If you're like most people home décor is a puzzling subject. Unless you are innately artistic and have an eye for color and texture, home décor can become quite a challenge.

There are many factors to take into consideration to be successful in this endeavor.

If you are taking on this task of creating the environment you feel most comfortable in then take heart. There is help and you don't need to take courses or hire someone at great expense to get the job done.

I would start with finding out what your style is. How do you do that? Quite simple. When you go into someone's home or go to a furniture store or model homes, what makes you go, Wow, I love this! Does your mood change? Are you happy to be in that environment and can you picture yourself there? You'll find that it reflects your personality and it just feels right.

Make observation your tool for success. When you start realizing what you really like, start taking notes. Become aware of what colors you like. Someone who is very flamboyant may have vivid colors on their walls with large bright paintings. Someone more conservative may have subdued, softer colors on their walls and furniture. Remember, you are creating your own personal sanctuary. It should just feel right.

When you have your style and colors figured out, your next step is to find your inspiration piece. This is a piece that moves you in some way. It could be a painting that you absolutely love, or a beautiful fireplace; it could even be wall sconces or a sculpture. It is an entirely personal thing. It is the base that you build you entire room around.

Don't be afraid to mix colors. You don't want your space to look sterile. (Well, maybe you do) You can mix dark and light woods together. Different colors of accent pillows can do wonders for the look of your room. Plants add life to any room and sculptural pieces can be the crowning touch.

Remember, the key to getting started on your home decorating is observation. Go to the show rooms, model homes and friends and relatives. Learn about what you really like and what it is that makes you want to be there.

The entire process can become a labor or love and don't be surprised if it becomes addicting. We all like change throughout our lifetime so this can be a rewarding experience for years to come.

Enjoy!

About the author

Willie Jones

Summer decorating is a wonderful time to lighten up the colors and fabrics in your home. While you may not be able to decorate every room, there are numerous ways to add summer flair. You can decorate with a summer theme such as fruit (apples, strawberries, grapes), flowers (roses, carnations, daisies), or seaside nautical in addition to following some of the ideas listed below.

1. Replace heavy drapery with light sheers. The sheers provide an airy appeal while letting in the sunshine. If removing your existing drapery is not an option, consider changing just the valance and tiebacks to a lighter color. Another option is to use grapevine wreaths, strands of beads, artificial flowers, or decorative ribbons as your tiebacks or swag holders.

2. Store away items that are not useful in the summer such as blankets, throws, and heavy quilts.

3. Lighten up the color of your sofa by placing a slipcover on it or replacing your dark colored pillows with lighter colors.

4. Place light colored slipcovers on your all-wood dining room or kitchen chairs.

5. To add a lighter summer touch to your dark wood tables, use white lace or doilies as runners or tablecloths.

6. If you have a heavy bedspread, considering replacing it with a lightweight linen blanket.

7. Bring in the outdoors by adding fresh flowers in vases or baskets to counters, tabletops, and nightstands.

8. Add summer accessories around your home such as birdhouses, sea shells, bowls of fruits or vegetables, and summer reading materials.

9. If you have dark lampshades, replace them with lighter ones.

10. Repaint a dark hallway in your favorite hue such as buttery yellow, a creamy tan, or a fresh apple green.

11. Display a grouping of floral plates on a wall, hutch, or fireplace mantle.

12. Clean out the ashes in your fireplace and fill the firebox with a large artificial fern or a basket of colorful flowers.

13. Place twigs in tall vases and set on each side of the fireplace mantle.

14. To add summer whimsy to your bathrooms, hang lightweight fabric shower curtains printed with ladybugs, bees, flowers, or palm trees. Display matching hand towels and rugs to continue the summer theme.

15. Change the layout of your furniture to give your rooms a fresh, new look.

Decorating your home for the summer does not have to be complicated or cost a lot of money. As you can see from the ideas listed above, a new lamp shade, adding new fabrics, or changing the paint color of a room can breathe new life into your interior design. So, have fun and use your imagination to bring some fresh new looks into your home for the summer season.

Lesley Dietschy is a freelance writer and the creator/editor of The Home Decor Exchange and the Home & Garden Exchange. The Home Decor Exchange is a popular home and garden website featuring resources, articles, decorating pictures, free projects, and a shopping marketplace. The Home & Garden Exchange website is a link exchange program and directory dedicated to the home and garden industry, as well as offering free website content and promotional ideas. Please visit both websites for all of your home, garden, and website needs.

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