3 Step Day!

I woke up this morning with the desire to make a design board for each of my rooms, hoping that the board would help organize my decorating ideas. While I like the idea of buying spontaneous decorations and accessories, I also want my rooms to look polished and carefully decorated. My friend Melissa might say this is due to my being a Capricorn. And a as a Capricorn, I must have a plan! So, I have narrowed down my room designing to 3 steps. Hope this helps!

Pick A Theme

One of the easiest ways to begin planning your room is to pick a theme for your room. The theme narrow your decorating focus. Below are a few theme ideas:

1. A Period Theme
-Medieval
-Gothic
-Victorian
-Colonial
-1950s or any other decade


1950s Living Room

2. A Regional/Cultural Theme
-French/Spanish/Tuscan
-Coastal/Tropical
-Mountain Lodge
-Country
-Asian Inspired
-Western style

3. Select a Focal Object
-Favorite piece of artwork
-Favorite flowers/veggies/herbs
-Seashells/Lighthouses

4. Colors
Maybe you simply want to base your room around a certain color or colors. Pick either your favorite colors or use colors to create a particular mood:
Green: earthy, organic, natural
Blue: calming, tranquil, peaceful
Purple: mysterious, luxurious
Red: modern, sexy, spicy, exciting
Orange: excitement, enthusiasm
Yellow: light, airy, fresh, happy
Pink: cute, quaint
Black and White: chic, sophisticated

Identify the Feel of the Room

Now that you have a general idea about the theme/colors for your room, make a list of words that you feel should describe your finished room. Should it be calm and soothing? Or sexy and modern? Victorian and earthy? Sophisticated and chic? The main idea is that you should begin to envision how you want to feel when you spend time in your room, and doing so will help clarify your project. For example, if you want to decorate a room using a coastal/tropical theme, do you want your room to feel like a beach party, a nautical boat, or a serene beach retreat?

Identify Relevant Materials

Based on your theme and descriptive word list, what decorating materials would best convey your theme? For example, if you want to decorate with a Victorian theme, then you may want to incorporate silk, pearls, lace, wrought iron, dark woods, and flowers. Or, if you select a Tuscan theme, why not decorate with wine bottles, stone materials, vines, and terra cotta like in the Tuscan Kitchen to the right? Make a list of the materials that would bring out your theme, and then keep them in mind as you look for paint, furniture, and decorations.

And be creative! If you want to create a herb inspired kitchen, then think of unique items to decorate with. Instead of buying a vase for your kitchen table, buy a small planter. Paint it your desired color, tie a ribbon around it (or simply glue one if you don't want the bow) and plant a flower herb. Here is a starter list of items to obtain for your rooms:

1. Paint/Wall Treatment

2. Wall Art

3. Window Treatments

4. Rugs

5. Lighting

6. Storage

7. Furniture

8. Decorations and Accessories

9. Kitchen Utensils/Dinnerware

Happy Decorating!