How not to decorate – part 1

Successful decoration is not really about fashion or style – but following basic rules as to what to do and what not to do. There are some basic no-no’s when it comes to decorating. Follow these rules and you will have a stylish and comfortable home..

1, Carpet in the bathroom and kitchen

This is an absolute no-no, yet they still build houses with carpeted bathrooms. Damp carpets are an ideal environment for germs. So think about all the bacteria under your feet next time you step out from your bath. Carpets are unhygienic – just get rid of them. Tiles and hardwood should be used in bathroom – if you have a low budget, use vinyl flooring or just varnish the wooden floorboards underneath. In a new house the sub floor is mainly plywood or concrete. Stain and varnish the plywood (it can look really good!) or get the concrete polished. The No1 solution for a bathroom floor is (non-slippery) tiles.

2, Matching d?cor

The Laura Ashley look – you know, when the patterns match on the cushions, the bedcover, the curtains, the wallpaper, borders (sometimes even the carpet- yucky !!!!) . This is really naff yet this kind of decoration is still dominant in Britisth hotels, B&B’s and homes. You must use different patterns and textures. Always have a colour scheme and make sure the colours correspond in the patterns. And remember the basic rule in interior design: the magic 3. In a space maximum three basic colours, three materials, three textures, three patterns should be used. You’ll be surprised how many combinations you can create with this rule.

3, Themed rooms

You’ve seen Changing Rooms and the other TV programmes. You have your magazine cut-outs. Don’t copy these – merely use them as an inspiration. Your home is your home – it has to reflect you. Also, your home must have a coherent feel to it– i.e. you must not create a retro kitchen, a regency dining room and an art deco bedroom… This just doesn’t work. Think of your home as your body – your shoes and bags have to complement your dress! So decide on an overall feel (rather than a theme) and dress all the rooms accordingly. This doesn’t mean all the rooms have to look the same – but they have to fit within the overall picture – there has to be a relationship between them.

4, Paint effects

They were big in 80’s – but they are still being used. (The only paint-effect that is acceptable is colour washing – but only in a cottage near the sea or other rustic type of buildings…) But generally:don’t do it. And don’t buy wallpaper either that looks like it had the sponging or rag-rolling treatment…. They look seriously cheap. If you like the patterned look, try polished plaster. If you like that Mediterranean chalky finish, use matt paint over plaster, or leave the plaster unfinished (you can also buy slightly textured paint – be careful with this, you don’t want to create that horrid artext look either…)

5, Colours

You can’t stand the current trend of the natural look, because you love colours. That’s fine. But be careful with bold colours. If you live in England, strong & dark colours just should not be used (those dark reds, greens and purples that were so popular in the Victorian era). Firstly, dark colours make a space look smaller. Secondly, remember, 90% of the time England is grey. These colours make your home look dark and will make you sad and depressed. It is best to use light and natural colours on the walls. Think of your room as a canvas – the walls are the background and furnishing and the details create the painting. If you love colours – use them on the accessories – cushions, curtains, pictures, lights. Keep your walls and basic furniture simple and natural – these go with every style, every colour and every look. And when you get bored with your favourite colour – you can just change these accessories. You won’t have to repaint the whole house.

Read part 2 of How not to decorate

© DIY Together 2005 – This article must not be reproduced without the consent of the author