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So, you’ve recently decided to upgrade the decor in your home. But how do you do it? There are thousands of examples of ideas and tricks online and in magazines around the world. But it is easy to get carried away when it comes to home decorating. There is no need to cover every possible surface with nick knacks, nor is it necessary to copy a professional decorator to the letter. If you are having a little trouble knowing where to stop when it comes to decorating, these tips can help.

Don’t stop at the basics

So, you’ve decorated your room with a nice rug, some furniture, and a few art pieces. You’re done, right? Wrong, actually. It is important to add personal touches to a room to make it feel like you. Adding small details, such as candles, blankets, throw pillows, or pieces of something that you collect will help make a space feel like you. In the dining room, this could be as simple as placing placemats in a pattern you like on the table. Other areas of the house could have pillows with a favorite saying, candles to add mood lighting, or other small touches that make a house feel like home.

Avoid the walls

Too often, people push all the furniture against the wall, leaving a huge amount of blank space in the center of the room. When possible, angle furniture together to create natural conversation areas for people to mingle. Even if your room is small, creating angles will allow the people inside the room to communicate better and will add better functionality to the room. You can use the space behind the furniture for storage. Experiment with different furniture arrangements to find the best for your particular space.

Don’t ignore the end game

In many cases, a person will see something they like and immediately purchase it for their room. This can lead to a hodgepodge of decorating elements that don’t really have a cohesive feel. The eclectic look can work, but still, a governing theme or color scheme is important to prevent your home from feeling like a garage sale. Don’t purchase something just because you like it in the moment or because it is on sale. Know what look you want for the space ahead of time, so you can easily determine if something will go in the room when you shop. Inspiration boards can be extremely helpful in creating a feeling for any room.

Don’t ignore lighting

While many people do well at finding accessories and making a room look nice, fewer people have mastered the art of lighting. It is best to create multi layers of lighting for different activities. Overhead lighting is fine for board games and other activities, but for parties, it is nice to have the option to dim the lights a little. Lamps spaced around the room set a tone for conversation. If you have something you prize in the room, a focus light, such as track lighting, can highlight the object and turn it into a conversation piece.

If you follow these tips, you will create a room that is uniquely you, but still feels cohesive and professionally decorated. You will feel more comfortable and will welcome the chance to hang out in your own home.

Featured images:

• License: Royalty Free or iStock source: www.shutterstock.com

This is a post by Ashley Williamson. Ashley is a freelance writer and an occasioanl blogger. When she is not working she likes to travel and do yoga.