Inspiration is important, yes, but remember the old adage about success being “one percent inspiration and 99 percent perspiration”? It’s true for decorating. If you want to achieve that designer magazine look in your home, look for your ideas the way the designers do.
Determine your personal style, research pieces and prices, seek advice from professionals if needed and know your budget. Even designers have to work within a budget and a time frame. Take your time in preparing for the project and it will go much more smoothly and quickly when you actually begin.
Look through your favorite home magazines. Visit model homes and even furniture store displays – just don’t buy anything yet. Note details in the rooms such as wall color, ceiling height, window treatments, and furniture placement. Picture how they would transfer into your own home and recognize what you love and what you don’t care for. Your local Walter E. Smithe Chicago furniture dealer will listen to your ideas and help you transform them in to a room worthy of a magazine shoot.
Watch the home makeover shows on T.V. There are entire networks devoted to this and they have many original and fun ideas. Make notes of the things you like. You can mix and match ideas from different show and designers. Whether you need Chicago office furniture for a peaceful office or a romantic bedroom, there will be an episode to cover it.
Bring home color swatches and paint samples, and cut pictures out of magazines of pieces and colors you love. Make a list of favorite accessories in your home that you want to incorporate into a room then assess whether you will want to purchase additional pieces.
This is one area, though, where you may want to stray from the gloss and perfection of the magazine look. Magazines need to appeal to everyone and so they offer a sterile design look. Since it’s your home and your personal style, don’t shy away from personal touches such as photographs and favorite heirloom pieces like textiles or collectibles. Just don’t overdo. These touches, along with fresh flowers or a live plant here and there can really warm up your room and make your guests feel welcome.
Become familiar with the materials available for furnishings and carpet. Know what fabrics wear well and meet your lifestyle needs. Once you have done your homework you can compile an idea of what your finished room might look like. Ask your friends for their opinions, but don’t be swayed into something that fits their taste and not your own.
When you get ready to buy, take your lists, swatches and pictures with you and seek advice from people who do this for a living. Furniture store staff members are often the experts in putting together a fashionable room and many stores even have in-house designers who can work with you. If you already have a productive work area with your Chicago office furniture from Walter E. Smithe, sit down at that stylish desk and map out the other rooms of your home.
