painted in a dark reddish orange, (it's in my portfolio). It looked so great. It was a great balance to the design.  Go for Blue, Green or Yellow as a great selection to bring new life to a home that is beige or white. Paint! It will greatly enhance the look of a room.

3. Be budget conscious:  New interiors don't have to be expensive. Don't spend all your money on fancy accessories that you just can't live without, or just because your friends have the same style. Shop at garage sales, thrift stores. I love a great deal and when I find it, WOW, I love it. Many overstock companies have great deals that just didn't quite sell the first time out at high end stores. Make good use of your dollars!

4. Bad overhead lighting:  Lamps are all the rage these days and they are abunduntly available. If you can't afford wonderful lighting recessed in the ceiling, then get lamps to light the way. Remember to place them in a triangle around the room. Fore instance; when placeing lamps on each side of the sofa and one across the room - would be considered a triangle (from floorplan view). Atmosphere and charm are easily created with awesome lighting.

5. Too much matching:  I once heard Oprah talk about having chairs all different styles because she didn't want to have her casual dining area all "matchy-matchy poo-poo". It is true. A beige sofa with beige pillows and beige carpeting is so unexciting. Mixing up styles and colors are fabulous, if you use the same style or scale to create the correct look. Give the home personality by using color schemes that enhance your rooms- not just safe, boring beige.

6. Symmetry vs. Asymmetry:  Many ameteurs think symmetry is appealing and do it too much. A stronger statement is made with asymmetry. It gives balance with opposite items that enhance rather than take away from the look. Remember symmetry was created as a classical style idea that needs to be done carefully or it looks ridgid and yet more ridiculous.

7. Hanging Art is an Art:  The rule is - hang art 4-6 inches above the furniture that is harnessing it and hang items as a gallery effect at eye level, (around 60-70 inches from the floor) where it can be viewed by walking up to it. Purchase appropriate hardware, nails and hooks, etc. plus a level so they hang without you needing to tilt your head.

8. Floating rugs: This is defined by a rug just in the middle of the room without anything to anchor it down to the space. More for esthetics but also for safety; I've heard of people actually being injured. The rule is the legs of the sofa or loveseat or chairs need to be on top of the rug by 3-4 inches at least. This give a cozy conversation area a better look which also creates a more appealing grouping.

9. Toilet hugging rugs: Speaking of rugs, please remove all of the carpeting, rugs and especially the ones that go directly beneath the toilet. Yuk, they are gross. Simple use of a bath mat over the bathtub placed on the floor during bathing, is much better. Placing it up on the tub is much nicer! Carpeting in a bathroom is so out - yuk!!

10. Half dead plants: They are not "pretty' and they need to be replaced or nurtured faithfully back to health. If you can't keep them green, please consider artificial greenery that is "real" looking. There are some amazing products out there now that have been painstakingly made to look very real, really. Go for the more expensive products not the cheap and therefore looking cheap and fake. You want 'pretty' , 'expensive' or the actual real green stuff.

If you are wondering if you are making these mistakes, perhaps we should schedule The Entry, to turn you in the right direction.

Renae