Decorating for the Win

Decorating an office, a room, or an entire house can be a very expensive endeavor.  The cost of the furniture, artwork, and even paint can vary greatly based on the look you are trying to achieve.  Getting the results you would like is difficult but can be done successfully on a budget.  Below you will see some simple tips for making designing your ideal space.  Follow them and with a keen eye and patience you can have a space others envy.

Budget

The first thing you need to establish when starting any design project is a budget.  Knowing what resources you have will help you make decisions and prioritize your needs.  When creating a budget you must have realistic expectations and understand that you may not get everything you want.  Unfortunately not all of us have unlimited wealth and resources so we have to find ways to be creative to get what we want.  Just remember one thing, a nice room is important but don’t spend all your money on one project.

Start with Existing Stuff

 One of the most entertaining aspects of design is it allows us to express creativity.  We get to express our style through possessions.  A great way to start the process is to analyze what we already have.  When setting up a space we can save money and get great results by reusing some existing items.  Check your closets and storage areas for anything that you can use or repurpose.  For example, an old chest might be outdated but can it be given new life with a new stain or paint job.  Furthermore, many photos or pieces of art you are not currently using can be utilized.  These pieces do not need to be focal in the design scheme but can be used as great accent or complimentary pieces.  Finally, see if any of your friends have anything lying around.  Odds are you know someone with a picture, couch, cabinet, rug, or other furnishing piece that they are trying to get rid of.

Have a Theme in Mind

 When designing a space it is important to have a goal or design trend in mind.  As you begin to acquire parts and pieces your idea could shift a little but having a basic plan is a must.  A theme can be as simple as a color scheme you have in mind or as complicated as a theme based on a location, event, or memorable experience.   Some rooms will require a focal piece of art to work while other themed rooms make furnishing the focal point.  It is important not to be to bold and try to do too much.  Having bright colored walls can work if the furniture and art work matches; however, bright paint mixed with bright furniture and art could end in an aesthetic disaster.   So it is important to think things through, do not rush and start painting before you have all the furnishing picked out.  Doing so could result is a design disaster.

Go Shopping

It is possible to design an area with existing and reused product, but where is the fun in that.  Part of the design experience is the fun of going shopping.  One of the most important things to think about is where and when to shop and buy.  You do not necessarily want to buy the first thing you see; although it is not a bad thing to do if you find the must have item.  Spend some time going to local art galleries and design centers to get a feeling for what you want.  You can shop for items online or simply use the internet to find local art fairs.  Take a friend or a family member and have some fun doing this.  Art fairs are usually fun filled trips that include good food and can often inspire ideas.  Find one to go to and make sure you allocate plenty of time to look around.  If you rush you never know what you might miss.

Make Decisions

Once you have done your research, seen what you have or can get from others, and have done some shopping spend a little time to sit down and think.  Your final decision should be well thought out and involve some thought and deliberation.  If you are unsure of something ask a family member or close friend for advice.  Remember you don’t have to take their advice but gaining another perspective can often help.  Once you have everything decided it is time to buy and go for it.  Don’t second guess yourself too much, many times your instinct is the best way to make a decision. 

Setting up and designing a space for any reason can be stressful and fun.  Do not let the stress win this battle and remember to enjoy the moment.  Finally, remember to tell others about the place and its components when you reveal the final design, doing so will let you enjoy the process and reflect on it fondly.