Decorate With Intention: Finish That Room!
Got a half-finished space begging for a polished look? These solutions can motivate you to take some essential decorating action
Houzz Contributor. You can also find me on Lolalina (http://www.lolalina.com/), my blog devoted to all of the things that make a house a home - decorating from the heart, living with intention, and savoring life's simple pleasures.
Houzz Contributor. You can also find me on Lolalina (http://www.lolalina.com/),... More »
| Share: |
|
We've all been there — you want to get a room pulled together, but it's just not happening. When the paint swatches (none of them just right) have been on the wall for months, your pictures are still waiting to be hung or your space just doesn't feel complete, it's time to get to the bottom of the problem so you can finally finish that room. From color quandaries to clutter, we will take a look at five of the most common roadblocks and ways to overcome them once and for all.
by Caitlin Wilson
»
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
Roadblock 1: Color is all over the map.
If your space is a hodgepodge of colors and patterns, the good news that is you are probably not afraid of using color. Really, that is good news — many of us hem and haw for months about which shade of white paint to use! The key to finishing your space is to tighten up the color palette in your room, zeroing in on certain shades and tossing (or moving to another room) what doesn't fit.
If your space is a hodgepodge of colors and patterns, the good news that is you are probably not afraid of using color. Really, that is good news — many of us hem and haw for months about which shade of white paint to use! The key to finishing your space is to tighten up the color palette in your room, zeroing in on certain shades and tossing (or moving to another room) what doesn't fit.
| Use your camera for a fresh perspective. Try taking photos of each item in your room. Then print the pictures and play around with different arrangements on a big bulletin board, or spread them out on a table. Looking at photos will help give you distance, so you can make decisions about what looks best without letting your feelings for your belongings take over your decision-making process. Focus just on color first. Then, once you've winnowed the pieces down to a color palette you like, note which pieces in your room no longer fit with the new scheme and make a list of things to add. Bonus: You can bring your photos with you when you are out shopping to quickly and easily match colors and prints. |
| Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
|
| Roadblock 2: I've lived here for years, but it looks like I just moved in. This is such a common problem, and there are as many reasons for it as there are people — perhaps you are waiting to put up art until you've chosen the "perfect" paint color, or you are really busy at work and don't have the time to face decorating decisions, or perhaps this isn't your ideal home and you keep thinking you will wait to decorate when you move. No matter the reason, it's important to understand that having a warm, welcoming, comfortable home is important to us all, and you deserve to have that now, not at some unknown future time. The first step is to simply acknowledge that you want a "homier" home and commit to doing something about it. |
by Emily A. Clark
»
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
Think about designing your room in layers. When you are trying to take your home from bare and empty to warm and inviting, the process can feel a bit overwhelming. Tackling one layer at a time can make the task feel more manageable. And if you get stuck on one decision (like paint color), just move on and come back to it later — don't let it paralyze you.
The layers:
• Rugs, window coverings and paint
• Lighting (aim for at least three light sources per room)
• Furniture
• Soft stuff: cushions, throws and bedding
• Finishing touches: art, mirrors, books and plants
The layers:
• Rugs, window coverings and paint
• Lighting (aim for at least three light sources per room)
• Furniture
• Soft stuff: cushions, throws and bedding
• Finishing touches: art, mirrors, books and plants
| Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
|
| Roadblock 3: My family is so messy, I don't know where to begin. It is possible to have a fun, stylish home with kids in the house, but there's no point in tackling any other decorating projects when clutter is spilling out from every corner. Set aside a whole weekend to pare down and donate unwanted items, or do a little bit each day — the important part is to actually get rid of some stuff before you try to organize it. When you are starting with less, the organizing process will be much easier. |
| Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
|
| When the clutter is (sort of) in line, try one or more of these strategies for minimizing the mess every day:
|
| Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
|
| Roadblock 4: An all-neutral scheme feels boring. I count myself among the legions of people who adore neutral or all-white color schemes, because they seem so foolproof — and they are. But sometimes all of that beige and cream begins to feel a little too predictable. If you are ready to shake things up a bit, first take a moment to consider what it is exactly that is bothering you about the room now. Do you like the neutral hues but want more of a wow factor? A single special piece, like an oversize mirror with an interesting shape or a piece of art you love, could be all you need to add. Or try adding accessories with metallic shimmer. Platinum, gold or silver will add a rich, luxurious quality that elevates the neutrals around it. |
| Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
|
| More ways to spice up your neutral scheme:
|
by Niche Interiors
»
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
Roadblock 5: Fear of getting it "wrong."
This is perhaps the most common fear of all when it comes to decorating. None of us is perfect, and even professionals sometimes make purchases they regret or have a tough time finding just the right piece to complete a space.
The important thing to remember is, this is your home. It does not need to please anyone but you. It feels good to move forward — you can always change things later.
More: How to Savor Your Beautifully Imperfect Home
This is perhaps the most common fear of all when it comes to decorating. None of us is perfect, and even professionals sometimes make purchases they regret or have a tough time finding just the right piece to complete a space.
The important thing to remember is, this is your home. It does not need to please anyone but you. It feels good to move forward — you can always change things later.
More: How to Savor Your Beautifully Imperfect Home
Ideabook updated on Dec. 10, 2012.
Latest Ideabooks
People found the photos in this ideabook after searching for:
View over a million photos:
Find Local Pros by Category:
Architects & Designers · Carpet and Flooring · Closet & Home Storage Designers · Design-build Firms · Fireplaces · General Contractors · Home Media Design & Installation · Interior Designers & Decorators · Kitchen & Bath Designers · Landscape Architects & Designers · Landscape Contractors · Specialty Contractors · Tile, Stone & Countertops
Find Local Pros by Metro Area:
Atlanta · Austin · Baltimore · Boston · Chicago · Dallas · Dc Metro · Denver · Detroit · Hawaii · Houston · Las Vegas · Los Angeles · Miami · Minneapolis · Nashville · New Orleans · New York · Philadelphia · Phoenix · Portland · Salt Lake City · San Diego · San Francisco · Seattle · St Louis
So true,. Well said.
Add to the list, how to combine spouses' two distinct design styles in a small space...that was our dilemma, Hubby's minimalist architect/minimalist vision, and wife's love of British Colonial? We did it! How? We streamlined the British Colonial and added some carefully chosen rustic modern pieces, our house became a welcoming home that expressed both of our visions, and melded beautifully. The point of decorating in layers was the trick. Stop when it's just right is the key, too much is just too much, the outcome was surprisingly lovely, each of our tastes was highlighted and actually enhanced eachother, :).
Guess that is working/decorating in layers.....