Decorating is a very emotional journey. Your choices are very personal and unique to you. Very often we lose our way by trying to create spaces like what we see on TV and in the magazines. We try to duplicate other people's spaces; other people's dreams. When we are through we still feel unfulfilled. Something is missing. Something is just not looking right. Want to know what's missing? - Soul. Your carefully copied, 'perfect' décor does not appeal because it does not have your soul. I always advise my clients to check out the magazines and the internet for inspiration. These sources are often important for you to 'discover' your style. But I never think that anyone should try to exactly duplicate these inspiration rooms unless the room appeals to you at all levels. It is important for your space to appeal to all of your senses. When all senses are considered, your room will appeal in the best possible way.
Sight – Clutter can be depressing and unsettling for those who love an airy and open space. Maintain a clutter-free décor. Invest in storage.
What colours do you love? Do you love a house that is light and bright? Open all blinds and curtains to let natural light in. Install lighting in darker areas of the room. Eliminate busy fabrics or wall coverings and bright paint colours. Try using various hues of blue, violet or green in the fabrics for your drapery and soft furnishings. Be careful, darker shades of cool colors can be depressing if they are blatantly overused. On the other hand, warm colours such as red, orange and yellow evoke images associated with heat, like sunshine and fire. They tend to look like they are advancing or stepping toward you and make us feel warm in a psychological sense. Adding these powerful and stimulating colours to draperies and other window treatments will liven up your space. But be warned, these colours can dominate your space if not controlled. A little goes a long way. Consider all the elements of colour in the room, including the furniture and accessories such as pillows, throws, rugs, or paintings. Let 60% of the colour in the room be one that you absolutely love and that appeals to you.
Sound – Fix any squeaky doors and creaky floors. They can be very irritating. Water features and wind chimes can be soothing background noise. Play classical or easy listening instrumental music to create a pleasing atmosphere. Some colours are considered loud. Cool colours such as violet, blue and green are a lot quieter than warm colours such as red, yellow and orange. Warm colours are active, upbeat, and exciting.
Smell – Eliminate strong smells such as pet and tobacco odours. Stay away from strong air fresheners. Regardless how much you love a fragrance, do not introduce overpowering fragrances. Instead, focus on the smells of cleanliness to leave a great impression (lemon oil, lemon wax or fresh flowers create a lasting scent). Smells should never jump out at you.
Touch – Greatest thing for touch is texture. Mix your textures for a tactile adventure. Mix the smooth with the rough. Rearrange furniture so it is conducive to conversation. Focus on the positive features of the house. Throws, pillow and upholstery will come into intimate contact with the skin. How they feel will greatly influence how you feel about the space.
Taste – Knowing your taste is critical to your ability to recognise and select what appeals to you. Strip the room of everything that is not compatible with your individual design aesthetic. To develop your sense of style create a personal 'lookbook' or style file. Visit your local furniture store and accessories sources just to discover what you love and what you hate.Remember, if you cannot toss out everything in your décor, you may be able to convert it into something that you respond positively to.