subject: Choosing A Decorating Style [print this page] When deciding how to decorate a new space have a look at things like walls, ceilings, built-in furniture, floorboards and lighting. If you have just taken over a space that has exposed brick and piping you're likely to decorate it differently than you would a space with hardwood floors and a beamed ceiling.
Some ideas for each include:
1. Paint it all white:
White is one of those colours that actually looks good painted over a variety of surfaces including drywall, brick and wood. If you're going for a cleaner look you may choose to paint the room white. If the room is too dark, maybe paint one or two walls white. If the ceilings are low make them look higher by painting the ceiling white.
2. Hanging light fixtures:
If the space is rather industrial looking you might want to glam it up with some attractive lighting fixtures. A chandelier might be appropriate for a large, open, theatrical space, otherwise go for Chinese lanterns hanging at a variety of levels. If you want to maintain the industrial feel of the room, then maybe put in some track lights.
3. Furniture:
If you have hardwood floors and slanted ceilings you might choose to maintain the cosy look with Victorian style furniture such as metal-framed day beds, white lace bed skirts and rocking chairs. If you have terracotta tile floors and big French doors you might opt for rustic wooden chairs, mounted vintage posters for your walls and dried flowers everywhere.
4. Wallpaper:
Sometimes a solid coloured wall just isn't enough. Wallpaper can add a lot of personality and style to a home. Choosing wallpaper is a bit of an art though. Look at your space and decide what will work best. If you have just found yourself signing the lease for something rather retro you might go for flower wallpaper, or if you've bought a big house with large rooms and elegant staircases, you should go for a handsome, striped wallpaper.
5. Maximising space:
If you live somewhere cramped there are a number of ways to maximise your space. Think of all of the ways you could use out-of-reach space and buy some ladders. There is usually lots of room for storage underneath staircases and walls can be torn down to free some space, especially if you live alone.
Any space can be converted into exactly what you want it to be without the need for renovations. Take inspiration from what's already in place and then run with it.
