Let the Decorating Begin!

We're half way through 2012 already.  Can you believe it?  Next thing you know, we'll be decorating our homes for the fall ..... Thanksgiving ...... and soon after that, Christmas.  If you're like me, you love to decorate in anticipation of holiday entertaining and celebrating with family, friends and neighbors.  But before we start decking the halls, this might be a good time to look around and see what's in need of a little freshening up.  If you start now, you'll have plenty of time to freshen up paint, replace tired-looking furniture pieces and maybe add a few new accessories to create a whole new look for your home.

Here's a tip to save you time and money ..... before you start painting walls or buying furniture, make sure that everything is going to look great together.  Have a plan.  Go pick up some paint chips in your favorite tones from your local paint or building center.  Decide what furniture pieces and accessories you want to keep, and which you want to replace.  Choose the paint colors that you like best with those items.  Also take the paint chips with you when you meet with your decorator and head to pick out new furniture.  If you can find pieces that go well with the same paint colors as your "keepers" at home, it will save you having to repaint later when you find that some things clash with your walls.   If you fall in love with that new couch, and it matches your favorite paint choice, but it doesn't quite go with the your wall art, then you may find that re-purposing the art in another room may be the best way to go.  Then treat yourself to some new art or create a do-it-yourself art project that will show off your talents, and create a great conversation piece the next time guests drop by!