Before you start decorating a space in your home, you need to ask yourself a few questions to get to know the space better and become aware of your area of ​​intervention.

These questions will also help you to have a clearer idea of ​​the objectives, functionalities and effects you want to achieve in the space, as well as the time and resources you want to invest to make the change you are looking for.

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To begin, the first and most essential thing is to know:

DO YOU WANT TO MODIFY THE ENTIRE DECORATION BASE OR ARE YOU LOOKING TO GIVE THE SPACE A RENOVATION WITH TOUCHES OF DIFFERENT STYLE TO WHAT WAS THERE?

Once you have this clear, you should think about some key points to give harmony, coherence and quality of life to the spaces. We will tell you about them below, grouping them into 3 focuses, so that it is more comfortable for you to cover them all:

• The previous state of the decoration
• Functionality and distribution of the spaces
• Composition, style and contrasts

Within each of them, you have to review different things to take into account: some will have more to do with a complete change, while others will serve as a reference in case your decorative project is directed to more specific aspects.

PREVIOUS STATE OF THE SPACE AND DECORATION

IS THE SPACE IN GOOD CONDITION OR DOES IT NEED REPAIRS?

Before starting to decorate, it is important to check the condition of the room, since if there is any important element that is in poor condition, the best option will be to evaluate the possibility of making the necessary repairs.

You also have to think about whether you have good insulation since quality doors and windows help improve the well-being of the space and provide a structural base that will look cleaner visually when decorating.

WHAT DO I LIKE ABOUT MY SPACE THAT I WANT TO HIGHLIGHT?

Once we evaluate the quality of the space, we must look at the space with love and pay close attention to the original details that can be recovered or highlighted in the decoration. Beams, door frames, and some appliqué or dust covers that, by applying color, can give a different and charming touch. For example, in the photo, the structural beams are painted black, which gives the decor of the space several extra points.

WHAT DO I WANT TO GET RID OF OR LEAVE MORE OUT OF FOCUS?

It may be that when evaluating the space you find some detail that you want to be less visible, or also part of old furniture or “decorative” elements (that are not so decorative) that you want to get rid of. We recommend the post Pasos para deshacerse de cosas que ya no necesitas. In this sense, it is also a good idea to detect the points that you like least in the space you are going to decorate and to find ways to disguise them by diverting attention from those areas.

WHAT CAN I RECYCLE FROM THE DECOR I ALREADY HAVE?

Another important point is to take advantage of elements that we already have, looking at them with new eyes and giving them a new life: perhaps an old rug, which when washed and accompanied by the right elements will give a vintage touch, or taking advantage of those inherited furniture or elements that, well maintained and restored, can make our space more interesting. Remember that classic pieces never fail.

FUNCTIONALITY AND DISTRIBUTION OF SPACES

WHO WILL USE THE SPACE OR ROOM THAT I AM GOING TO DECORATE?

Decorating a children’s room is not the same as decorating a desk for someone who spends a lot of time in it or a bedroom for a married couple. Thinking about the people who are going to inhabit the space and the type of activity they are going to do will help you better understand what basic elements are needed to provide comfort, what moods you want to achieve with the chosen colors and styles, and you will be able to better project the type of atmosphere you want to achieve.

IS IT A HIGH-TRAFFIC AREA OR A SPACE OF INFREQUENT USE?

Closely related to the previous point, is thinking about what function the space to be decorated serves within the house, whether it is used intensively or not so much. Knowing this, it will be easier for you to choose materials and accessories that will look perfect and that will give durability to the decoration: for example, not putting fragile elements in a children’s playroom or choosing a floor made of resistant material and supporting furniture such as mirrors or a coat rack for a hall.

WHAT TEXTILES WILL I USE AND HOW CAN THEY CONTRIBUTE TO THE DECORATION?

Textiles are sometimes an aspect that tends to be forgotten when starting to decorate a space, and in reality, we should not leave them aside, because they can give a very special look to areas that would otherwise go unnoticed.

For example, in the windows we can create combinations of colors and textures by combining curtains with sheers, or if you want greater insulation, including a roller blind. In the same way, in a bathroom a new curtain and a colorful set of towels can help to give light and joy to the space.

Special mention should be made of tapestries for chairs and armchairs, which give new life to both the furniture where they are applied and the space where they are located, as well as blankets and cushions that give an extra feeling of warmth and comfort.

COMPOSITION, STYLE AND CONTRASTS

WHAT COLORS DO I WANT TO USE? AND WHAT COMBINATIONS?

Now getting into the questions related to the visual aspect of the space to be decorated, it will be essential to choose a color palette to move around in when choosing the decorative elements.

Choosing a neutral base tone will help a lot if we want to create a decoration that doesn’t go out of style and to which you can later add bolder tones or innovative style elements.

Another trick that works very well for color composition is to follow the 60-30-10 rule, applied by decorators and which we have already been talking about here on the blog.

IS IT A GOOD IDEA TO TRY TO GIVE A SPECIFIC STYLE TO THE DECORATION?

Getting inspired by a specific style will help you have a basis to guide your choice of decorative elements, including those that connect with that style and replacing those that don’t. For example, for a rustic style you will have to prioritize natural tones and materials, while for a hippie chic style we can start with bright colors and prints and more psychedelic objects.

CAN I CREATE CONTRAST WITH TEXTURES OR DECORATIVE ELEMENTS?

Absolutely yes! Once you have chosen your style and color palette, think about elements that can generate contrast and interest, especially in areas you want to highlight: it can be a centerpiece, a piece of art or some cushions with bolder patterns to create touches that take you away from a flat decoration and make the space more fun.

WHAT DIFFERENT ATMOSPHERES DO I WANT TO CREATE?

This is where the luminosity of the rooms comes into play, which is very important to create the atmospheres we want for each space. Whether taking advantage of natural light or creating intimate corners through lamps or wall lights (which is especially interesting to create the look your spaces will have in the evening) remember that light naturally delimits points of interest that you will be able to take advantage of to create ideal environments and atmospheres.

HOW DO I PRINT MY PERSONALITY?

Last but not least… Include personalized details that connect with your life, experiences and best memories! It can be an object that you brought back from a trip, accessories related to your tastes and hobbies, photos that connect with exciting moments in your life, and everything that expresses your style and personality.

This will be the definitive special touch that will end up making the space you are going to decorate unique and unmatched.

And you, do you have any trick when you start decorating? Tell us what it is!

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