I’m sure you’ve heard and read so many Top 5 Reasons to … but when it comes to decorating your home and transforming it quickly, one more list won’t hurt plus the advice is  FREE so why not? It’s a new year; make your home beautiful!

PAINT COLOR. Of course you knew the first step I was going to mention is paint color. You’ve heard it over and over and over again the simple changing from Contractor’s Beige to let’s say a Coastal Color scheme will instantly change the look of your home and you may want to stop there. If you’re working with a tight budget, wall color may be the only step you need to take. Larger budget? Check out the other steps.

DRAPERY.  Your windows really need more than just those 2″ white, faux wood blinds that seem to be so very popular here in South Charlotte. From the teeny tiny homes to the McMansions in Marvin, they all have them! Ugggg. But, it is what it is. Of course custom drapery is awesome. If your budget allows invest in the best window treatments you can afford. Meet with a professional designer to help you with your color choices. She/he will coordinate your fabrics with your new or current color scheme. Can you picture this fabric with a Coastal Color scheme?

COORDINATE. I can’t stress this enough. Try to coordinate the decor of your home. For instance, if you chose that fabric by CR Laine for drapery, perhaps you’d like to recover your dining room chairs or add some throw pillows to your sofa with fabrics that match. Nothing says “My house looks amazing!” more than having your decor synchronize as you go from room to room.

CR Laine fabrics

AREA RUGS.  This one has to be the biggest dilemma when I choose color for homes here in Charlotte. I see different area rugs, different colors, different styles and different shapes and sizes in just about every room. Not only is this breaking rule #3 but it’s difficult to tie in the look of your home when you have a mush mash of color all over your home. Sometimes when homeowners can’t part with their area rugs, the only thing left to do is to go with a beige wall 😦 If you have a lot of color in your home, you can still have area rugs but choose a tone on tone (Damask) or a more neutral look so the two don’t fight.

Gotham Damask Rug by Capel

SHINY THINGS. Not to sound juvenile but this really covers a large area. “Shiny things” can be picture frames, cabinet hardware, facets, door knobs, switch plates, appliances, lighting fixtures and wall decor. Try not to mix brass and stainless with silver and gold then splashes of antique bronze or brushed nickel. Pick one or even two but leave it at that.

See! This list wasn’t so bad and if you take just these 5 simple steps, you’ll see how beautiful your home can be. You may need help with the color palette first to coordinate the rest of your home. Email me at: DecoratingbyDonna@mac.com and if I can’t physically get to your home, I have a wonder virtual service that can help you too!