Home decor planning

Before you do anything to change your home decor -  whether it's just one room or the entire house, ask yourself (and others in your family, if it's a group decision), what do you want to accomplish. Is it just to get a fresh look with a new color on the walls, or is it to really throw out the old and start all over again? 

If it's a new wall color you're considering, make sure the paint you purchase will compliment your existing furnishings.  Don't rush out to your nearest home supply store and purchase a can of paint because it's on sale or your think the color will do. Get several paint swatches and bring them home. 

In fact, many stores now have sample jars of paint that enable you to actually paint a small portion of you wall to see how that particular color works with your scheme.  Get several and paint them on the wall, let them dry and view these colors in different light; i.e., daylight and artificial light to determine which color really does enhance your room's furnishings.

A color that looks really great during the daylight hours can look entirely different in artificial light. So, do your homework and you'll be pleased with the new look. Even if it is just a new paint job!

There's really no one ideal way to start a home decorating project. You can get the bug by looking at a magazine and imagining some home decorating ideas, or seeing a beautiful fabric in a store and suddenly feeling that yours just doesn't match up.

Go online to get some really great home decorating ideas and cost saving tips. Also, the many online merchants allow you the luxury of cost comparisons without leaving your home. You'll be able to find casual and formal furniture as well as creative decorating ideas for any room in your home.There's a wealth of information available to you, including books on decorating, accessories—from lamps to rugs and from throw pillows to wallpaper. You'll find some extraordinary ideas for children's rooms, bathrooms, living rooms and even outdoor rooms.

Homework applies as well to major jobs. Consider what each room is used for and get furniture that's appropriate. Chairs and couches for a family fun room would not necessarily be right for a formal living room. 

Make sure you have proper measurements and diagrams of where windows and doors are located and, above all, have a decorating plan so that all items coordinated—from carpets to wall covering.

Whatever your reason is to tackle a decorating job, it is very important that you set your goals first.  At the same time, you must establish your budget.  It's all well and good to have very lofty home decorating ideas and goals when doing home decorating; however, your goals may have to be tempered by your budget. Develop your budget and establish a plan.

So, before you start pounding the pavement, going from one retail store to another, go online to see what's available, determine pricing and see if your plan is a reasonable one.  You may be pleasantly surprised at the cost savings ideas that are presented that will enable you to add just the right touch to make your home decorating dreams come true and to make your home one that is truly unique, functional and beautiful.

Just follow good principles of decorating and use your imagination and good sense to achieve your desired look. The online resources are numerous, so check them out before you do any impulse buying. 

Good luck on your decorating.