Theme Decorating

Decorating by using a theme helps to keep you focused on the project. You know exactly what you're looking for, so won't have problems getting sidetracked.

The two basic types of theme decorating are: first, specific; and second, general. Specific themes would include lighthouses, cats, horses, cowboy or hot air balloons. The advantages of theme specific decorating is that stores usually group coordinating pieces together, which makes it easy to put a room together.

However, if you want to change your theme, you'll probably have to go purchase all new accessories and/or fabric to get it pulled together. This type of theme decorating should be reserved for a nursery or a child's room, rather than a living room. It could get very expensive if you decide to change your theme.
Using a general theme, such as ocean, floral or country, gives more room for changes if you want to make them later. Simply changing a few accessories can give you a whole new theme. You can still take advantage of department store's "theme" packages; for instance "bed-in-a-bag" sets for bedrooms. When you want something different, just change your bed linens.

Theme decorating can give the novice decorator more confidence that her room will turn out well. Since stores are more likely to decorate their model rooms in themes, all that has to be done is to copy their ideas. How's that for a great head start?