Analyzing the room before you begin and having a rough idea of
what you want to achieve will make planning a coordinating room easier. Here are
some pointers to make your decorating challenge a little easier.
Planning A Coordinating Room
To plan a coordinating room some things must be kept in mind.
 | Think about what you like in the room and what you want to change.
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| Collect samples of any fabrics, carpeting, wallpaper, or paint
that will be staying in the room. Take these with you when you go
shopping for fabrics- these will help you to coordinate the old with
the new.
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| Look through recent decorating magazines for ideas to inspire you
or for features you want to have in the room.
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| Take samples of the fabrics you are considering home to see how
they will look. Live with the samples for a few days before making a
decision.
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| Follow your own preferences. In the end the only opinion that
matters is your own.
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Colours & Prints
Selecting fabrics can be quite a challenge what with all the
variety out there. Here are some steps to take in making wise choices.
- Select the main patterned fabric. Select a print that will go with
furnishings and flooring which will remain in the room.
- Add a secondary patterned fabric which includes some of the
colours from the main fabric. Vary the scale of the pattern so it is
different from the main fabric.
- Add accent patterned fabrics to be used in small amounts. These
fabrics can either introduce another colour from the main fabric or
add texture.
- Select solid-coloured fabrics to unify the patterned fabrics and
provide visual relief. Choose the colours you want to emphasize.
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Mixing Patterned Fabrics
Mixing fabrics patterns can be a little tricky. But with these helpful
pointers it should be no problem!
| Plaid Fabric: used as a main fabric adds a
tailored look to a room. Possible combinations with plaids are: paisley,
stripes, or solids.
Floral Prints: traditionally the basis for the romantic look.
Good combinations are: small scale coordinating prints, small stripes,
or solid colours.
Geometric Designs: give a more active, contemporary look with the
rich textural appearance, and an interesting mix of colour. Solids go
very well with geometric designs and highlight specific colours. Small
scale geometric prints also work well.
Solid Coloured Fabrics: give a more passive look to a room. By
using colours that are compatible, but still offer contrast. With solid
colours textured fabrics really add variety to the room.
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Changing the Size of a Room
Small rooms can prove a decorating challenge. The wrong choices can make the
room seem even smaller than it is. But there is still hope for small spaces.
Here are some tricks to help make a small room look bigger.
Colour- the most important tool for creating the illusion of space
| Light Colours-visually expand walls and make ceilings look
as if they soar.
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| Avoid Dark Colours- they make the room appear smaller.
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| Keep it Light & Simple- keep floors, area rugs, upholstery,
and fabrics light and simple. Avoid dark woods and busy patterns to
maintain an open feel.
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| Solid Colours- tend to give the impression of restfulness
and a larger look.
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| Mirrors-can help to give more depth to the room.
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| Furnishings-try to find furnishings that have double roles.
For example a hide-a-way sofa, or ottoman with storage capabilities.
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