WALTHAM, MASS. – September 21, 2006 – When beginning a home decorating project, it’s helpful to know the most common interior design pitfalls. Avoiding these will improve your design, save time and money, and help make your experience more enjoyable.
Furniture.com lead design consultant Davis Remignanti offers these approaches to avoid when tackling interior design projects:
• The Big Bang. Don’t expect to go from blank canvas to finished interior in one fell swoop. Interesting interiors are created in layers, over time. Don’t try to get it all at once.
• Wing and a Prayer. Don’t start without a plan. Survey your resources - your current furnishings, your work schedule, your budget. Then make a list of needs, wants, and things you'd love "down the road." Reconcile accordingly.
• Ebenezer Scrooge. There are times when it’s better to splurge than to economize. Shop carefully for the right balance of price and quality. A “bargain” sofa loses its charm when its seams split and arms start to wobble.
• My Way or the Highway. Be open-minded about new ideas - sometimes a fresh approach is best. Try re-arranging your furniture to jump start a design update. Use Furniture.com's free online Room Planner to help lay out your room.
• Making Do. That “perfectly good” hand-me-down dining room probably isn’t winning any points for good design. Just because someone offers you something, you don’t have to accept. Second-hand can be wonderful and inspiring, as long it fits with your “look.”
• More is Better. Mix, as well as match, your furnishings to add variety and increase your design options. Use accent pieces to introduce new colors, textures and shapes to prevent your room from becoming monotonous.
• Doubting Thomas. Don’t trust your own judgment? Do research, clip photos from magazines, watch design shows, and ask your friends. Start small, build your confidence and learn from mistakes. The best designers did the same.
Furniture.com (http://www.furniture.com)
