Secrets of Master Home Designers

By Lorraine Lawson

Many people feel they are destined to live in a home that is plain and lacks their unique personality because they aren't a designer. Nothing could be further from the truth. Fact is, with a little guidance, you can spruce up your home to make it inviting, warm and uniquely your own.

STYLE
One of the first steps is to decide what style you enjoy. Take time to look through design magazines, visit furniture stores, and take an afternoon or two to stop into model homes. You will be amazed at how many great ideas you will get by viewing something already in existence. Once you find some styles that suit you, allow those styles to be a manifestation of your personality.

PERSONALITY
Since your home is something that should be an expression of who you are, let your personality shine through. Be willing to allow your adventurous side to come out as you are exploring options for decorating your home. Far too often people carry on the tradition of the environment they grew up in even if that is not a true epresentation of their personality. Be willing to be yourself.

SIMPLICITY
We've all heard the expression, "Less is more." This may be very appropriate for the choices you make in decorating your home. Start with something simple. You can always add to your environment as you find unique pieces that fit your personality. Rather than rushing into a specific look, be willing to let the look evolve over time.

FLOW
The flow of your room is essential to the level of comfort you will experience. If there are numerous items blocking the flow of movement you may find you are actually feeling blocked. Be willing to experiment with the location of various pieces to get a sense of what works best for you. Make movement in the room easy and inviting.

ART
One of the most enriching aspects of a home is the artwork you choose. Not only is the artwork itself key to the overall feeling in a room, how a piece of art is framed can make all the difference in the beauty of the piece. You will be well served to invest in one or two pieces at a time and as your budget allows rather than rushing to fill the walls simply to add something. Art should speak to you. It should call to you. It is yet another expression of your personality and uniqueness. Choose with care and love as you would choose anything that brings beauty into your life.

Your home is your retreat from the world. Take time to create a space that is inviting and you enjoy being in. The more pleasure you derive from your home, the more balance you will experience while outside the home.

Lorraine Lawson is a fine artist based out of Campbell, California. She was born in Liege, Belgium home of her great-grandfather, Gustave Flasschoen, a renowned European artist. Although unique in her style, much of Lorraine's art has been influenced as a result of being surrounded by her great-grandfather's spirit. To view Lorraine's work visit www.onefineartist.com