5 tips for great decorating

At work, one of my duties is decorating model homes.  Since I started with Adams Homes, I have decorated lots and lots of models.  These five tips work for any decorating style.

Tip #1: Hanging pictures
This is one of the most impactful decorating decisions.  I would lean towards neutral artwork and not too "themed" specific.  Specific decor is hard to add to down the road.  Once you have our artwork, hang so that the middle of the picture is at about eye level.  Also work with the proportion of the wall.  If it's wide, horizontal artwork will be the most appealing.  Ususally, people tend towards hanging too high.  Drop it down so that it's closer to eye level across the middle.  There are a few exceptions, a two-story space for instance.  You will need much larger scale art and there is the potential you will hang at a higher level.

Tip #2: Always accessorize in an odd number
Whether you are stacking books, arranging candles or a combination of the two, an odd number of accessories is more appealing than an even number.  Sets of three usually work best.

  

Tip #3: Buy window coverings at least 97" tall
This is one of my favorite decorating techniques.  When you make the move to buyer taller window coverings, your room will look like the ceilings are soaring.  It's nearly impossible to find drapers taller than 84" in most stores but IKEA has them really reasonably priced and a variety of sizes.  Most wall heights for the average home are 8' tall.  This is perfect.  Take those drapes and rods all the way to the top and you are at the perfect height.

Tip #4: Neutral is better
When I first moved out, I was so excited I bought many items in bold colors.  That was short lived.  I was bored with them in months and didn't have the budget to redecorate my entire home. Lesson learned. Neutral is best.  You can always be bold using paint, rugs and accent pillows, rather than a blue or red couch, or even worse, counter tops.

Tip #5: Pick one focal point in the family room
Whenever possible, avoid having multiple focal points.  If you have a fireplace, try to hang the TV above it. Generally speaking, one focal point is best for any room.  This picture I found online, demonstrates this perfectly.  

What are some of your favorite decorating tips?