Lifestyle Nov. 2013 | Page 14

11 Home and Decor The planning and execution of the layout, decoration, and furnishing of an house interior. Home Décor: An Interior decoration begins with a broad concept, such as postmodern, retro or traditional aesthetics, and works in the details of that style. An interior decorator typically stays with one design style from start to finish creating continuity in a space, and works with you on color selection, textures and patterns you prefer but that are consistent with the overall style concept. Redecorating a room or updating an outdated style falls under the heading of interior decorating, or use of the existing space; new construction blueprints and building permits are not in the interior decorator quo toolkit. Art Before starting to decorate your house there are some do’s and don’ts of interior decoration. Decoration of a small house Whether it is your first apartment or you are an empty nester preparing to downsize, at some point you are likely to live in a smaller place. The trick is figuring out how to make the most of what space you do have. You also want to decorate your small house in a way that expresses your personal style. Smaller homes and apartments provide a great opportunity to create cozy, inviting spaces, if you follow some basic do's and don'ts. They also give you the opportunity to live smarter, by reducing any unnecessary items that will cause clutter. The enemy of any small home or apartment is clutter. Having too much stuff around is not only frustrating in a small space, but it will make everything appear even smaller. When decorating a small house, do de-clutter. Now is the time to shed any items that you have never liked as well Certainly keep something if it has sentimental value or is a treasured keepsake, but understand that you may not have the space to display everything inside storage ottomans. Storing things is the secret to small space living. If your home allows, you can stow non-essential items in hidden spaces such as closets or under beds.