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General Decorating Tips

Decorating or maybe even interior styling seems to be something that can be kind of tricky for some people. I have gotten a few questions about it on Instagram so I thought I’d share a few general tips that I think most people can apply to their space, no matter the style or the square footage.

Bright room decorated with wicker furniture, and bright plants and tables. Angular design on wall

Embrace the Decorative Editing Process

As with many things, we usually want instant gratification. We want to have our spaces completely decorated and finished quickly so that we can get back to other things on our to do list and just enjoy the space. While I do think every home should be a joy to be in, I don’t know that being completely finished decorating can ever be truly accomplished. I say embrace the editing/refresh process. I generally style something and leave it for a few days – if there’s something off about it, I edit.

I add a few things, maybe move other pieces else where. Maybe the layout isn’t quite as aesthetically appealing as I thought or maybe it’s just not practical. Whatever the case, I come back and edit as the days pass, and I eventually get it set up exactly how I want it for the time being. Don’t be afraid to revisit previously styled/decorated nooks with a new eye. I have done this a few times for both the console table behind the sofa and the bar cart.

Pay Attention to the Colour Palette

If you have different styles, using color as a theme throughout the space is the easiest way to keep the room feeling cohesive. Sticking to a color palette also helps to give more order. A really good rule of thumb is the 70-20-10 rule – 70% of the space being the primary color (usually neutral) and the others (20% and 10%) being the bolder accent colors. This acts as a way to keep your color usage in check and also in balance. This doesn’t mean that you can only have three colors, but limiting your spaces to three main colors is usually a good call. Check out my post on redecorating my apartment, to see how color schemes came in handy!

Always Be Practical

Don’t style things only for the sake of how they look – it’s not going to work out in the long run. Consider flow and just be practical about placement. Something that you use every day maybe shouldn’t be difficult to reach. Maybe you shouldn’t stack items on top of a pile of books that you actually want to read. Consider using this to your advantage. It may help you de clutter and find space for something cool and new, and…useful!

Don’t Forget About Your Angles!

It might sound like advice straight out of America’s Next Top Model, but consider angles and how things group together when styling. Everything should have a flow and should be visually interesting (meaning there should be some diversity going on). You don’t want everything to be placed the same way, have the same texture, or to have the same lines. Juxtaposition is key to decorating and interior styling.

That’s all – I hope that these aren’t too basic or general so as to be unhelpful… hopefully they instead apply to many of you and can help you when you organise and style your home.

Feel free to keep me posted on your wonderful creations, I love to see how the community is decorating and what they are doing to be more innovative and creative, especially in such a turbulent 2019.

Have a wonderful Wednesday!