How to Decorate Spaces for People

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When it comes to decorating your home, forget about the empty, lifeless rooms you see in interior design magazines and books. Instead, you should concentrate on designing all of the rooms in your home as backdrops for the people who will be living in those spaces. Here are a few simple techniques for designing dynamic spaces:

Don't be afraid to leave some empty spaces in your rooms. Empty space allows for breathing room and lets the most important items in the room shine -- the people who live there!

Avoid large patterns in your fabrics and wallpapers. As a general rule, use no designs larger than your palm, because they will interfere with the appearance of people in the room. Using smaller patterns on walls and furniture will mean that friends and family won't have to compete with bold patterns for attention.

Use paint colors that complement people's skin and eye colors. For light skin colors, use yellows, pinks, and beiges. For darker complexions, yellows, olives, and tans can make people look great.

Use textures that stimulate the sense of touch. Look for textures that are nice to caress, such as velvet, chenille, or satin. They'll create a feeling of being pampered.

Always choose comfort over pretense. Just because a sofa looks great doesn't mean it's comfortable. When you visit a showroom, remember that in order to truly test a piece of furniture, you need to sit on it for awhile, until you feel totally rested. Only then will can you get a realistic feel for its support and comfort level.

Your home is meant to be a place for people, and if you always keep yourself, your family, and your guests in mind, you'll be well on your way to designing spaces that will be more comfortable and emotionally appealing than the staged photos you see in magazines and books.

(c) Copyright 2004, Jeanette J. Fisher. All rights reserved.

Professor Jeanette Fisher, author of Doghouse to Dollhouse for Dollars, Joy to the Home, and other books teaches Real Estate Investing and Design Psychology. For more articles, tips, reports, newsletters, and sales flyer template, see http://www.doghousetodollhousefordollars.com/pages/5/index.htm

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Design Consultation
Miryam Brewer can help you with your design needs. Call for a consultation.

Choosing Colors?
It can be frustrating choosing the right color. Let me help!

New Home... What Now?
Miryam Brewer can help you with space planning, integrating existing furniture & finding new furniture for your new home.

Remodeling your Home or Business?
Get guidance & experience while you choose new surfaces, cabinets, lighting, and more.

Window Treatments
Need to update your shades or draperies? Miryam Brewer will help you find the best fit and style for your space.

Need a Design Plan?
Miryam Brewer can help you prioritize your design needs & put together a design plan for you to follow.

Finishing touches on your home or business
Let Miryam Brewer help you find the right artwork, lamp, area rug, or accessory for your home or business.

On a Budget?
Miryam Brewer can help you create a budget for your interior design needs & stay within it.

Fresh Look
Update your living or work space. Call Miryam Brewer to provide you with a fresh new look.

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