Decorating Tips

MINIMALIST STYLE

It doesn't matter what year it is. When it comes to decorating, less will always be more - and this is especially true for things like shelves and tables. If you keep your surfaces clear of clutter, your home's look will never stop being modern. Of course, keeping thead basics at the bare minimum also means that you can switch out accents throughout the years without breaking your yearly budget, always keeping your home's decor looking current and fresh. A muted palette will definitely help to keep your home from feeling tacky and out of date for many years to come.

HIGH QUALITY BASICS

You don't have to shell out thousands of dollars a year to make your interior decorations feel like they are up with the times. By focusing on the quality of a few basic items instead of giving in to some of the more fashionable trends on the market, you will definitely be able to keep your home feeling modern no matter what the year. That's because high quality never goes out of style - so invest in some decorations that feel right - like beautiful furniture, including tables and shelves.

CONSIDER TEXTURES

If color and pattern trends are proving to be too overwhelming for you to think about, one trend that will stay neutral for years to come is that of texture. Textures add warmth, depth, and comfort to a room, and they usually do best in neutral colors, evoking a natural and organic feeling in any room. Sand and stone colors are a wonderful option for things like floors and counters, but you can also use rustic wood and other organic materials for furniture. Texture does not have to be rough, however - consider soft suede or shiny leather.

ACCENT WITH LAYERS

Layers - like an area rug over your usual carpeting - make a wonderful addition to any room. Not only can layers add color, texture, and dimension to a room, but they can also be removed and periodically swapped out without making too much of a financial dent. These layers also offer a great opportunity to showcase your personality. One excellent way to add layers to a room is to use throw pillows. If you have a neutral room and want to accent with colors, consider these delightful Tussar Silk throw pillows from Pillow Decor.

YOUR BASE COLOR

Choosing your accent color depends completely on choosing a base color that will work well in a space. As such, you need to consider the kinds of neutrals that you feel you can live with. Gray, beige, or even black or white are all great options. Once you have your base color, it's time to consider the accent. At this point, it's completely up to you. More saturated colors give a funky, fresh feeling to a room, while an accent color that is softer will make a room feel more feminine.

ACCESSORIES

Accessories are where you get to have a little fun. Liven up your space with throw pillows in your accent color. Solid color pillows are a great option, but you can also get a little more graphic with geometric and patterned pillows, like this Contemporary Plaid Red throw pillow from Pillow Decor.

ACCENT COLORS

Another idea for your accent color is to use a dark shade that is present only very minimally in the rest of the decor around the room, and match it. This strategy will really make individual furnishings and other decorations pop. What it all comes down to, though, is making a choice for a color that you can live with, so choosing colors from objects you already have in your home is a great way to go about making your decision.

ACCENT WALLS

One way to add a dramatic amount of color to any room without overwhelming it is to paint an accent wall. That means blocking out a wall or section of a wall to paint a different color from the rest of your room. When your decorations and accessories reflect the color or tone of your accent wall, you can definitely achieve harmony in a room.

Consider the purpose of the wall: to create a point of focus in a room. As such, you should definitely make sure that your accent wall is at least a few shades darker and deeper than its surrounding walls. That way, your accent wall can also serve as a backdrop in the space for something you want to highlight: perhaps a sculpture or other chosen object

All in all, an accent color can truly individualize a space, so consider carefully and then go for it!

CONTEMPORARY

Classic contemporary decorators love rounded furniture, soft and curved lines, and inviting textures, whereas standard contemporary decorators embrace a more modernistic approach. Standard contemporary design includes straight lines and sharp corners with wide curves and spherical shapes, empty walls, and bold colors with high contrast. If you fall into one of these styles, you should search for simplistic pillows that bring out your room's accent color, like the Urban Chic Purple throw.

ECLECTIC

Eclectic decorators bring focus to their personal style by mixing vintage pieces, bright colors, offbeat contemporary items, and a generous amount of accessories. When shopping for pillows, go asymmetrical. Purchase an odd number of pillows to maintain the spirit of your eclectic room. Incorporate a few large pillows that are similar in size to tie together your diverse collection. Eclectic decorators will love the Kaleidoscope Rose throw pillow. Although your free spirit will want to choose a wide variety of pillows, don't be random and look for some consistency.

MODERN

This style mixes elegant chromes, black leather, and glass with rich textures and simplified shapes. Decorators with this style incorporate ergonomic shapes with highly functional pieces. When going for a modern look, it's better to purchase a few big pillows for a cleaner appearance. Squares should be approximately 18 to 24 inches across, which will be large enough to showcase a bold color or pattern. Modern decor has a limited color palette so search for tightly woven fabrics that accent your room.

SHABBY-CHIC

Growing in popularity, this style includes colorful vintage items with distressed furniture and white walls. Shabby-chic decorators love lots of light decor. If you love this style, you should search for pillows that have a vintage flare. Lace, ruffles, and pillows with aged textures will help transform your shabby-chic room into a vintage paradise. The Vintage Bicycle throw pairs well with any shabby-chic room.

TRADITIONAL

Traditional decor is full of rich colors, plush fabrics, curved lines, intricate details, and dark woods. Two or four large pillows arranged on both sides of a couch will create a sense of symmetry and order—exactly what traditionalists desire. Velvet and silk fabrics are great in a traditional setting; you can even go for fringe.