Do your research. Look through design books and magazines and decide which types of styles you like the best, cut out pictures of things you like. Watch the wide variety of design shows on television. Make some notes to help you remember everything you like. Ask yourself: "Is this room too formal or casual for me? Are the colours too light or too dark? Is it too busy or is there too much empty space?" This will help you figure out what sorts of design elements you enjoy.
Before going to the paint store for color strips and tester cans, consider the alternative: wallpaper. New technology is making wallpapers easier to hang and remove, and even easier and less messy than paint. So ask yourself wallpaper or paint?
The Internet has made research and planning a lot easier. If you're not sure whether you are more casual or formal in your decorating tastes
There are plenty of websites that have helpful quizzes to help you find out what style, colours, lighting and accessories you like.
One way to personalise a space is to design around a theme. Whether it's a sports theme for a child's bedroom or a luxury theme for the living room, choosing a theme and sticking with it helps personalise the decorating process.
Don't overlook the details when decorating to stay, the little touches can make a house your home. Even small touches like installing a decorative tank lever in the bath to match your accessories can make a big difference. Hanging items on the walls also makes a room cozier. Mirrors open up a small space and lengthen a room.
Think about the different flooring options as well. If you're replacing carpeting, skip the neutral browns and beiges and find your favorite colour.
And don't forget about windows and fixtures. Consider replacing basic lighting fixtures with dangling chandeliers in striking finishes.
Whatever your choices, don't be concerned with what's trendy at the moment or what seems to please others. If you're planning to live there for a good amount of time, make decorating choices that will make you happy for years to come.
Painting - Brushes or rollers?
BRUSHES - The better brushes have more bristle which allows more paint on the brush, and a smoother stroke with less brush marks. A natural bristle brushes with animal hairs is made for use with oil-base paints. Nylon/polyester brushes are mainly for latex paints but can be used with oil based as well. These are long lasting brushes that are easy to clean and hold their shape after hundreds of hours of use. Buy a high quality blended brush. Polyester brushes are best for latex paints
ROLLERS - A good quality roller has screws in the handle to receive an adjustable paint pole. Natural fiber roller covers made with mohair or a blend of polyester and lamb's wool usually are suggested for oil-base paints and varnishes. Synthetic fiber roller covers are made for latex paints.
Resources