Decorating tips and ideas

Tips and Ideas

• Symmetry can often be a strong part of the design concept. When working with informal designs asymmetrical designs tend to work best. Formal designs almost always look better when the lines are symmetrical. If you feel that your space is not portraying the look you wanted to achieve (a formal space still looks too informal, or an informal space looks too formal) double check the symmetry.
   
• When redesigning a home for sale (staging), make sure you aren't decorating it. Decorated homes tend to show off the furniture, art and accessories that are in the room. Staged homes show off the architecture, features and benefits of the room. Often pairing down furniture, art and accessories will help. Identify what the current focal point in the room is. If it is a large entertainment center that is not built in, or a beautiful piece of art, your home is not staged - it is decorated. Look for what should be the focal point of the room and work to maximize that feature instead.
   
• Most art in a home is simply hung too high to be visually pleasing. When art is too high it creates a disjointed feeling in the room. If there is nothing to anchor the art to a given space (such as a hallway or entry way) the center of the art should be approximately 60" from the floor. If there is something to anchor the art to (chair rail, piece of furniture, etc) the art should be approximately 6-9" above that anchoring line. You will find that the room will flow much better by following these guidelines.
   
• For the client who changes their mind frequently, buying major pieces in solid, neutral colors is usually best. This way you can add punches of color through pillows, accessories, and art. These pieces are easily and inexpensively changed out. Using this neutral palette allows you to change your mind (and your room) whenever the mood strikes you without breaking the bank!
   
• When hanging art work on wallpaper, cut a small "X" or "V" and pull back paper slightly. This will allow you to cover the hole you make if you decide to move the picture at some later date.