Free design ideas that will help you stay on the right track

Know where you want to go is 99% of the project. These free design ideas will help you stay on course.

+ SET A BUDGET

Decide at the outset what you can and will invest. Determine which room you will do and the pieces in which you will spend the most time. Build your budget around those. Don't skimp on the sofa, but figure to save on smaller pieces like end tables and on accessories.

+ SELECT A STYLE

Contemporary, traditional, formal, casual, eclectic - What turns you on? Figure out a decorating idea that you're drawn to, and go with it. Understand that each has its advantages: contemporary, for example, is more "in" right now, while traditional is more comfortable.

+ FOCUS ON FUNCTIONALITY

Do you want to dine in the dining room - or would that room work better as a library? What will you use the living room for? Assign a "purpose" to all the rooms before you attempt to furnish them.

+ GET OUT THE TAPE MEASURE

Know the size of the rooms, windows, walls, doorways, and stairwells before you go shopping. It won't do you much good to buy big furniture pieces if you can't get them into the rooms.

+ THINK CARPET WHEN YOU PICK PAINT

Matching your paint to the carpet is easier than vice versa. the reason: there are more paint color options to choose from than carpet colors.

+ STICK WITH A SCHEME

Choose a color scheme for your house. Go with three basic colors -- red, blue, green, for example -- and you usually won't go wrong. Try to include some of each color in each room.

+ FIND A FOCAL POINT

Showcase the key attraction in each room. Whether hat attraction is a fireplace or a huge window overlooking a canyon, arrange the seating around it.

+ PICK YOUR PIECE

Invest in a "signature" piece for each room, and design around it. That item can be an antique cocktail table, a desk, an armoire, or just a piece of furniture with emotional value.

+ PUT THINGS IN PERSPECTIVE

A large sofa just doesn't work in a tiny family room. Nor does it look right to have only a small settee and two small armchairs in a two story room. Furniture that is too big overshadows a room; furniture that is too small gets lost in it.

+ HIRE A DESIGNER

Free design ideas will only get you so far. Sometimes you need a professional to help. What's right for your space? What's in, what's out? What's hot, what's not? Interior design professionals have the expertise to answer those questions - and to save you time and money as you furnish you home.

Anne Honan Interiors provides design services to homeowners throughout the Chicago area. 630.205.1616 or email annehonaninteriors@yahoo.com

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