Express Yourself!

By Earnestine Shuemake

Decorating your space is a wonderful opportunity to “express yourself through your living space.” From traditional to modern to eclectic, everyone has a personal style. Using the expert advice of a Décor Consultant can save you time and money. The consultant can share advice on the best use of your space as well as suggestions of creative things you can do yourself.

A two to three hour consultation is usually all you need to get effective ideas and how to use them. The consultant is also available to execute the entire project. Reviewing your taste, lifestyle and budget is the best place to start. Be honest with yourself and the consultant as to your ideas and budget. If necessary, do projects or rooms in stages. Decorating is an ongoing process.

Here are a few tips:

• Review what you own and decide what you will use and what to share. A good rule is…”If I haven’t used it in the last year-I probably won’t use it again.” Pass it on. (one sister’s junk is another sister’s treasure)
• If reducing clutter is a challenge, seek the assistance of your consultant.
• Keep a personal folder/box of ideas, photos, and samples of ideas you like.
• When purchasing large items such as a sofa, keep in mind this is an investment you should be able to use for years. Keeping the piece in a basic color/style will allow you to update with a change in accessories, such as pillows or throws.
• When purchasing items such as towels, sheets and other “body wrapping” items, invest in quality not quantity. Even changing sheets every few days or once a week, two or three better sets will last longer.
• A grouping of different height columns is a unique way to showcase a collection of items.
  Heirlooms, whether family or newly found can be restored or reupholstered to create an updated look. Redo that “funky, I don’t know why I like it” item for years of pleasure.

Remember this is your space- let it reflect you.
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Published: Onyx Woman Magazine, Pittsburgh, PA

Earnestine Shuemake, Lead Decorator for OBA's Atlanta and partner in "It Is What It Looks Like" Decors, is also a visual artist located in the Atlanta (East Point) Georgia area.

Phone: (404) 530-0606
E-mail: esoba@bellsouth.net