Step1 : The first thing you should do is choose your color scheme. Some of this may involve the room you are dealing with. For example, if you are working with a rental, your landlord may insist on leaving the walls that off-white shade that drives you nuts. Or, there may be a dark brown shag carpet that you find nauseating, which you wish to minimize. A great source for finding your future colors are web sites that feature a color wheel. This way, you match your colors and find that perfect compliment to each shade. Many stores also feature samples of colors you will use to add interest. Don't be afraid to look at sites like to see how they've used color as well.
Step2 : Next, you should determine your preference in style. Are you Shabby Chic? Eclectic? Traditional? Many furniture sites such as www.ashleyfurniture.com offer photos of various styles and looks which allow you to discover which style pleases you. Do you feel restful and calm with a certain style? Do you feel inspired? These are questions you should ask yourself. What feeling do you want to project about yourself from the room? One person may have a collection of African dolls that inspires them to use this as the foundation of a rustic or contemporary decor. Another may feel cozy with the lace and flowered fabrics of a cottage look. Determining where you want to go and how you feel looking at this decor will help direct you to appropriate pieces for your room.
Step3 : Now it's time to choose the furnishings. Scouring thrift shops, looking on craigslist.com, even driving through the community and seeking out yard sales will land you a sofa or coffee table, quite often for under $100. Sit on the sofa to determine it is comfortable. Look at the style of it. Does it mix well with the decor your are seeking, or does it take it in another direction? Sometimes having a binder with photos of sofas that fit in your room decor is beneficial to keep in your car. Don't settle for anything that isn't within the design elements you have defined as "your look." The same goes for other furnishings. Know the design you are seeking and do not purchase anything that isn't going to add to that theme.
Step4 : Thrift shops offer great area rugs for the best prices. The trick is to find one that compliments your colors. Another place to find that area rug are stores like Big Lots or even Home Depot sometimes when the rugs are on sale. Stick to your color and design plans. Take along your color samples and try to keep the design simple to blend with your decor. The best choices if you are unsure should be muted tones that have very few designs. Some great choices that carry into many themes are woven rugs. Don't always select the most colorful rug, but tone it down to allow your pillows and art to pick up the color of the room.
