The secret of successful home decoration is the combination of careful planning and a sensible budget with your own creative flair and energy. If you research the project thoroughly, you’ll wind up having a lot of fun, learn new skills, save money and increase the value of your home. On top of all that, there’s the satisfaction of knowing you did it yourself!
Here are a couple of things to remember when decorating your home.
Know your needs.
Have a good look at what you can live with for a little bit longer and what has to go right now. Fake it, if you can, with budget conscious decorative paint techniques for floors, walls and furniture. Make sure your planned renovations are user-friendly and will actually improve your quality of life.
Prepare your budget.
Even if your decorating project won’t cost much, decide how much you can afford and then stick to your budget! Interest on borrowings can be a trap. Saving money makes sense. Always ask if you can get a price reduction for cash and shop around for the best price and service.
Comparison shopping may take a little time but can save you lots of money. Take advantage of genuine sales, always buy the best product and most comprehensive service you can afford and do it right!
Make plans.
Measure everything – walls to estimate paint quantities, wallpaper and friezes, windows for tracks, furniture and cupboards…the lot! Take photographs of rooms and features you want to change. Make a floor plan by using graph paper to scale down room sizes.
Plan your schedule. It’s very important to allow sufficient time to do a good job -- don’t try to rush it. Avoid expensive correspondence courses. Take a course on household repairs and restoration, a sound investment which will teach you how to save money by doing your own repairs.
Call in a professional.
Local regulations may demand that electrical, plumbing or building work be carried out by accredited tradespeople who have the training, tools and authority to tackle some jobs which amateurs should never attempt. You may need to consult an expert about the soundness of walls and floors before you start redecorating. Paying for advice from an interior designer is a sound investment if you can afford it.
Get in writing.
A written quote should include all costs and details of all materials to be used (quality and quantity).
Collect samples.
Whenever you select furnishings or paint, take a sample home so that you can judge the colour in the place and the lighting conditions you have planned for it.
Make a trial and error.
Before starting a big project, try out your ideas on a small scale. Don’t be deterred by little disappointments and mistakes. They’re all experiences that can help you avoid costly problems when you tackle the real thing.
Call in professional painters and decorators to help you decorate your home.