In an article from USA Today Home magazine, we find some great tips (really some do's and don't do's) to follow when decorating your home or office. They provide some great advice for those of us who want professional-looking decorating on a more modest budget. Much of the "wow-factor" and pizzazz of a professional design (like what you seen on HGTV) comes from the strategies and techniques that the pros use, not specifically from large budgets.
Here is a little summary/teaser of the article, with a link to the full article below:
1. Don't shortchange your space: Measure the room and all surrounding furniture and decor to make sure you are taking full advantage of the allotted space.
2. Don't copy: As tempting as it may be when you find a really cool space, try not to blatantly copy something you have seen elsewhere. Mix, match, combine, and add some of your own creativity into the mix.
3. Don't forget to accessorize: Think about small accent pieces to bring additional color, texture, variety, and energy into the space. Have fun with it! It plays an important role in the ambiance of the space.
4. Don't push all your furniture against the wall: Don't be afraid to "float" some decor or furniture off the wall - nobody wants to be crammed into a corner.
5. Don't jump the (paint) gun: Pick the paint last, don't go overboard with accent walls, and not every room needs a unique wall color. Experiment with various shades of a single paint strip...
6. Don't forget the ceiling...
7. Don't omit the shiny stuff...
8. Don't make the impulse purchases...
9. Don't play the match game...
10. Don't be satisfied with an on/off switch...
Read the full article here.