| When it comes to decorating, there are so many | | | | Don't be too quick to paint your ceiling white. Rooms |
| choices available. You'll find dozens of magazines, | | | | with walls painted in pastel colors look good with white |
| internet ideas and design centers just waiting to share | | | | ceilings. For more traditional interiors, try using an ivory |
| their products with susceptible new decorators. A | | | | or antique white. Other common ceiling colors include |
| design project can be an overwhelming experience, | | | | pale yellow, pink or blue. |
| and the final result is not always what you planned for. | | | | Impulse buying can be fun, but make sure you've |
| Here are some design tips to help you avoid some of | | | | measured the space this new piece of furniture will be |
| the more common errors. | | | | occupying. A common mistake is purchasing a sofa or |
| The goal of paint is to enhance your rugs and furniture. | | | | cabinet that doesn't fit properly in the room, or is too |
| Keeping this in mind, you should choose your carpeting, | | | | large for the door openings. Too many new |
| furniture, and room fabrics before choosing your paint | | | | decorators plan great color schemes, but get cold feet |
| colors. Try not to use more than three types of | | | | when they get to the paint store. Instead of using that |
| flooring in the home, and each should flow logically | | | | bold chocolate brown shade, they opt for a washed |
| from room to room. Even expensive products can | | | | out beige that doesn't complete the look they were |
| look more like a patchwork quilt if over used. | | | | aiming for. Once you decided on a plan - be brave and |
| Unless your goal is to feature the ceiling, your dining | | | | go for it! |
| room chandelier shouldn't hang more than 36" to 42" | | | | The most common decorating mistake occurs when |
| above the dining room table. It should be about 9" - 12" | | | | people react to trends and don't take the time to plan |
| smaller than the width of the table. Artwork should be | | | | out their design project. Keep a file of decorating ideas |
| hung at eye level. Use white or ivory colored matting; | | | | and gradually work out a scheme that fits. |
| so as to avoid detracting from the artwork itself. | | | | Don't underestimate the power of a good designer. |
| When choosing accent pieces, stick to larger pieces. | | | | You can save yourself hundreds of dollars and |
| They have a stronger presence and eye appeal than | | | | wasted time by enlisting the services of a professional. |
| numerous small decorations. | | | | Even a two hour consultation to help you sort out your |
| Lighting is for more than just reading, and should also | | | | ideas or develop a color scheme can be worth its |
| be used to accentuate artwork or other decorations. | | | | weight in gold. |