Decorating Resolutions 101

I want 2010 to be filled with decorating successes for you so I've started a new series called Decorating Resolutions. Last week we "got ready" with resolutions 1 & 2 - determining goals and getting rid of clutter. This week we "get set" with resolutions 3 & 4 - setting a budget and a time frame.


Resolution #3: I will set a decorating budget by (set a date) and stick to it. Even if your budget is limited you don't have to limit your decorating ideas - sometimes the less you have to spend the more creative you become! In additions 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, or barter your skills for something you need.

Resolution #4: I will determine appropriate timelines. 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. Break a big decorating project into smaller tasks with associated timelines and then make sure you meet each deadline you've set. Don't rush the decorating process - decorating should be an evolution - but don't stall either. There is no time like today to start!

You've gotten ready, now your set...join me next week to GO!

Decorating Resolutions 101

It's the middle of January and many of you probably think it's too late to work on resolutions for 2010 but for most people resolutions are only top of mind for the first 30 days so of the new year and then fade into oblivion because they seem overwhelming or overly ambitious. But I'm here to help with a new series: Decorating Resolutions 101.

For the first few weeks we'll work together on our decorating resolutions and then later we'll go into more details of a few of them. Get ready, get set and let's decorate!

Resolution #1: I will define my decorating goals by (set a date!). Don't make this complicated or overwhelming. Pick the room or area of your house you want to work on - don't take on the whole house as one goal. Decide how you want to use the space; how you want it to look; how you want it to feel. Decide when you want it done and then write that down.

Resolution #2: I will get rid of clutter and make repairs to my selected space by (set a date!). To make room for the new you will need to get rid of the old that doesn't work. You'll also need to get rid of the clutter! If you don't use it or don't love it then get it out of your room - find a new place for it, donate it, give it to a friend or throw it out. Make repairs, clean the carpet, vacuum the upholstery, touch up the paint.

Check back next week for resolutions 3 & 4 and join the discussion!