Debbie's Decorating Checklist

Ready to get started on a decorating project? Here's a handy checklist to help you stay on task and on budget. Check out my blog to see how I'm doing with my own office redecorating project.

• Pick a room. Focus on one room at a time, but keep in mind the total look you want for your home.
• Scout decorating books and magazines for inspiration. Start a scrapbook for all your clippings, notes, and thoughts.
• Choose a theme and a color scheme. Sometimes an 'inspiration piece' will help you set the direction. In my office, I chose the artwork first and that led to the theme and colors.
• Do a brainstorming of ideas. Rally your creative friends for ideas and help.
• Estimate the costs and develop a budget.
• Look for refurbishing possibilities—chairs and sofas that can be reupholstered, furniture to be painted.
• Hold a yard sale to get rid of the old and raise money for the new. Or, check to see if your town has a used furniture consignment store where you can sell pieces that you don't plan to reuse.
• Start the hunt for accessories to carry out your theme. Hit the flea markets and thrift stores first for frugal finds. Then move on to antique stores, catalogs, craft shows, gift shops, and interior design stores.
• Decide on wall treatments. Some options include fresh paint, faux or sponge texturing, wallpaper and stenciled borders.
• Consider your floors. Look for a new area rug or paint a floor cloth. Maybe the hardwood floors are ready for refinishing.
• Select three or four fabrics in a variety of scales and textures for window treatments and accessories.
• Choose fabric and a pattern for a quilt to hang or drape and pillows like these from my New Expressions book.
• Come up with a schedule and get started. Do the walls first, floors next and then furniture, windows, and accessories.

Remember that it usually takes a little longer and costs a little more than you plan. Ouch! Whatever you choose to do, have fun and try not to get stressed about the process.

I have several books that are designed around room themes and may help you in this process. New Expressions features easy quilts and projects with a more contemporary feel including a sophisticated living room, luminous dining room, and imaginative craft area. Decorating with Quick and Easy Quilts includes rooms decorated with a number of themes including French country, cottage garden, and tropical. Best Loved Quilting Themes features a garden-themed living room, quilting craft room, Noah nursery, and sunflower setting.

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