Friday, October 9, 2009

Decorating Tips



As a Designer and Home Stager, I never tire of seeing the look on a client's face when a project is complete. They are always so excited with the result. When I start a consultation often times, there is doubt or even some fear and trepidation (especially from the husband). I try to explain my ideas as a series of projects to do over time. Many changes don't even have to involve money (this is when I usually get the hubby's attention). Sometimes all a home needs is to have the clutter taken out, or the furniture moved around a bit. A fresh coat of a paint can make all the difference and is relatively inexpensive. If you are planning to purchase a new piece of furniture soon I would recommend buying neutral staple pieces such as sofa, love, or a chair. By keeping the basics neutral, you are then free to bring color in with your accessories such as throws, pictures, table top items, pillows, and more. This allows you to also change colors for the seasons, and is much easier to redecorate with color down the road without a huge investment. I would also recommend investing in a few non color items such as metal art work that will go with anything and then scrimp on other accessories that can be changed without feeling bad, because they did not cost much. Filling your home with unique decor and things you love should be fun and is definately the way to help make your house a little more like home.
While updating the inside of the home don't forget to do a few pretty things on the outside too. This could be as easy as adding a wreath to the front door,that can be changed to match the season. With the fall season in full swing mums, pumpkins, and cornstalks are an inexpensive way to add charm and a welcoming feel to the front of your home.

17 comments:

  1. These are all fantastic tips.
    And I had to giggle at the part about 'spending no money' getting the husbands attention.
    Rhonda

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  2. Good tips! I think decluttering goes a long way!

    Manuela

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  3. I couldn't agree more, sometimes honestly a can of paint makes all the difference in the world. Always spending the least amount of money gets the husbands attention doesn't it? Thank you for stopping into my blog today also, Have a great weekend, Jamie

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  4. Thanks for stopping by for my "toy tour", Debbie. Great decorating and re-decorating advice.

    Have a wonderful weekend. Isn't it beautiful in the Northwest today?

    Stay Cozy, Carrie

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  5. Great decor' tips Debbie!
    I really enjoyed reading this one. I am so not into clutter at all. It actually makes me tired if it's around.

    Thank you so much for your sweet visit today. I always appreciate hearing from you my friend.

    Many Blessings and Happy Fall!
    ~Melissa :)

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  6. I love corn stalks and they DO add a lot to the look of the outside of the house! I'd put one in my family room and bedroom if that wasn't so gross. ha ha Corn stalks and Indian corn are my favorite parts of fall. ♥

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  7. Hi Debbie,

    Love your tips! I was just telling my mom the same thing about her house and furniture. It's so much easier and less expensive to bring in color then to buy furniture then tire of it!
    Hope you are having a great weekend,
    Robin~♥

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  8. Hey there...just popped in from Design on 47th...and am enjoying your blog! I think staging house's is such an interesting thing....love the make-overs. Happy Fall Ya'll from Houston

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  9. You have such an amazing job, it must be a great deal of fun to be able to bring so much joy to people - and their homes.

    Thank you dearly for all of your beautiful comments, Debbie, I appreciate them so very much!

    Have a serene & wonderful Sunday,
    ♥ Jessica

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  10. What wonderful advice. I enjoyed visiting your blog so much.

    I'll be back,

    Laura

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  11. Great tips, I can't manage the one though... I just keep shopping and buying...no declutter here... just layers of stuff. Oh my!?
    I didn't realize you were a stager. Fun job?
    Lee

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  12. Great tips - I'm a neutral loving girl and never have problems staying neutral!

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  13. Very good advice, Debbie. I agree with all of it! I certainly learned this lesson years ago with purchasing a big floral print chair! I tired of that very quickly and had to work around it. LOL!
    Donna

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  14. I like your advice a lot. I found you on another blog and stopped by. I'm am now following.

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  15. Hey there girlie! I was thinking about you and hoping that you are well. I want you to know how much your prayers mean to me. I really appreciate it a lot!

    Hope your having a great week! Be blessed!
    e.

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  16. Thank you for your sweet visit tonight Debbie! :)

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  17. I'm new to your blog Debbie, but I really like it:) Thanks for the decorating tips and your front door is so professional....but then again you are one,lol. I always thought that being a Stager would be great fun. Gets your creative juices flowing.

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