Tackling a Decorating Project

Just purchased your new home?  Feeling overwhelmed?  Does the phrase "where do I begin?" keep running through your head?  Don't panic!

Step 1: Stop! Breathe!

• Before making any major purchases take stock of what you have.
• Walk through every room at least five times. 
• Open the doors of each closet, bedroom, and cabinet in the home. 
• Flush the toilet(s), take note of the colors in each room, the condition of the tiles, flooring. 
• Note the lighting; is it adequate for your needs?
• Between each walk-through take notes of what you have observed. 
• List your likes and don't likes, the positives/negatives.  List what you want to change, the colors you imagine for every area. 
• Now organize your list according to priority and expense.
• Identify where you need to start making changes.

Place each task/item in steps. For example: If you need a new floor and new furniture AND budget is an issue, then note the condition of the floor. Maybe it's just a matter of taste and you can wait a year or two.  Furniture would be your priority.  If you really need both and choose to go with carpet, take the carpet sample to the furniture store with you. Carpets usually last longer than sofas and tables and generally cost more so you want to do this first.  After choosing your furnishing fabrics, get a sample of these; choose your paint colors and finally your window treatments.  Lighting and accessories will follow. 
Should you have furniture and not need flooring, start with your window coverings and then choose wall colors.

Take note of how the doors open; Right or left-handed? Into the room or into the hallways? Are you satisfied with the door handles?  Handles and hinges can be changed easily and without drastic expense.  Lighting switch plates and outlet covers can be painted, papered, or purchased.  Small details make a huge difference.  Lampshades, pillows and pictures set the tone for a room and cost only a few cents.  Placemats, runners, napkins, napkin rings and candles dress up a table creating atmosphere. 
Think about your lifestyle, your personal style.  Do you like knick knacks or crave simplicity?  Too many photos?  Put them in leather-bound albums (imitation will do) or photo boxes for storage.  Keep special ones in decorative frames or rotate framed pictures to create variety.
When choosing a color palette, keep colors in the same season-Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer.  Neutrals go with everything!!
…and remember-there is no right or wrong-You just have to like it!!
Play, experiment, and most important….Have Fun!!!!