Some people just have a knack for decorating their homes in lovely and unique ways while the rest of us mere mortals buy entire matching ensembles that make our rooms look like a page out of a tacky catalog. We don’t know if we should get game room furniture and billiards balls to jazz up a basement rec room. So, where does one turn for inspiration when hiring a professional decorator to start from scratch is simply beyond one’s budget? Here are many places to look for design concepts and new ideas for your home.
You may have seen on television that a simple way to give your home a fresh look is to hire a professional interior redesigner. Most often, there is no reason to purchase all new furniture, rugs, lamps and curtains. For a fraction of what it would cost to have an interior decorator come and redecorate a room, an interior redesigner simply rearranges the belongings you already have in new ways. She will check out the space you wish to change and discuss the look or feel that you hope to achieve. Generally, the space should be cleared out so the redesigner can start with a clean canvas. Then, she will search all over the entire house “shopping” for various items that will work in the room. You might be amazed at the “treasures” than can be salvaged from the attic, basement or garage. Sometimes it just takes a new set of eyes to see the value in lost items. Once everything is all put together, a new room seems to magically appear.
If you prefer going on a little quest, then perhaps taking a tour of newly built homes is something you would enjoy. Held annually in many regions across the country, new home builders come together in a particular area to sponsor and showcase newly built homes. For a small admission, anyone is welcome to see all the latest and greatest in architecture design and decorating. All the homes are professionally decorated by local interior design companies and everything from the paint colors used to where the furniture and accessories were purchased are listed. A little known secret is that after the tour of homes is over, much of the furniture and décor found in the home usually finds its way to local furniture wholesalers. Many of them will advertise in the classifieds or online that they are selling items from the latest tour of homes and you can purchase the pieces that caught your eye for much less.
A more straightforward method of collecting decorating ideas is to visit the library and peruse the many design and decorating books and magazines they have. Even more books and some of the latest magazines can be found at your local home improvement store. Flip through the pages and only buy the ones that contain the most ideas that you are looking for. And, don’t forget the vast resource of information on decorating websites and do-it-yourself TV shows. Inspiration for redecorating your home is all around you. Take a chance and try new things or to simply spice up your classic style.