Do Your Homework

The first step to successful design is figuring out what you like in décor. Flip through design books and magazines and pay attention to which types of styles you enjoy, cutting out pictures of things you like. Watch the wide variety of design shows on television and visit model homes. Jot down lots of descriptive notes to help you capture everything you like. Ask yourself questions like: “Is this room too formal or casual for me? Are the colors too light or too dark? Is it too busy or is there too much empty space?” These are great ways to figure out what sorts of design elements you enjoy.

“You always hear about creating a ‘need versus want’ list when looking to buy a home,” says Patricia Olson, president of Patrician Group, Inc., a design firm based in the Chicago area. “The same rings true when decorating a home you plan on living in for years. If you’ve decided you want to live in your home for years to come, do you want to spend your budget on new furniture or flooring? Do you need to spend that money elsewhere on decorative items? What items do you want, but aren’t necessary? Making these decisions will help you move forward with your design plans.”

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* Designer Tips

When you want to live in your home for years, the design options seem to expand exponentially. Here are some additional tips from Olson on decorating to stay and giving your home a dose of personality.

“A great way to personalize a space is to design around a theme. Whether it’s a sports theme for the den, Tuscan luxury for the living room, or Asian simplicity in the bath, choosing a theme and sticking with it helps personalize the decorating process,” says Olson. Some leading consumer products companies, such as Creative Specialties International, have even categorized their designs by theme to help consumers naturally narrow down their search amidst numerous product choices. CSI’s products come in categories of Traditional, Casual and Country, making product selections a breeze.

Don’t overlook the details when decorating to stay -- it can be the little touches that make a house your home. To make the space your own, look into accents like crown molding, wainscoting/bead board, tiling and stenciling. Even small touches like installing a decorative tank lever in the bath to match your accessories can make a big difference. Creative Specialties International has decorative tank levers in a number of styles and finishes to match every décor. Hanging more items on the walls also makes a room cozier. Mirrors are an excellent way to open up a small space and lengthen a room.

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