Decorating Don’ts–Part 1

Books, magazines and blogs can give you every decorating tip imaginable. A natural sense of style and color can allow you to perfectly coordinate every detail of every room. Other aspects of completing a decorating project depend on experience, and you learn through disaster. As with anything, there are some decorating do’s and don’ts that can save you time, energy and money.

Allow me to save you some time with a list of what not to do when it comes to decorating:

1. Don’t paint first. It’s more difficult to find drapes, upholstery and accents that match a wall color than it is to do it the other way around.  Choose fabrics first, then bring fabrics to a paint store where they can whip up a perfect match.
2. Don’t settle. If you think something is ugly, don’t keep it thinking that you’ll learn to love it. As time goes on, you may begin to hate it even more. This goes for inherited pieces and sale items, too.
3. Don’t invest in trends. Trends come and go and are often most expensive when they first appear. If you don’t think it has staying power, don’t overspend. Following every trend can lead to emptying your wallet every few months.
4. Don’t decide on colors in the store. Always bring swatches home to mull over before making a decision.
5. Don’t be cheap. Choose pieces based on their sturdiness and structure, not a pretty color or fabric. Look for signs that show pieces are well-made, such as dovetailing or stitching instead of glue. Buy quality furniture that will last and expect to pay what it’s worth.
6. Don’t let others decide for you. Design experts may have experience, but it is your home and you have to live with it. Make your own choices based on what you like, not what others think you should like.

Keep these decorating don’ts in mind for your next project. Visit again soon for more ideas on what not to do!