Home Expressins

Decorating a new home can be a daunting prospect, especially if you've never done it before.

The key to success is a combination of inspiration and some practical help. Most folks believe that professional help is simply too expensive for them, particularly after having just paid the closing costs, and a hundred and one other 'moving-in' expenses. But, in reality that need not be the case. At Home Expressions for example, we charge nothing for our advice if you purchase product from us in excess of $300, and if you decide not to purchase anything our rates are very affordable, depending on the distance travelled.

Our designers will introduce you to new styles and different decorating techniques that could save you from costly mistakes. What really matters, is that you love the end result. If you're a new homeowner, here are some basic guidelines to help you on the road to a beautiful home:

Set your priorities! It's almost impossible to decorate your home all at once, so decide which areas are going to need attention first.

Decide which furniture pieces are going, and which pieces are staying. If you think that a piece of furniture such as a sofa is going to be replaced, then decide how soon, as this will affect your long term choice of fabrics and accessories.

If your new home has an open floor plan, choose colors and themes carefully so that one space flows into another, creating a feeling of spaciousness and continuity throughout.

When decorating a particular room, it is easier to make your fabric choices first before deciding on paint colors - it's easier to match a paint color to a fabric.

When planning a room, think of how you are going to use it. For example, do you want a view? Is privacy important to you? Do you use it more in the day than at night? The answer to these questions will affect the placement of your furniture and style of window treatments.

And finally......it really does pay to get a professional designer to help you with your choices. A designer will give you a whole new perspective, and most importantly will bring samples into your home where they are best viewed with your existing furniture and lighting conditions.

And most importantly .....have fun!