Recently I received an interesting question from one of my readers on how to start a design project.  A simple question that many have asked themselves when looking at a target room, so I thought it would be good to share it will everyone.

“Hello, Cheryll. I love your column and I always rush to get the Sunday paper to read it.

My husband and I are building a bungalow (2100 sq. ft with bonus room over garage) and I will be purchasing all new furniture and accessories as the furniture we have now will be hitting the basement. I am at the stage now where I have to choose everything from paint color to flooring. I am just wondering where to start? Do I choose to paint colors and counter tops, etc. first or should I find a couch and accessories that I like first and then work around that to choose the wall colors? I have consulted with an interior designer previously and we gathered all the color samples that I liked and it seemed to come to the rich golds, soft beiges and deep red. Any suggestions how to start or where to start?

Thank you so much,

Tammy”

”Hi Tammy,

Welcome to the world of design.  First don’t panic, this is actually one of the most enjoyable stages of your decorating project; no work just a lot of planning and eager anticipation.

Regardless of which part of the country I am in, I am asked this exact same question. Almost every time I speak at a Home and Garden show, appear on television or radio, folks ask:    Where do we start? What do I choose first?  But I already choose my paint colour and now I can’t find anything to match!

The answer is easy.  If it is attached to your home, then it is chosen first.  Start from the ground up. Begin your design plan by choosing your flooring, ceramic tiles, cabinets, counter tops and lighting fixtures first.  This is where we have the least number of choices: limited colours, materials, styles and patterns.  A word to the wise, these items are expensive and difficult to change frequently, so choose carefully.  Plan for a look that you will be happy to live with for the next 10 to 15 years.  A plan that will allow you flexibility as your family’s lifestyle and tastes change and ‘grow up’.

I recommend making classic, timeless and neutral selections at this stage of the selection process.  Remember, a neutral colour does not necessarily mean void of colour, it simply means that it works with most other colours.  Black, green, taupe, beige, cream and white are all neutrals.  Do not be afraid of dark, rich and handsome versions of these neutral shades of colour.  Real colour and personality can be added to a room with paint and accessory items.  These items are affordable easy to change frequently.

Next, choose the large pieces of furniture such as the sofa, entertainment unit and dining room suite.  Again, plan long term, these are pieces that you will live with for many years.  Buy the best quality that you can afford and always look for durable materials: sturdy fabrics, quality leather, solid hardwoods and long wearing metals, marbles and granites.

With the major furniture pieces selected, begin your search for drapery fabric and wall coverings.  It is usually from our fabrics and wall covering that we commit to paint colours and begin to build a decorating colour palette. 

Every colour goes together but we must provide evidence that colours belong together.  The evidence that we designers use is found in fabrics and wall coverings.  Pull five to 9 colours from your main fabric and these colours will become your homes colour palette.  Vary the weight of each colour as you move from room to room and coordinate with sister fabrics and prints.

You mentioned that you love the colours red and gold.  Look for fabrics that contain those colours, perhaps something traditional, Asian or an ethnic inspired design.   This is a popular palette and I am confident that you will have no problem finding something that you love.  Remember to never settle, have nothing in your home unless you absolutely love it.

All rooms need a touch or accent of black or similarly dark colour to anchor the space.  Add a touch of black with dark accessory items such as: lamp bases, picture frames, plant pots and throw cushions. * Designer note: you must use an accent colour within a room three times or it is an accident and not an accent!

With fabrics selected and a paint palette in hand, begin your search for a room full of beautiful accessories to compliment your décor and personality.  One last thought, almost every room needs a touch of green: a plant to bring the space to life.  Choose greenery appropriate to the style of the room you are designing.  For example, a Boston Fern for a traditional décor or Ornamental grass for an Asian styled space. 

Now, go ahead and make it simply sensational!

 Cheryll Gillespie is a nationally syndicated Design and Décor columnist.