Top Ten Decorating Mistakes - #1 Poorly Defined Priorities

Top Ten Decorating Mistakes

1. Poorly Defined Priorites


Most people decorate by default. In other words, whatever they happen to buy or already have just goes into a space. It may be a lovely picture frame someone gave you 15 years ago as a wedding gift or aunt Suzie's knick-knacks that she just knew you would love. Or it may just be something you had to have and bought on an impulse. Whatever the case, there was no plan, and you are not happy with your space.

Define your priorities first! Ask yourself the following questions:

Do you own or rent? How much change can I make or how much do I want to make?
What room is the most important to me? Where should I start or do I want to work on more than one room at this time? (I recommend starting with the priority space and finishing it - set realistic goals though.)
What room is the most dysfunctional and in the most critical need of change?
How much can I spend to upgrade this space?
How much time can I invest in this project? Or how soon does this project need to be finished?
Do I have the time and ability (vision) or do I need to call in a professional?
What function does my space need to serve? This is important because form always follows function.
What things do I have in the space that I want to keep/get rid of?
Who will be the primary users of the space? Is there another decision-maker to consult?
Is there a color scheme or decorating style that I want to use? Or do I want to use a "theme"?
Do I know what style I want this room to have? What is my personal style?
These are truly basic questions, but having a foundation and plan will save untold amounts of time, headaches and money. If this process seems overwhelming, you may need to have help from a professional.

Join us as we continue to explore these decorating rules, you will receive an e-mail entitled the 10 Commandments of Decorating for the next 10 weeks. Be sure to share this with your friends and on Facebook. I hope it is as helpful to you as it has been to others.