Decorating With Style

Looking to make your home beautiful? Maybe you think that it isn't possible to do more with because of its size, but you couldn't be more wrong. Any space can be made to reflect your personal style, even if it can't duplicate it perfectly. A studio apartment can't be the Taj Mahal, but it can utilize some of the same stylistic elements, working with its own strengths.

The first question you must answer is what your style palate is - this will become your style palette. That is to say, what is your taste, what appeals to you, you will then carefully splash these elements through your home - smartly. You may enjoy the clean lines of Japanese decor, or the gilded opulence of Versailles may be more your speed. Whichever end of the spectrum, remember that if it speaks to you, then feel free to
incorporate it.

After you have determined what direction you want your home to take, the next thing you have to realize is that there are no rules. This is your space, your domain, and anything goes. Having said that, know that there are some gently suggested guidelines that you may choose to follow, or at least consider.

1) Overstuffing a space will always make it seem smaller - if you are dealing with a small space, accessorize sparingly, or at least wisely. The exception to this rule is, of course, if you are trying to make a small, cozy space, like in a study, then you want to close in the space warmly.

2) Mixing different styles and artistic textures, is permitted, even encouraged. BUT, doing your entire apartment in French Country, then slapping a retro 50's atomic kitchen clock on the wall does not gel. If you want to incorporate different aesthetics into your look, you have to do just that - incorporate them.

3) Color is your friend. Even if you are looking to do a spare, modern place, a few well-placed points of bold color, or one wall of a room, can make the look pop. Or, a monochromatic black/white schema can benefit from adding a pale gray-green or steel grey. Don't be afraid of painting; you can always paint it back.

The most important thing to realize is that you can not screw it up. If you aren't satisfied with the look, keep layering. You will eventually get it how you want it, and the results are more than worth it. Choose your lighting and furnishings according to your tastes and the above rules, and you can't lose.