Some home decor don'ts I don't (necessarily) agree with

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

A recent article listed some home decor don'ts, which can often be fun to read. But, it's important to remember that rules are sometimes mean to be broken - for example:

1. DON'T buy a can of mistint paint that looks good in the store.

Although it is true that paint colors change in different conditions, mistints are a great way to decorate on a tight budget. Try to stick with the more neutral mistints if possible, or use a combination of them to create a unique finish.

The difficulty with mistints is if you're trying to work with a specific palette or theme... they work best on a blank canvas so you can work around them.

2. DON'T purchase things unless you know how/where you'll use it.

Some of my ever-favorite pieces have been spontaneous buys, when I had no idea where it would go. I found a place, and have loved it ever since.

3. DON'T bother to measure your room or draw a floorplan.

I sort of agree with this, except that sometimes drawing a floorplan can restrict your creative juices when trying to create a unique space. Things never work out quite the way you planned them in your head.

4. DON'T carry fabric and paint swatches with you when you shop.

Although I can't argue with this one, just because you don't happen to have them with you doesn't mean you should pass up buying the greatest accent piece you have ever found.

In the end, the important things is... DON'T let someone else's rules get in the way of creating a space that you love.