Mastering the basics

Color is the most fundamental feature of a room. With a few strokes of a brush, you can literally change the look and mood of a room. Paint is simply the most flexible and basic design tool you can use. wall color Some variation of white is the most livable color. The two basic types are: warm white (yellow undertone) or cool white (gray or blue undertones). To brighten a room that receives little or no direct sunlight, apply a warm white. To balance a very sunny room, apply a cool white. Warm whites or pastel whites work well in private spaces, like bedrooms and baths. If you want to be a bit daring, why not try a color you really love? Paint color is inexpensive and easy to change. ceiling color To “heighten” a room, paint the ceiling white or a lighter shade of the wall color. trim color For ease of cleaning, paint baseboards and moldings in glossy, oil- based paint. To stress the architectural features of a room, paint baseboards and moldings in glossy white.

lighting

Lighting. Don’t wait till the end to choose lighting. Assess your lighting needs for each room as part of your general decorating plan. Some rooms require bright, general lighting, while others need only a few accent lights. mood Ceiling lights are not necessarily the best lighting in large rooms. In living rooms, wall sconces often provide a more flattering glow than overhead lights. In bedrooms, table and floor lamps offer soft, warm lighting. Bright fluorescent lighting is great for work areas like kitchens, home offices and garages. Never use fluorescent lights in the bedroom. Halogen light is unbeatable for brightness, but for safety reasons, be careful about where it is placed. Tame
the brightness with a dimmer.

Flooring

Flooring. It can be the quiet backdrop for furniture and accessories, or it can dominate the room as the major decorative element. But don’t be ruled by looks alone: Always keep ease of maintenance in mind.wood For versatility and style, nothing beats polished wood floors. For real charm, consider stenciled or painted wood floors (also great for hiding imperfections on the floor surface). carpet Adaptable to traditional and modern decor, a well-made Oriental rug can last for decades. Generally, large rugs in a neutral tone can “enlarge” a room. Wall-to-wall carpeting provides warmth and uniformity (great for bedrooms and formal living rooms).tile Stone or tile flooring is sleek and easy to maintain (perfect for entries, kitchens, baths &ndash areas that may get wet).

window treatments

Window Treatments. If your windows command a great view and privacy is not an issue, choose lighter treatments that let the outdoor beauty shine through. With or without a great view, window treatments offer endless opportunities to add fashion to a room. light To choose the right window treatment for a room, assess your light and privacy needs: If you need complete light blockage and privacy, install heavy draperies or pull-down shades. If you merely want to soften the light, use shades or curtains in a translucent fabric. focus If you want to add color or interest to a window, simply drape some fabric around a rod or holder to create a swag (use sheer or translucent fabrics for a delicate glow). If you need both light blockage and softness, use pull down shades and a swag of beautiful fabric.