Decorating as a Form of Self-Expression - By: Gregg Camp

Most homeowners strive to decorate their house in some sort of way; whether they decorate with an eye towards the latest trends or with some other focus in mind. Some homeowners plan out their home design to reflect themselves and their interests, but many people these days are either decorating their homes out of magazines, other people's advice, or by collecting a mish-mash of random pieces of furniture and goods. This isn't to say that other people don't have good ideas, but beware of making your space all about someone else's tastes.

Decorating your home isn't just about what looks pretty, though it is nice to have a living space that is pleasing to the eye. Don't decorate in colors that you don't like or that you find irritating, you will end up just not enjoying your living spaces if you aren't comfortable in them. Don't go to the effort and expense of decorating your home with motifs or themes that aren't really to your taste just because it's the newest trend in home decorating. With the recent trends in retro-Victorian-taxidermy it has never been more important to really love a style before you invest in decorating your house in it.

Your space also shouldn't contain a lot of things that are just there to look pretty. Try only to use things in your house that are useful to you and your family instead of filling up space with knickknacks and useless ornamentation. Most useful items come in a range of styles, textures, and colors that you can use to coordinate your rooms with that allow you to pull the look of a room together. If you have ornaments or knickknacks that hold a lot of sentimental value then by all means use them in your home, but if they don't then give or pack them away so that they don't create clutter.

Decorate using the basic methods of home decorating and design to construct a good harmonious balance to get the best results. Scale your furnishings to the size of the room that you're putting them in or the section of room that you're creating a grouping in so that the furnishings aren't lost in the space or overwhelming it. Use a palette of colors in your living spaces that work nicely together and that include one or two interesting contrasting colours to create visual interest without overpowering your rooms.

Consider as well the sort of theme you want your space to have; it's always beneficial to have your living spaces reflect what you like. If you like certain colors or motifs use them! Make your house a reflection of your interests and if you can't have the real thing use items that reflect what it is that you like. For example, if you love Victorian styles but can't afford the real furniture consider using the colors and textures of Victorian decorating but with a lighter, more modern twist. If you love astronomy, don't be scared to make your telescope a focal point in your living area if that's where you like to star gaze; if that's not practical then you might want to decorate your living room in dramatic navy blue with an elegant celestial theme.

Your living space should tell visitors that you live there not Martha Stewart; don't be afraid to let your personality shine through. Keep your decorating simple and clutter-free and above all make sure that it makes you comfortable to spend time there, after all it's your home!

About the Author

For the latest happenings in the Santa Cruz real estate market, visit CaCoastalHome.com. You'll find Santa Cruz homes for sale, beachfront properties, foreclosures, and more.

Article Directory Source: http://www.articlerich.com/profile/Gregg-Camp/36624

Additional Articles From - Home | Home & family | Interior design