Follow these basic steps for 2015 decorating project

“A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step.” — Chinese Proverb

For my regular readers you may remember that I have a list of decorating tips and, around the first of each year, I share some of them again. They are basic and never really change that much. Instead of doing a full-blown list for you this month, I want to start the new year with some basic steps, or Decorating 101.

Whether you are a first-time homeowner, renter or a homeowner who wants an entirely new look, you need to remember the basics. There are a lot of questions about how to get started, furniture selection, painting and what styles to choose.

If you watch television at all, you can’t help but run across the programs that offer makeovers and how-to ideas. As we all know HGTV is a staple for those of us hooked on decorating and home improvement, and many other networks offer their own programming.

If you go to the newsstand, there are probably 20 or so magazines offering the same advice. Each of these publications and programs gives their own spin on decorating, and we as consumers seem to have an insatiable appetite for it. So, the ideas keep coming.

Caution, Caution, Caution

Very often you see things in magazines or on TV and you say to yourself, “that would never work in my home,” and it may not. Or, “I would like that but I can’t afford it”; “that’s way too much color, too small, too big, hate the fabric, not the right style,” etc.

So we’re going to explore what is right for you and how you can achieve it. The main thing to keep in mind when getting ideas from magazines or TV is that cameras can work miracles. The view that you see may have little to do with reality.

The main thing to remember when you are getting ready to redo your house — or just buy a new sofa or lamp — is that you must have fun with the project, and, contrary to some opinions, you must be happy with the results. This is your space, your life and your money.

Most people’s biggest objection to hiring a professional designer or decorator is that the professional imposes his or her tastes on the them and when the project is finished, it doesn’t reflect their tastes. Even if you are hiring a decorator or designer, know your style and likes and dislikes first. Take the time to get educated.

Before you Start

Read magazines, check out those television programs, prowl around in stores and arm yourself with as much information as possible. You also need to know your space. Measure, measure, measure. Exact measurements are a must if you are to have a successful project.

It is rare that a decorating project is stand-alone. You usually have a view from one room to another, so if you are painting or planning big pieces of upholstery, pay attention to the room colors in adjoining spaces. Different colors and patterns are great as long as they don’t make your eyes cross if you see them together.

The First Step

Usually the first step in any redo — or first-do — is paint. It is the least expense fix and the easiest to achieve. Even if you want to add paper or other decorative finishes later, paint is most likely your first project.

Unless you are trying to match a pattern in your china or a longtime treasure, most people are unsure of the exact paint color they want. It pays to first look at as many paint samples in the color family you like.

If you haven’t looked in the paint store lately, you will be shocked. There are millions of colors to choose from, and color can be very deceptive. Light and other colors found in upholstery or woods can affect the color.

I would recommend that you spend the money and buy small cans of several shades of paint that you decide on. Paint small areas on your walls and leave for at least 24 hours so you can see the color at different times of day. It’s worth the investment in the long run.

My personal favorite step in this process is to buy a large poster board, preferably a minimum size of 2 by 3 feet. Paint the paper and not the walls — and move the paper around the room. Look at it in the morning with full sun coming in; check out afternoon shadows; and look closely with your night lighting. The beauty of using the poster board is that you can move it around to see how it looks next to your kitchen cabinets, your favorite pieces of furniture, etc.

Understand space

If you’re moving into a different house, a major basic rule is understanding your space and how you intend to use it. Before you spend money on furniture make sure you’re clear on the purpose of the room.

You may not actually want or need a formal dining or living room. There are many ways to transform the space. Just know what you want it to be.

New Design Trends

Just recently I read an article in a design magazine about trends and those that would not be hip in 2015. Once again, design trends talked about in these publications may or may not be to your taste. But remember, it’s your space and if a “trend” appeals to you, go for it. The key is that the trend satisfies you and will continue to do so long after the next trend list is published.

If new space or refurbished space is in your future, learn these basics. They will serve you well.

And on a personal note, for me working with a first-time homebuyer and figuring out their likes and style and helping them make their space how they want it to be is one of the most rewarding projects a designer can have. I’m experiencing a project like that right now, and it makes me realize that the basics never get old.

If you would like to have the complete list of my design tips or questions, send me an email.

Best wishes for the new year and any new project you may undertake.

Carolyn Muse Grant is a founder and past president of the Architectural &Decorative Arts Society, as well as an interior design consultant/stylist specializing in home staging. Send questions to creativemuse@cox.net.