Are you thinking about a new look in one of your rooms?  Ten tips were shared in the last entry on February 28, so check it out if you previously didn’t.  If you’re thinking of making some big or small changes to a room, here are ten more decorating tips to consider.

1. If you want your choices to last for at least ten years (and who doesn’t)  your largest piece of upholstered furniture should “read” as a solid color.  If it’s a tiny pattern or tweed, then stand back and squint your eyes to see if it looks like a solid hue.  You can and should add pattern, but use that on other pieces: upholstered occasional chairs, drapes, rug, throw pillows, etc.

2. Avoid buying matched “sets” of furniture. Furniture dealers often offer a better “deal” if you buy several pieces, but try to negotiate buying pieces that aren’t in the exact same grouping. You want the room to look like you bought pieces over time, rather than all at once.  Matching the coffee and end tables, the entire bedroom set, or a dining table, chairs, buffet and china cabinet do not provide enough variety to make a room look interesting.  If you really need it to match, then vary the fabrics on the pieces so that they work together and complement one another.

3. Use a mixture of solids and patterns when coordinating a room. Patterns that are large-scale may appear more contemporary and/or grand.  Small-scale patterns and florals can appear more traditional.  Checks may appear more casual or rustic.  Geometrics can appear modern.

4. Some just can’t afford to buy new throughout their space. Consider looking at consignment or second-hand shops for real wood furniture, rather than buying veneered particle board pieces.  (Even Pottery Barn sells a “veneer” whose top layer is about as thick as a paper towel, so it stains and scratches very easily.)  There are shops that feature antiques, but it’s just as likely that you can find Mid-Century Modern or other styles.

5. Use the principle of Scale and Proportion when planning your furniture.  (Read & see examples on the October 8, 2017 blog entry entitled, “Creating Good Scale & Proportion in Design.” https://tfi.design/blog/creating-good-scale-amp-proportion-in-design/)

6. Your drapes should almost touch the floor.  Why?  Drapes and other window coverings not only warm up a space with fabric, they can make a room look more spacious WHEN the eye starts at the floor and sees a continuous line up.  It’s the same effect as wearing pants that are just a bit too short: they make you look shorter than you actually are, and who wants that? 

Drapes that “puddle” on the floor went out of style a while back- possibly because people found the bottom of their drapes got dirty with dust, pet hair, etc.

7. If you’ve decided upon window coverings like roller shades, woven woods or Roman shades, then make certain they fit the window for an inside mount.  Avoid metal or plastic mini-blinds.  They will date the room.

8. Consider using unifying elements such as trim color, wood tone, flooring, motifs, fabrics, or materials.

9. Use the principle of Rhythm when planning shapes, colors, fabrics, and patterns. (Read & see examples https://tfi.design/blog/br-creating-rhythm-in-your-decor/) One lime green pillow in a room may look random, but several lime green accents scattered throughout a space will contribute to the color scheme.

10.The size of a chandelier should reflect the room in which it’s placed.  If the room is 15’ x 10’, then add those two together, and convert to inches.  That room should hold a 25” wide chandelier.  If it’s an open concept space, then you might use a larger one, but it depends on the space and visual weight of the selected fixture.

In conclusion

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HAVE A GREAT SPRING!