So you think you know what you want for your decor but can't quite make the final decisions. If you happen upon a photo of what you want, then you've found the answer to your concerns. Seeing your ideas set out in a room can allay your concerns about whether or not your ideas will work.
Our feature photo, courtesy of Moen, is a good example for me. The wall colour is very similar to the wall colour I recently painted in the bathroom in our new condo. I also just happened to find two exact bath sheets at a thrift store (brand new) in the same colours and patterns as the ones pictured here. What are the odds?
What I hadn't considered were black cabinets, which look quite lovely in our feature photograph. I painted our old cabinets out in white (from oak) to give them a new lease on life until we renovate the entire bathroom later this year. I still had white cabinetry on my mind for the new space until I saw this photo. I also hadn't considered a silver-coloured frame for the bathroom, which blends well with the other silver-toned elements in this particular room, including the Moen faucet and lovely sconces. I even like the soft, black-and-white artwork that is in our sample room. This is another idea to consider, since I haven't yet chosen the wall art for the new space. I may have to rethink a few things before I make my final design decisions for our new bathroom.
It's not that white cabinetry wouldn't work in my new bathroom, but I can see now the black, lower vanity would be much more dramatic, and I think I may just go that route now that I've seen it in an actual room setting. Finding the right sample picture can do wonders for your decor plans when it hits so close to home and touches on your specific design plans.
That's why decorating magazines, websites and television shows are so popular. They give us tons of great ideas for our own homes. You do have to sift through a lot of them before you have that "light bulb" moment, but when you do, it's priceless. Whether you happen upon a dramatic colour scheme or a DIY project for your old furniture, having a photo of the finished product sure makes the choices a lot easier.
Sometimes, you have to create your own photo by using programs available on paint suppliers' websites wherein you can paint a room on the computer to see how your paint-colour choices will look. I used one to choose my favourite May Yellow from Dulux paints for our condo and found it very helpful. Other sites, from lighting to flooring, can offer helpful tools for your specific project and offer great photographs to guide you in your search for the perfect product for your decor.
Internet sites such as HGTV, Pinterest, House and Home, and the list goes on, offer great shots of before and after makeovers for everything from kitchens to hallways. There is a ton of information out there to help you in your quest for a stunning space. Keep a file of photos, whether on your computer or on paper, so you don't forget those neat little projects you happen upon. You may not use them all in one project, but they are a great reference for future projects.
I personally keep a binder of 'great decor ideas' I clip from magazines. I use sheet protectors to hold the photos and have divided the binder into room sections. It's great to have a refresher and skim over the photos every now and then. One does forget after a while when there are so many great ideas out there.
I try to find such photos each week for my column. I look for rooms that will inspire, teach and help readers entertain the thought of change. Email me if you get stuck. If I don't have a solution, perhaps one of my readers does. It's all about sharing and supporting each other in the quest for a stunning space and a place to call home.
Connieoliver2014@gmail.com
