Decorating 101
By Apply Now, About.com Guide to Interior Decorating
Learn the basics of home decorating, including where to find ideas, design principles, a glossary of design terms, quick decorating tips, buying guides, decorating styles, and finding online design tools.
- Sources for Decorating Ideas
- Get Ready to Decorate
- Elements of Decor
- Principles of Design
- Styles of Decorating
- Interior Decorating Professionals
- Design Education
- To the Trade
- Decorating Challenges and How to Address Them
Sources for Decorating Ideas
Do you know you want to do something but don't know where to start? Here, you'll find sources of ideas, fun projects, and articles on design resources.
Get Ready to Decorate
You can envision your new space, but then what do you do? Use our tips to keep your decorating project on track from start to finish.
- Put Together a Basic Household Tool Kit
- Decorating Dos and Don'ts
- Do You Need to Hire a Professional Interior Designer?
- Should You Be the Project Coordinator for Your Home Decorating?
- Ordering A Decorating Project
- How to Hire an Interior Designer
- Arrange the Furniture Before You Build
- Six Questions to Ask Before You Decorate
- Working With an Interior Designer
- Where to Start a Home Decorating Project
Elements of Decor
Flooring, wall coverings, window treatments, accessories, and furniture all are important elements that go into the creation of a beautiful interior space. Read about the different elements of decor and learn how to maximize your design possibilities.
- Accessories and Accents in Decorating
- Using Artwork as a Decorative Element
- Decorative Moldings
- Color in Decor
- Fabrics in Decorating
- Fireplaces
- Furniture for Interiors
- Interior Lighting
- Luxury Products for the Home
- Using Flowers in Decorating
- Interior Painting for Your Home
- Wallpaper
- Interior Flooring
- Window Draperies, Blinds, Valances and Curtains
Principles of Design
Learn the basics of interior decorating and how to apply them to your space.
- Glossary of Interior Design Terms
- Articles from About.com on Home Decor Basics
- Neat Decorating Stuff on the Net
- Should You Hire a Pro?
- What to Do First When Decorating
- Decorating Do's and Don'ts
- Before You Buy Guide for Decorating
- A 20 Year Plan for Buying Furniture
Styles of Decorating
Learn about the characteristics of different styles of interior decorating, from casual to formal, French Country to rustic.
- Style Guides for Home Interiors
- What is Your Decorating Style?
- Decorating in a Contemporary Style
- Decorating Your Home for a Casual Look
- Decorate for a Formal Look
- Decorating in Black and White
- Decorating in the Tuscan Style
- French Country Style
- Decorating With Denim Blues
- Decorating in the Paris Apartment Style
- Fun with Retro Style
- Decorating With Rustic Charm
- Decorating for a Shabby Chic® Look
- Decorating in Swedish Style
- Decorating in the Traditional Style
- Decorating in the Western Style
- The Normal Home
- More About Decorating Styles for Home Interiors
Interior Decorating Professionals
Find information about careers in interior decorating and design, professional associations, and home stagers and re-arrangers.
- Five Ways to Work with a Decorator on a Budget
- Interior Redesigners and Rearrangers
- Home Staging
- Biographies of Interior Designers
Design Education
Find educational opportunities and information about design schools.
- Advice to Students of Interior Design
- Design Schools
- Non-Professional Distance Learning
- Online Courses in Decorating
To the Trade
There are decorating resources that are available to professional decorators and designers only. Find out where the top designers find fabrics, furniture, accessories, and lighting.
- Design Centers and Merchandise Markets in the United States
- How to Buy Designer Furniture at Discount Prices
Decorating Challenges and How to Address Them
Not everyone has unlimited funds to freshen up their home. Find some wonderful decorating solutions to challenges throughout the house and save money at the same time.