Colors to Consider Keep the colors of the desert in mind when choosing your color scheme for your Southwest décor. You want to start with colors such as red, orange, tan, and brown. These desert colors should be the focus you use for the room. Then you can add some pizzazz with colors such as turquoise, green, and yellow. These accent colors will give the room a little flair, livening things up a bit. If you want to go a little lighter, consider colors such as cream or tan. Then you can incorporate accent colors such as brown, orange, and red instead.

Southwestern Furniture Choices If you’re going for a Southwestern look, you want to choose furniture made of wood, like a wooden bed or filing cabinets, which will give the whole room an organic feel. Knotty pine, for example, is a great wood selection. Use furniture that’s made from wooden poles that are woven together, a very typical Southwestern furniture style. Decorative carvings in the wood are another popular and very attractive feature in Southwestern décor.
Fabrics to Consider Leather is a popular fabric in Southwestern themes. Not only can leather be found in couches and chairs, but in artwork and accessories as well. You might also add an attractive visual touch with an Indian print blanket or wall hanging, both which provide appeal and vibrancy. You can place these striped and patterned blankets on the back of couches or chairs, or even in wooden baskets. Or take a fringed blanket and hang in on a large wall for an instant art piece. No matter what you decide, you’ll be able to add interest and color to your Southwestern-themed room with these masterpieces.

Other Accessories to Add As you begin to fill in the décor with other accessories, look for items commonly found in Native American and Mexican cultures. If you like, you can also draw on the natural features of the area by mixing in items such as wrought-iron cacti and desert flowers. You can really add an authentic touch by placing these plants and flowers in reed baskets and terra-cotta pots. You can choose from a wide variety of other accessories, from Native American figurines and artwork, to wrought-iron candle holders, hand-painted vases, and clay pots and plates.

Southwestern décors are a lot of fun to create. It allows you to pay homage to some different cultures, plus you are given a lot of leeway in terms of incorporating unique pieces into your design. This theme can be rustic while at the same time being remarkably elegant. So take the time to be sure that everything comes together smoothly and flows. What will result is an atmosphere that’s both casual and at the same time will give your guests plenty to talk about.

Make the Decorating Budget Firm
You dont want to set a decorating budget and then forget about it when you actually start shopping. Keep in mind that you are setting a budget for a reason. You dont necessarily have to get all your decorating done at once. Instead, do only some of the decorating now and then revisit the room and add more items once you have saved some more money. Its best to stick to your budget firmly, no matter what comes up.

You Will Have to Give a Little to Get a Little
With a firm budget in your hand, youre going to have to be flexible and willing to compromise in some areas. If you want the more expensive items that you absolutely have to have, then youll have to go the cheaper route for certain less crucial items. So if youre adamant about adding that coffee table that costs about a third of your budget, then youll have to compensate elsewhere, perhaps spending less on window treatments or picture frames for the wall.

Dont Worry What Other People May Think
Its so easy to get caught up in what other people will think and say. After all, if the figurine you find is perfect for your dcor, does it really matter if you found it at the local discount store? First of all, unless you tell them, nobodys going to know what you paid for items in your room. You need to keep in mind that not everything in your room needs to be of the highest quality. So dont worry about what others may or may not say. If you like something and its inexpensive and it fits in your budget, then go ahead and buy it. Many people find that their least expensive item will garner the most positive attention in a room.

Invest in Quality for the Big Items in the Room
When creating your budget, you need to be sure that youre allocating the majority of the money toward the larger items like a arts & crafts bed in a master bedroom or a dining room table. This way, youll be able to afford quality that will last. Window treatments or other dcor just dont need as much money put into them as items such as wood  furniture, flooring, and artwork. By investing in quality for the larger items like a , you can ensure that those items will last longer and look better. In the end, you might have a high end sofa with inexpensive decorative pillows on it, but as long as you have kept to your final budget, then that will be just fine.

It can sometimes be tempting to throw your budget away and spend more than you can afford. But if you do that, youll remember the debt every time you walk into your redecorated home or room. In the end, negative thought might lead to you not being able to enjoy being in the space. If that becomes the case, then what was the point of spending all that money? Sticking to the budget will not only save you money, it will bring you peace of mind as well.

If you want to create rooms that are comfortable, inviting, and appealing, the secret is texture. When all surfaces are smooth and there aren’t any patterns or textures integrated into the mix, the space lacks the depth and interest that a good mixture of textures can provide. If you’re looking to transform your rooms into amazing works of art, here are a few simple tips to get you started.

Add Texture and Interest to Walls
There’s nothing exciting about walls that are flat and light-colored. However, dressing up your walls is easy. Use a wallpaper with a vertically striped patterns that incorporates rich hues. If you have a home with a low ceiling, this is a perfect option. Avoid using this trick if your ceilings are high, however, as it will make it look even higher.

If you do have high ceilings, there are still plenty of things you can do. Use a textured paint to paint the walls, but don’t forget about the color. Paint the baseboards a contrasting color to really set things off. You might also stencil patterns on the walls.

Don’t Forget About Scale
When you go to decorate a room, you want to keep things on the same scale for the most part. For instance, if the room is small, then keep floral and abstract patterns small as well. Large pattern will likewise work best in larger rooms. On the contrary, if you want to highlight an area of a room, do the opposite. For instance, a very large pattern in a small area or corner of a small room will really make that space pop!

Mix It Up!
To really set off a room, mix up all those textures and patterns. A tapestry or mural on the call will provide a nice focal point. Textures that are nubby, satin smooth, and everything in between all make for a beautiful and eye-catching style. If you want to draw out all the colors in the room, go for throw pillows that are striped and checked. Or toss a nubby throw over a sofa or rocker to create a cozy, welcoming look. Throw in some area rugs to add even more texture and color to things. This will work whether your floors are carpet, tile, or wood. You might also place boldly patterned runners on a few tables.

Years ago, colors either had to be complementary or match each other. Things have changed, however, and now contrasting colors abound. Nearly anything goes when it comes to home décor. What will set your look apart is the way you throw together the special pieces and accents you love with unique little ideas that suit your own personality. The primary rule in home decorating is that really there are no rules! Just use plenty of color and texture and let those finishing touches come directly from your own creative mind.

About the Author…
For over 4 decades Leon Tuberman has helped people with their home furnishings and interior design needs. He owns and manages his family owned furniture store. They carry a large selection of American made solid oak furniture for your home office, dining room and bedroom. It doesn’t matter whether you’re shopping for a night stand for your master bedroom or a dining table for your dining room then they carry everything you need.

Paint the Walls of the Room
By painting the walls of the room a completely different color, you can give in an instant facelift. The color that’s on the walls of a room basically styles the whole room. For instance, if you paint a green room tan, it will change the light in the room and ultimately affect the way other objects in the room appear. Painting a room is great, as it can be quite inexpensive and is rather easy to do most people do it themselves. Make this a weekend project. By Monday morning, you will have a whole new look in that room.

Use Slipcovers on the Furniture
If you love your furniture but are tired of the fabric, slipcover may be just the solution for an instant makeover. When you add a slipcover to a piece of furniture, you can dramatically change the decor. Typically, your furniture will be the biggest objects in the room. Thus, when you change the pieces, it will be easily noticeable. You can add a slipcover to a furnishing in only about ten minute’s time. Slipcovers come in a range of prices, but for the nicer ones, you may have to spend a little bit more money.

Hang a Piece of Art on the Wall
Do you have a large wall that’s bare or one you don’t particularly like? Try hanging a large piece of art there to change the look. A large piece of artwork can instantly change the focus and style of the room. The piece of art can actually become your new focal point. The art will also cover much of the color on that wall, which can also work to change the look of the room. Just be sure you don’t waste your money on any old piece. Be sure you invest in something you really like and want to have around for a while.

Rearrange the Furniture
When you simply rearrange the furniture in a room, changing the layout, you can give that room an instant makeover. You can start by designating a new focal point for the room and working from there. You might change the focal point from the wood desks or the wooden bed to the fireplace, which will completely change the dynamic of the room. You’ll be much happier with the results if you take the time to sketch out on paper what you want before you go moving furniture and heavy objects around.

All of these are simple and easy ways to give any room in your home an instant makeover. You might even try to put two or three of these suggestions together. You will be amazed at the result and how different your room will appear.

Decorate with Your Wedding Pictures
Decorate your home with items from your wedding the easy way: by framing your favorite wedding pictures and using them as decorations. Hang these on an empty wall, or they can sit on a fireplace mantle or a table instead. If you have a portrait you really like, consider blowing it up and hanging it on a wall in your bedroom or above the fireplace. You might even take a few different wedding shots or pictures from your honeymoon and put them into a collage to hang on a wall.

Make a Shadow Box with Your Wedding Memorabilia
Collect your wedding items together in a shadow box to create a unique decoration for your home. Some wedding mementos that work great here are dried flowers, a piece of the wedding dress, your invitation and program, and any favors. You can arrange all these items in the shadow box in a pleasing way. Then hang the box on the wall or place it on a shelf. This makes a great decoration piece for your bedroom and will remind you of your wedding every day.

Decorate with Your Wedding Flowers
If you used real flowers for your wedding, then consider drying them out to make potpourri. You can create a sentimental addition to any room by simply placing the dried flowers in a decorative basket or vase and adding essential oils.

If your flowers at your wedding were fake, then you have many more decorating options. Leave them the way they are, placing them in a vase or basket, for an instant decoration for the home. Or you might choose instead to alter them a bit. Take a number of different bouquets from the wedding and either create one large flower arrangement or split it up into two slightly smaller ones. When placed in just about any room of the house, these flowers will instantly add color and brightness to the décor. You will also be reminded of your wonderful wedding day every time you walk by.

Make a Decoration from the Wedding Dress
If you decide not to save your wedding dress, then consider transforming it into an easy home decoration. If you have a bridesmaid willing to part with her dress, you can also do this with a bridesmaid dress. First, take a nice piece of fabric from the dress and wrap it tightly around either a picture frame or a canvas. Then secure the whole thing with a nail gun and, presto, you have a nice fabric décor item to hang on the wall. When you hang one or more of these pieces on the wall, you can really add some style to your bedroom or other room.

If you’re working with a newlywed’s budget when trying to decorate your home, you need to work with what you have as much as you can. You can create unique decorations that have a lot of emotional impact by reusing your wedding memorabilia in your home.

About the Writer…
Leon Tuberman has four decades of experience in the home furnishings and interior design industry. He is the owner and manager of popular furniture store in Los Angeles. They offer a huge assortment of solid wood furniture for your living room, home office and dining room that’s built in the Heartland of America. It doesn’t matter whether you’re shopping for file cabinets for your home office or a dining table for your formal dining room then they carry everything you need.

Make the Decorating Budget Firm
It doesn’t make sense to set a decorating budget, only to forget about it when you start shopping. Keep in mind that you are setting a budget for a reason. It’s not necessary to do all your decorating at once. It might be better to do some of the decorating now, and then once you save some more money, revisit the room to add more items later. It’s best to stick to your budget firmly, no matter what comes up.

You Will Have to Give a Little to Get a Little
Sticking to a firm budget requires you to be flexible and willing to compromise in some areas. You’ll have to go the cheaper route for certain less crucial items, if you want any more expensive pieces that you just have to have. For instance, you might have to spend less on the window treatments or picture frames if you’ve fallen in love with a coffee table or lamp that takes up a third or so of your budget.

Don’t Worry What Other People May Think
It’s so easy to get caught up in what other people will think and say. After all, if the figurine you find is perfect for your décor, does it really matter if you found it at the local discount store? It’s not likely anyone’s going to know what you paid for items in your home unless you tell them. You need to keep in mind that not everything in your room needs to be of the highest quality. So if something is inexpensive but you like it and it fits your budget, then don’t worry about what others may or may not say—go ahead and buy it. It’s funny, but sometimes the least expensive item in the room will garner the most positive attention.

Invest in Quality for the Big Items in the Room
When you plan out your budget, it’s best to allocate the majority of your money toward the larger items like a wood bed in a master bedroom or a dining room table, thus making sure that you can afford quality that will last. You might need to put more money into things like wood furniture, flooring, and artwork, rather than window treatments or other décor. Investing in quality for the larger items guarantees that they will last longer and look better. In the end, you might have a high end sofa with inexpensive decorative pillows on it, but as long as you have kept to your final budget, then that will be just fine.

It can sometimes be tempting to throw your budget away and spend more than you can afford. Unfortunately, when you do that, then every time you walk into your redecorated home or room, you are going to have negative thoughts about that debt. In the end, negative thought might lead to you not being able to enjoy being in the space. If that becomes the case, then what was the point of spending all that money? Sticking to the budget will not only save you money, it will bring you peace of mind as well.

1. Express Any Ideas, Wants, or Styles You Want for the Project
Unless you’re planning on handing over your home to your interior decorator so they can do what they want, you need to make sure that you clearly communicate your desires for the project. So if you already have a certain style in mind for the décor, be sure to tell the decorator. Before the project starts, be sure you are both on the same pa ge when it comes to styles, ideas, and what you want. In the end, this will save you both time and money.

2. Set a Firm Budget with the Interior Decorator
It’s really important to set a firm budget with the decorator. Otherwise, you may find yourself spending much more money on your décor project than you wanted. Stress to the decorator that this is what you can afford and you don’t want to go over this certain dollar amount. Be sure to get this budget amount in writing. Then the decorator can’t come back and say you never told them a specific limit for expenses.

3. Be Honest with the Interior Decorator
You need to let the designer know right away if they come up with a design plan you’re not crazy about. You don’t want to go along with a plan you’re not happy with just because you don’t want to hurt the person’s feelings. Remember, this is your home that you are going to have to live in. You may end up regretting it in the future if you’re not honest with the decorator about your true feelings for any plans or ideas they come up with.

4. Gather Visual Aids for the Decorator If Possible
Try to gather visual aids of what design elements you’re looking for, such as photographs and diagrams of what you want. Visual aids are always the best way to express what you’re looking for in a decorating project. Handing someone a picture and telling them this is the style you want is always easier than trying to sit and explain it to them verbally.

5. Stay Involved with the Decorating Project
If you simply hand the interior decorator a few pictures and leave them alone for a week, don’t expect everything to be perfect for you. You don’t necessarily have to be constantly supervising the work being done. But you do want to be sure you monitor the progress daily to be sure things are being done the way you want. When you just let the interior decorator work without regularly checking out the progress, you may find that the result is not what you had pictured.

Working with an interior decorator can be a great experience. This is especially true if you have trouble coming up with great ideas and plans for your home. If you follow these tips, you can help ensure that you have the best possible experience with the decorator you have chosen.

About the Author…
Leon Tuberman has been in the home furnishings and interior design industry for 40 years. He owns and operates a popular furniture store in Los Angeles. They have a large inventory of handcrafted Amish built solid wood furniture for your bedroom, home office and living room. It doesn’t matter whether you’re shopping for a wood file cabinet for your student study area or an oak dresser for your bedroom  then they have everything you need.