1. Do not add something to your home unless it is useful and beautiful. I don’t care if your Mother-in-law gave it to you for Christmas.
2. Pick a color scheme and delineate from it only when you are making a conscious statement. Don’t worry; you don’t have to live with this choice forever. Pick about 3-5 colors, stick with them whether it is the mundane things like soap and shampoo or the decorative items like towels and rugs.
3. Every time you buy something, throw something (or give something) away. In with the new out with the old, unless the new item is an antique replacement of that kitschy gift from your Mother-in-Law. If you don’t, your designing efforts will be in vain.
4. Don’t buy items that aren’t essential to the way your family lives, even if everyone else has one. If I had a nickel for every time I’ve seen wine racks that were never used.
5. Use what you love. If you love your precious moments figurines, display them in groupings. If you are keeping them because they are a family keepsake, throw them in a box in the attic.
6. Steal, Copy and Imitate, then Add, Delete and Finish. Later you can dish about who “inspired” your totally original idea.
7. Choose a style, choose a sub style, and keep those in mind whenever you add a piece to your home. Rather than defining your style by a time period such as Victorian or Modern Country, define your style based on a few key factors. Do you prefer bold or safe looks? Do you prefer simple or complex design? Do you prefer warm or cool color schemes? Do you prefer thick or thin furnishings? Once you figure out those preferences, you now have a style. For example, I am a bold, simple, warm, thick so I like heavy furnishings in warm colors,
simple lines and bold accessories.
8. Learn the difference between what you like and what can work for you. There are new trends coming in and out of style almost weekly! Determine the difference between what items you
like in the store, and which items will actually work in the design style you have established in your home.
9. When you want to change your style, start small and start cheap. There is no reason to spend
a fortune reworking a room or reinventing your style. Start cheap with gallons of paint, garage sale finds, clearance purchases and items found dumpster diving. Once you determine you love your new style, and then you can start spending more money to complete your rooms. Try it on, then when you’re sure, buy in.
10. If something doesn’t seem quite right in your space, take a picture, evaluate it, and then remove something from the space. If you must, add something.
