Redecorating a home can get tricky. Not necessarily because of the cost involved, or the time and energy spent into matching accent pieces with an area rug, or the decision to replace a dining room set. The main issue is very simple-how do you want to decorate? What kind of home do you wish to live in? For many, this is an overwhelming and thoroughly confusing prospect. There are so many varying styles to choose from. Interior design books and magazines often feature perfect looking homes that probably look nothing like yours. While it's okay to use these magazines to help you get ideas, relying on them to redecorate lends you no imagination and frustrates you by trying to copy everything on page seventy-two. On the other hand, trying to refurbish your home without a plan in mind will get you nowhere. Well, it might get you somewhere, but it might not look too good. Instead of worrying yourself over how your home should look, follow this incredibly simple guideline: choose pieces of furniture and home décor that match your character.



What do I mean by character? This is your home. You pay its mortgage every month, wander its hallways, and shower in its bathrooms. Why should you spend all your home improvement efforts trying to be something that might impress friends and family, but isn't what you want most? Stop trying to conform to an unknown status quo-there is no such thing when it comes to interior design. Use your own ideas, your own fascinations, and put them to good use when you redecorate.

Now, this doesn't mean it's a good idea to make your home look like a Dr. Seuss book. However, it doesn't mean you should shy away from colors or furniture that you feel instills some of your personality into your home. Find a palette that works for you. As much as you want your personality to reflect your home, you also need to keep in mind that you'll be living with your purchases for quite a while. Sticking to boring colors with bigger furniture and centerpieces allows you to change your style and color as often as you want. Contemporary living room furniture uses minimalist black, white and gray colors; art deco styled furniture and lighting has an array of bright hues to work with. Standout colors are best seen when they are set against light colors like white or beige, so instead of buying a lime green couch, add a lime green area rug as an accent or some lime green throw pillows for the beige couch.

On the flip side, you don't want your home to resemble a covenant. Austere is harsh; even if you don't like color in your furniture, you can make up for it by choosing streamlined tables and sophisticated silhouettes. Don't settle for a boring look-choose home accessories that show off your character. Place photographs on a contemporary cocktail table, or find a wool rug in light beige to offset the dark brown couch. When you combine lights with darks, they play off each other nicely to create contrasting looks, stimulating the room instead of leaving it stagnant.