Six home decor tips to help you decorate like a pro

If you assume that the interior decorator you’re thinking of hiring has a degree of some kind, there’s a good chance you’re wrong. Interior designers are the ones with degrees. They’ve received a formal education in architecture and related fields. Interior decorators, on the other hand, don’t have to have any formal training. Anyone with a good eye for color, pattern, and texture and an ability to combine all these elements together successfully can call themselves an interior decorator. So before you go out and spend a sizable chunk of your decorating budget on a decorator, consider the following home decor tips that can help you decorate like a pro, but for less money.

Start with a base color you love

If you don’t like foundational color you’ve chosen then it stands to reason that you won’t like all of the pieces you select to match it. When sampling a paint color, remember to view it in different lighting situations. If you paint a sample patch on your wall, view it at dawn, midday, and dusk before making a decision. Remember that darker, more vibrant colors, no matter how much you love them, will make your space feel more cramped and you’re more likely to tire of it quickly. A light, neutral color is easier to match to and it’s universally appealing so you won’t have to repaint when you sell. You can go with a light neutral color for most of the room and paint an accent wall a darker, more vibrant color.

Big ticket items, then accessories

Once you have your paint color(s) picked out, it’s time to select the larger pieces like sofas, loveseats, and armchairs. You want to pick these items first and make sure they go well with your base color. The colors for these items are usually more limited than the colors you can find for accessories so pick them first so you don’t have as hard a time trying to find furniture that matches that super-specific colored vase you purchased. Once you’ve purchased and arranged the furniture, you can get the smaller items: rugs, artwork, end tables, etc...

Plant life and floral patterns

Your interior decorating should incorporate plenty of plant life and floral patterns since it is a great way to add some color and vitality to a space. Indoor plants give the space a more organic feel and makes people feel a little more relaxed.

Illuminate dark corners

A single light, however big, on the ceiling in the center of a room can’t fully illuminate the space. Good design requires plenty of lighting for every space so you want to make sure there’s no dark corners. In addition to ambient light above, make sure to scatter light throughout the space at varying heights by using a combination of desk and floor lamps.

Use mirrors to enlarge a space

Mirrors are a great way to make a small space appear larger. When strategically placed across from windows or near an artificial light source, they reflect light throughout the room making it appear brighter and more opened up.

Install baseboard heater covers

If you’re looking for a quick and easy project that makes a big impact without costing a lot of money then consider installing baseboard heater covers. They can make old baseboard heaters look new and shiny. They’re especially good for a more modern looking space since old heaters will clash with the rest of the decor.

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