How to Decorate Spaces for People

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.doghousetodollhouse fordollars.com/pages/5/index.htm

---

Contemporary Rugs - Home Decorating With Contemporary Area Rugs

Got a room that's crying out for a bright accent or a face lift? One of the quickest, cheapest ways to perk up your living space is... Read More

How to Create a Positive Environment in Your Home With Vastu

Our homes, carefully oriented, have the power to give us comfort and security and to be one of our best investments. We spend a great deal of... Read More

The Benefits of Metal Wine Racks

The number of metal wine racks available may seem overwhelming, but by narrowing your search you can find your ideal metal wine rack quickly and easily.Don't worry... Read More

Summertime Simplicity in Your Home Decorating

Here in the Northeast, summer is almost here. With hot humid weather approaching-it's already here in the southern part of the country-we can learn a few tricks... Read More

A Guide to Kitchen Sinks

In any household, a kitchen sink is one of the central fixtures and always sees plenty of action. It is used both for preparing food and for... Read More

Measuring Space - How Much Room Do You Really Need?

When planning your home décor, it is vitally important to understand your space needs. Do you have enough room to open any doors? Can you walk from... Read More

A Look at Water Softener Systems

Do you ever feel like nothing you do when you clean works? Do you still feel dirty when you get out of the shower? Does your hair... Read More

A Look at Luxury Down Comforters

For those striving to create a bedroom retreat, a haven from the rest of the world, luxury is a necessity. Along with good color choices and fine... Read More

Why Posters are Great Gifts

Posters make great gifts. They are large but easy to ship, wrap, and give away. They are often dramatic, often reflecting a story of some sort, whether... Read More

Choosing Conservatory Furniture

Conservatories are such lovely and serene rooms that homeowners want to spend a lot of time in them. However, you cannot enjoy your conservatory very easily without... Read More

Decorate Your Home for Joy Using Design Psychology

What Is Design Psychology?Design Psychology exceeds "traditional" interior design practice by considering the effects of design elements on our five senses, as well as our emotions. Rather... Read More

Granite Tile Countertops

The beauty and warmth of granite makes it an ideal material for aesthetic appeal in home design. Granite has been a popular choice of designers for decades.... Read More

The Benefits of Wood-Pellet Stoves

Wood-pellet stoves were invented in the 1980's and have gained in popularity in the last few years. These are small electric stoves that burn small pieces of... Read More

How to Choose a Sofa for a Family with Kids

If you have children in your home, what sort of sofa should you choose?With kids in the house, you probably need more seats. A 1 seated sofa... Read More

Home Decorating Tips - How to Change a Rooms Dimension using Wall Pictures

The Basic Role of Pictures Wall art plays an important role in interior design as it helps create the ambience of a room. By cleverly placing... Read More

Quick And Easy Bathroom Decor Changes

Are you tired of the way your bathroom looks? Don't feel bad, a lot of folks are in the same boat. The bathroom is one room in... Read More

Aluminum Mini Blinds

Aluminum blinds are a low-cost and durable solution as a window treatment. They remain durable and easy to maintain regardless of humidity. Hence, aluminum blinds have remained... Read More

Let Your Wall Art Define You

Wall art can be defined by family portraits or historical paintings adorned on the walls of a home. In a home with young children, wall art can... Read More

Tribal Persian Rugs

Tribal or nomadic rugs are produced by nomadic and semi-nomadic tribes whose lifestyles have traditionally revolved around breeding sheep and weaving. The rugs produced today are similiar... Read More

Summer Decorating Tips To Cool You

Redesigning your home for summer gives you the opportunity to have fun with your home. A few simple changes can make your home feel refreshed as well... Read More

The Benefits of Massage Recliner Chairs

Massage recliner chairs are different than traditional home recliners. These innovative chairs offer a wide range of options for massages and comfort. Although they can be rather... Read More

How to Choose Bed Sheets Effectively

Buying sheets is not as easy as it used to be or should be. There's such a wide variety of styles, colours and fabrics to choose from.... Read More

Decorate Yourself Happy: How to Decorate For Everyday Pleasure/Joy

Because psychologists relate true happiness to joyous occurrences happening frequently, decorating your home to promote everyday pleasure makes sense. If you're planning a home makeover, provide for... Read More

?Too Much Stuff? Syndrome or How Decorating and Organizing Can Help Your Sanity

This area of home life is different from others in that it involves all the senses and to that degree it is successful, engendering varying emotions. Decorating... Read More

The Touch of Tiffany - Unsurpassed Quality and Excellence By Dale Tiffany Inc.

Dale Tiffany Inc. has set out to bring the "Touch of Tiffany" back into the world. The mere mention of the word Tiffany will immediately call to... Read More

A Guide to Vinyl Shutters

Most people would agree that wood shutters are beautiful. They add class and grace to most any home. Whether exterior or interior, wood shutters are special. For... Read More