Decorate using what you already have first
The movers have just left and you're surrounded by boxes of stuff that looked great in your old house, and you have no clue how it will all come together at your new home.
"Just because a furniture piece worked one way before doesn't mean it can't have an even better use in this new home," and "A dresser can make quite a statement in a foyer."
To make a warm, inviting environment, professional arrangers suggest you maximize the use of the furniture, art and accessories you already own. You might be surprised at the new look you can create with your existing furnishings.
What better way to make your house your home by surrounding yourself with the items you've collected over the years. Your new home is giving you the advantage of a clean slate, so revel in the possibilities.
Fresh Ideas
"Analyze your belongings in "Consider using some of the furniture in a fresh and altered presentation. A favourite living room chair may be more at home in a bedroom, or a dining room cabinet may work nicely in a living room as a focal point."
Need a side table in the living room? Look to your bedrooms for a nightstand that might fill the role nicely.
A wine rack can hold towels or even a collection. You have to think outside the box - literally
Each change leads to different decorating challenges. Small rooms can take a very large piece of furniture so don't discount that family armoire too soon. You can still keep your favourite buffet, if it fits, in the entry. An umbrella stand upside down may make a great home for a plant.
If your new home has a larger living room, avoid spreading your furniture out too far to fill the room. Consider two groupings, perhaps a primary one for conversation and then a smaller, more intimate area for a dinner for two or a reading area. This arrangement will help maintain a feeling of warmth.
If your move has brought you to a different climate, you will need to address some decorating style differences. In the warmer regions, especially during the hottest time of the year, you'll want to be more of a minimalist. Your colour palette is likely to be lighter. In cooler climates, your palette is likely to have darker tones. The easiest way to introduce the colour changes is with flowers and pillows.
Shopping in Your Own Accessories Store
As you unpack your moving boxes, try placing your art, lamps and accessories in one room, preferably in groups of like items or colour. By doing this you will create your own "store" of goodies to use when adding the decorating details to your home.
When hanging your art, place complementing subjects together, or group works by the same artist. You can create interesting arrangements by mixing in plates and other objects.
Whether you are putting the final touches on a mantle, creating a tables cape or filling a curio cabinet, remember to group your collections together for the greatest impact. Contrast gives punch. On your tabletops, consider mixing rough surfaces with smooth; matte finishes with reflective ones; and high items with low ones. Hard-covered books are great tools for creating varying heights.
If you empty your "store," it is time to make a wish list of the items you feel you are missing. This list will be much shorter if you have indeed maximized the use of your existing furnishings. When heading to the real stores, take the arm protectors from your sofas and chairs. They make convenient, portable colour swatches. Also take a small piece of your carpet, an extra tile or piece of counter top when possible. Having these with you will reduce the number of trips you make trying to choose matching articles.
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