I’m a list maker:  grocery list; “to do” list; packing list; work list; call list; errand list, etc.  So it’s probably no surprise that I’ve written a list of New Year’s Decorating Resolutions.

For some, resolutions are top-of-mind for perhaps the first 30 or so days of the New Year and then fade into oblivion…sometimes because they seem overwhelming, sometimes because they have no deadlines, sometimes because they’re overly ambitious, and sometimes because it’s hard to break old habits. 

DECORATING RESOLUTIONS MADE EASY

In order to avoid these pitfalls I’ve made a list of decorating resolutions that are short, sweet and easy to use. I want 2010 to be filled with decorating successes for you so I’ve bundled the resolutions under the umbrella “Get Ready, Get Set, Decorate!” There are only 6 resolutions and they are do-able! 

GET READY

Resolution 1:  I will define my decorating target and determine my goals by <insert date>.  Don’t make this overly complicated, just pick the room or area of your house you want to work on (don’t take on the whole house as one goal!) and decide how you want to use the space and how you want it to look and when you want it done  - then write that down.

Writing your decorating goals and timeline helps define and refine your thoughts.

Writing it down helps you clarify your thoughts and make them real while providing a reference to turn to each time you need to focus your decisions.  For inspiration gather pictures of the same type of room from magazines and online sources, visit model homes, examine public spaces (building lobbies, restaurants, salons), stroll through furniture stores to evaluate  displays, and watch HGTV.   

Resolution 2:  I will get rid of clutter and make repairs to my selected space by <insert date>.  To make room for the new decor you need to get rid of the old that doesn’t work.  If you don’t use it or don’t love it then get it out of the room – find a new place for it, donate it, give it to a friend or if it’s broken or worn out, throw it away for heaven’s sake!  Make needed repairs to the room or even the new decor will look shabby – clean the carpet to get rid of stains,  replace a missing handle, clean out the fireplace, fix the loose brick or tile, patch the nick in the wall, etc. 

GET SET

Resolution 3:  I will set a  decorating budget   by <insert date> and stick to it.   Even if your budget is limited you don’t have to limit your decorating ideas, sometimes less to spend means more creativity!  In addition to shopping for your decorating project consider reusing or repurposing items from other parts of the house, check out garage sales, visit thrift stores, swap accessories with a friend,  and barter your skills for something you need.

Set a decorating budget and stick to it.

Resolution 4:  I will determine appropriate time-lines.   Definitely set reasonable time-lines.  If you wait for a big chunk of time to do your entire decorating project you may just keep putting it off because it is so huge.  The old adage “How do you eat an elephant?  One bite at a time” applies here.  Break a big decorating project into smaller tasks with associated time-lines and then make sure you meet each deadline  you’ve set!   Don’t rush the decorating process, leave room for evolution, but don’t stall either.

DECORATE!

Resolution 5:   I will not be afraid of color.  Don’t stick with beige or white out of fear.   Pick a color scheme you love and one that supports your decorating style and lifestyle.  For tips and details be sure to read  Terrie’s blog post series on color - it starts next Monday.

Resolution 6 : I will work through each decorating layer and continually reference back to my goals, budget and color scheme.   Make your decorating easy by staying on track as planned and working in this order:  walls and architecture, flooring, furniture, window coverings,  lighting, accessories and plants. 

I LIED

I lied – instead of 6 resolutions, there are actually 7!  The last is:  I won’t be afraid to ask for help!  YourDecoratingHotline.com is here for you!  If you have a decorating question or find yourself stuck along the way, simply ask us for help by commenting on a post or emailing your question to solutions@yourdecoratinghotline.com.  We’re here to help you enjoy your decorating journey by inspiring, encouraging, sharing and supporting your decorating adventures in 2010.

Use these seven resolutions to give your decorating some direction, boost, and promise this year.  You can do it, so where will you start – your bedroom, living room, entry, family room or…?  Share your decorating resolutions,  your dilemmas and your results with us.  Together we’ll fill 2010 with decorating successes.

Happy New Year!

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