The Right Furnishing For Your Home

Here's how to choose furnishings and select paints that will blend well and complement each other

Collect useful storage pieces such as a chest of drawers that can be re-used. Moreover, choose furniture and accessories on the small side, so they will fit into most spaces as you move them around in your home.

Choose two small and comfortable chairs rather than one huge sofa. They can be used together or separately in the living room. Cover upholstered furniture in a sturdy fabric of a pleasing natural colour (tan, camel, dark green, navy, black, etc.). Make this your anchor colour. Collect pillows, fabrics, and accessories that blend well with your anchor colour.

Use slipcovers to change the look of sofas and chairs

Make your own side tables (round or rectangular) of plywood, then cover with an under cloth of felt (for softness) and a tablecloth of co-ordinating fabric. Use these in a living room.

Purchase some items in pairs (such as lamps, vases, side chairs) to add symmetry and continuity, while still allowing for versatility by using each element in different rooms if necessary.

Think of different ways to use things (a dresser that holds videotapes!).
Experiment! Experiment!! Experiment!!! (Can this piece be used in other rooms and places?)

Use your colour scheme as a unifying element

If a picture has been hanging alone, then add it to a wall grouping the next time you move or rearrange.

Tips on choosing a paint

Decide the paint colour, keeping the colour of the rugs, wallpaper, and fabrics in mind. Take all of your swatches (carpet, tile, wallpaper, fabrics, trims, etc.) with you when you shop, and refer to them constantly.

When you look at a strip of paint chips, be sure to notice if the overall colour is what you want.

In general, the background colour of your fabric (or a lighter version of it) is a logical choice for the walls. Trim colours are often white or off-white.

Notice that there are "warm" and "cool" tones of individual colours. Reds and pinks are considered "warm" colours, however many reds and pinks have a warmer, peachy tone, while others have a cool, bluer undertone.

Beiges and off-whites also have subtle colour in them. Compare paint colours to your fabrics and flooring before you make your final choice.