Ask A Decorator

Q. What is the most important thing I should know when decorating my house?

A. Any decorating scheme has to have harmony and flow. You don't want any of the colors or styles to jar you as you look or travel from room to room. Make sure the colors you choose in each room are compatible with the others in the house. And don't mix styles unless you know what you are doing. Often I see someone with a very traditional sort of bedroom with flowers and pastels, and a contemporary living room with say western elements. Your house should tell a story and all parts of it should relate to each other.

There are many ways to accomplish this unity and continuity. Using the same color in every room in varied ways is the most exciting. In one room you may have a blue accent wall, in another a beautiful blue accent piece highlighted, in another blue toss pillows...and so on. Someone I knew painted a very thing red strip along the wall in each room. They not only brought the house together but created movement and interest.

The elements should be both subtle and dramatic...don't use the same paint in every room. Or overload any one room with too much. A feast for the eyes does not necessarily mean a buffet.


Q. What is the least expensive "fix" I can give my house to make it look updated.

A. In these tough economic times we're all looking for ways to save a buck and still have pretty modern spaces.

Paint is the single easiest and least expensive way to get dramatic changes for just a few dollars. Paint kitchen cabinets, bathroom cabinets, walls, and furniture. Save trendy or vibrant colors for smaller areas. You can change an accent wall or repaint a table a couple times to keep up with Jones's latest look. Black is dramatic, white is fresh and clean, gray is modern. Bright colors bring energy into a room and neutrals make a room restful.





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