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	Many a wonderful room begins with inspiration from art as the starting point for style and color. Image Courtesy FurnitureGuide.com    Email to a friend  Printer friendly version More of this Feature • Part 2: More Dos • Part 3: The Don'ts • Part 4: More Don'ts Related Resources • All About DESIGNERS • All About BEDROOMS • All About KIDS ROOMS Do It Yourself • DIY Tips, Projects, Ideas • Faux Finish Library • Decorative Moldings About Interior Decorating Subscribe to the Free Newsletter Your Email Address:

Part 3: What to avoid when decorating

Decorating "rules" are made to be broken. Not every project will lend itself to every so-called rule.

However, following the rules can help give your project a focus that a more haphazard approach may not. Here are some of the decorating "don'ts".

>> Don't paint your walls then go out looking for fabrics to match. Paint can be mixed in any of a thousand colors, so select the final shades after upholstery, carpeting, and curtain fabrics are chosen.

>> Don't paint a room without trying a sample of the color in the room. Tiny paint chips can be deceiving as to tone and depth of color, so always paint a test board to confirm your choices.

>> Don't line up the furniture around the walls except in the smallest of rooms. Pulling furniture into attractive groupings in the center of the room will add warmth and be inviting to guests as well.

>> Don't turn your back on the focal point of the room by arranging furniture away from this important feature.

>> Don't place furniture where it will interfere with doorways, cabinet doors, natural traffic patterns, or other everyday activities.

>> Don't clutter up a room with a million little collectibles unless you're in love with that look. Most of us will feel it is too crowded.

>> Don't try to construct a color scheme from wildly disparate objects. First find a print fabric or rug with all of the colors you want to use, then edit out, repaint, or recover items that don't fit with the plan.

>> Don't keep something you hate. Do you have a hideous orange sofa from Aunt Zelda? Either slipcover, recover, or remove it. You'll be happier.

>> Don't decorate around an item that just isn't "you". If your new home came with gold shag carpeting when you love roses and lace, believe me, you'll never love that carpet. Get rid of it.

>> Don't forget the details. If your theme is Mediterranean, look for iron lamp bases, weathered iron drawer pulls, and tile tables. If you love Cottage then use painted white accessories, floral accents, and lace.

>> Do read the last page of decorating don'ts.

Next: > Page 4: More Decorating Don'ts

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