How To Start a Room-Decorating Project
Help Me Get Started With My Decorating Ideas
Many people start a decorating project by flipping through home décor magazines and searching online sites. There are so many great ideas out there! But that can quickly become overwhelming, and people sometimes walk away from the project because they don’t know the next steps. At Shutter Guy serving the Charleston, SC area, we’d like to offer a few tips for getting that project off the ground.
Budget and Timeline
To start, set a budget for your project. Make it realistic, because there is nothing worse than running out of money when you’re only partway through. Be sure to set aside a small contingency fund as well—oftentimes, costs unavoidably run over, so having a buffer is good. Be sure to set a timeline for your project as well. You want to have enough time to get it done, but you also don’t want to let it linger for too long.
Map the Room
It’s important to know all aspects of what you’re working with, so putting together a scaled map of your layout helps. Measure the room’s dimensions and then use graph paper to lay it out entirely. Be sure to indicate where doors and windows are so you know where there are inflexible impediments. Also measure and graph the furniture in the room—cut each piece from the graph paper and lay it out on your map to have an idea of how you’ll place it once the room is finished.
Room Use
Determine how the room will be used and what you’d like to be its main focal point. For example, if it’s the family room, you might use the fireplace or the TV as the piece that the eye will be drawn to. Or if it’s a sitting room, the focal point might be a window with a great view.
Room Look and Feel
What vibe do you want from the room? Do you want to add a subtle color to enhance things, or do you want something bold and wild? And if you add color, do you want it on the window or the wall? Both work equally well.
A few guidelines to keep in mind: If your window treatments are neutral, you can change the color of paint easier and for far less money than changing the window treatments. Remember, when the sun comes through a colored window treatment, it will also affect the colors of all objects in the room. When you put color on a window treatment, it will automatically become the focal point in the room.
Window Treatments
Think about the role your window treatments will play. Will they control light? Keep your space private? Add interest to the room? Imagine the treatment on your window—will it be a horizontal or vertical window treatment? Will it be honeycomb shades, Roman shades, vertical blinds, or shutters? Next think about adding drapery panels or a valance to your window treatment. The addition of draperies or top treatments can soften a room and/or add a splash of color tie the room together.
Accessories
Don’t forget accessories. They show who you are, where you have been and where you want to go! Accessories are the finishing touch that give your space personality.
Window Treatments in Charleston SC Area
Serving the greater Charleston area, the window treatment professionals at the Shutter Guy are trained to assist you in the selection of the right treatment for YOUR windows! Our knowledgeable and experienced staff knows how to ask the right questions to ensure your new window treatments exceed your expectations. Contact us to schedule a consultation, and be sure to check out our Calling Out Cancer program to see how a percentage of your purchase with us goes toward cancer support and research.