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related_results_labels_thumbs({"version":"1.0","encoding":"UTF-8","feed":{"xmlns":"http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom","xmlns$openSearch":"http://a9.com/-/spec/opensearchrss/1.0/","xmlns$blogger":"http://schemas.google.com/blogger/2008","xmlns$georss":"http://www.georss.org/georss","xmlns$gd":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005","xmlns$thr":"http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0","id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5982626037063072560"},"updated":{"$t":"2019-03-28T04:32:26.624-04:00"},"category":[{"term":"love list"},{"term":"life lately"},{"term":"inspiration and ideas"},{"term":"biz and blogging"},{"term":"kids and baby"},{"term":"tips and tricks"},{"term":"decorating"},{"term":"local finds"},{"term":"holidays"},{"term":"crafts"},{"term":"diy"},{"term":"basement"},{"term":"mom life"},{"term":"before and after"},{"term":"shop the look"},{"term":"bathroom"},{"term":"kitchen"},{"term":"1st house"},{"term":"Sarah"},{"term":"celebrations"},{"term":"patio and garden"},{"term":"2nd house"},{"term":"cottage"},{"term":"organization"},{"term":"antiques"},{"term":"best of etsy"},{"term":"exterior"},{"term":"house tour"},{"term":"recipe"},{"term":"sewing and textiles"},{"term":"bedroom"},{"term":"office and craft"},{"term":"dining"},{"term":"living"},{"term":"travel"},{"term":"one room challenge"},{"term":"wall treatment"},{"term":"laundry"},{"term":"entry"},{"term":"#HDBlogSquad"},{"term":"entertaining"},{"term":"fashion \u0026 beauty"},{"term":"reader project"},{"term":"weekend brunch"},{"term":"download"},{"term":"rocktherental"},{"term":"garage"},{"term":"this perennial life"},{"term":"fall"},{"term":"how to decorate"},{"term":"spring"},{"term":"collaboration"},{"term":"podcast"},{"term":"press"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Rambling Renovators"},"subtitle":{"type":"html","$t":"A DIY home renovation blog based in Toronto, Canada. Rambling Renovators features our personal home renovations, do-it-yourself home projects, crafts, celebrations, and design inspiration."},"link":[{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#feed","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.ramblingrenovators.ca\/feeds\/posts\/default"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/5982626037063072560\/posts\/default\/-\/how+to+decorate?alt=json-in-script\u0026max-results=6"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"https:\/\/www.ramblingrenovators.ca\/search\/label\/how%20to%20decorate"},{"rel":"hub","href":"http://pubsubhubbub.appspot.com/"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Jen @ RamblingRenovators"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/18045745850049751098"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"generator":{"version":"7.00","uri":"http://www.blogger.com","$t":"Blogger"},"openSearch$totalResults":{"$t":"3"},"openSearch$startIndex":{"$t":"1"},"openSearch$itemsPerPage":{"$t":"6"},"entry":[{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5982626037063072560.post-6876901631463741340"},"published":{"$t":"2019-03-04T07:00:00.000-05:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2019-03-04T07:00:02.927-05:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"biz and blogging"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"how to decorate"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"inspiration and ideas"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"How To Decorate Series: Gathering Design Inspiration and How To Create A Moodboard in Keynote"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"\u003EIn the last instalment of the \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.ramblingrenovators.ca\/2019\/02\/how-to-decorate-how-to-layout-a-room-arrange-furniture.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EHow to Decorate series\u003C\/a\u003E, I talked about space planning and room function. Obvious as they may be, taking the time to think about those things will help you hone in on the best way to layout your room. You'll be able to identify any structural changes that need to be made and figure out what your furniture needs are.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"\u003EOnce you've answered the basic question of what you want the room to \"do\", you can focus your attention on how you want the room to \"feel\". If you're a design fanatic, this might be the most fun part of the process! At the end of this post, I show you an easy and simple tool that will help you create the most beautiful designs. But first,\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cblockquote class=\"tr_bq\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"\u003E\u003Ch3 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Ci\u003EHow do you go about decorating or designing a room? Start by finding inspiration.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003C\/blockquote\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-0rsEG9kCHJA\/XGyDJrDPWKI\/AAAAAAAAeKY\/xaJ6LUtyoRMnt0tzRwVdMUXDRBsHL8Z3ACK4BGAYYCw\/s1600\/Untitled%2B9b.002.jpeg\" imageanchor=\"1\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"modern farmhouse mood board, how to create a moodboard, design inspiration ideas\" border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-0rsEG9kCHJA\/XGyDJrDPWKI\/AAAAAAAAeKY\/xaJ6LUtyoRMnt0tzRwVdMUXDRBsHL8Z3ACK4BGAYYCw\/s1600\/Untitled%2B9b.002.jpeg\" title=\"modern farmhouse mood board, how to create a moodboard, design inspiration ideas\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ci\u003Eimage sources:\u003C\/i\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/rstyle.me\/n\/df7qr8stf6\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Erug\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;|\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/rstyle.me\/n\/df7qy4stf6\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Esofa\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;|\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/rstyle.me\/n\/df7q2wstf6\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Eart\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;|\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/rstyle.me\/n\/df7qs2stf6\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Emirror\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;|\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/rstyle.me\/n\/df7qv6stf6\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Ewallpaper\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;|\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/rstyle.me\/n\/df7qxcstf6\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Ependant light\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;|\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/rstyle.me\/n\/df7qtrstf6\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Ebaskets\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;|\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/rstyle.me\/n\/df7quwstf6\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Evases\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"\u003EThere are a wealth of resources out there to help spark your decorating ideas. Here's four sources to check out when you're in need of design inspiration:\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Col\u003E\u003Cli\u003EThe most popular source by far is \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.pinterest.ca\/ramblingreno\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EPinterest\u003C\/a\u003E. A visual search engine, use Pinterest to collect ideas and save images that inspire you. I organize my Pinterest boards by room (here's one for \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.pinterest.ca\/ramblingreno\/home-mudrooms-storage\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EMudrooms \u0026amp; Storage\u003C\/a\u003E, and another for \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.pinterest.ca\/ramblingreno\/home-kitchens\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EKitchens\u003C\/a\u003E) and also by style (check out \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.pinterest.ca\/ramblingreno\/the-beach-house\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EThe Beach House\u003C\/a\u003E for coastal decor ideas)\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EDo you like to read about design ideas in depth? Design magazines are still a great way to get inspired. Plus, you can spend as much time as you want poring over every detail in the photos. I still subscribe to a few printed magazines and use the \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.texture.com\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ETexture app\u003C\/a\u003E to read many other digital publications.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EDesign blogs (like the one you're reading now!) are a wonderful way to see not only ideas but the How To's of implementing those ideas. Some of my constant favourites are \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/centsationalstyle.com\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ECentsational Style\u003C\/a\u003E, \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/athoughtfulplaceblog.com\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EA Thoughtful Place\u003C\/a\u003E, \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/emilyaclark.com\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EEmily A. Clark\u003C\/a\u003E, and \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/marcusdesigninc.com\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EMarcus Desig\u003C\/a\u003En. Find bloggers whose style you want to emulate and they'll likely share ideas you want to bring into your own home.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/ramblingreno\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EInstagram\u003C\/a\u003E, much like Pinterest, provides an abundance of visual inspiration. Use Instagram's \"Save\" function to stockpile ideas. You can also sort your ideas into folders for easy identification. One little trick: if you've got a favourite Instagrammer, click to see \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/ramblingreno\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Ewho they're following\u003C\/a\u003E and you might find new accounts with a similar style that you'll want to follow too.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EAn unexpected source for design inspiration? Your closet! Yes, the colours and patterns you wear are likely similar to what you'd like to see in your home design. In my closet, there's an abundance of blue, florals and crisp patterns, and gingham and plaid. And if you've seen my house, you'll know that holds true for my house as well!\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ol\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003ENow that you have a wealth of ideas, how do you bring them all together?\u0026nbsp; By creating a mood board.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-7EqYHA88XeM\/XHmM2V6QbnI\/AAAAAAAAeR0\/hftvpOOsGo8CYayhiG9VtOi3UKyETVjqQCLcBGAs\/s1600\/how%2Bto%2Bdecorate%2B%25281%2529.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"how to design a room, how to use a mood board, how to create a mood board\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1102\" data-original-width=\"735\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-7EqYHA88XeM\/XHmM2V6QbnI\/AAAAAAAAeR0\/hftvpOOsGo8CYayhiG9VtOi3UKyETVjqQCLcBGAs\/s1600\/how%2Bto%2Bdecorate%2B%25281%2529.jpg\" title=\"how to design a room, how to use a mood board, how to create a mood board\" width=\"700\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ch3 style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"\u003E\u003Ci\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: small;\"\u003EWhat is a mood board?\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"\u003EA mood board or moodboard is a collection of images which together convey a design concept or idea.\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Ch3 style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"\u003E\u003Ci\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: small;\"\u003EWhat do you use mood boards for?\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003EMood boards can be used for many different purposes including:\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003Ecreating a decor plan for a room\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003Edefining your brand colour scheme for your business or blog\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003Eplanning fashion outfits\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003Ecreating a round up of products, ideas, or colour inspiration\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003Ecreating a gift guide\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003Eplanning your garden and planting scheme\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003Edefining your decorating scheme for a holiday, birthday, or event\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003EWhether you are a design blogger, professional designer, or homemaker, the uses of mood boards in aiding home design are endless! Perhaps the biggest benefit of a moodboard is this:\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cblockquote class=\"tr_bq\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Ci\u003EA mood board is a great way to see how your ideas work together - before you make any permanent purchase decisions\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003C\/blockquote\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"\u003EYou can swap products in or out of your mood board. You can bring elements together and see how you like the entire scheme. And once you get things looking just right, you can purchase the products shown with confidence. Mood boards save you from second guessing and making costly mistakes.\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Ci\u003E\u003Cb\u003EHow do you create a mood board?\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"\u003EYou can create a physical mood board using a pin board and images cut from magazines. Or, you can create a digital mood board using a graphics tool.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"\u003EYou don't need Photoshop or a fancy graphics program to create a mood board. It can be as easy as copying images from the internet and pasting them in a blank document.\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"\u003EIn this video, I show you my favourite and one of the easiest ways to create a mood board using a program you likely already have on your computer: Keynote.\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ciframe allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen=\"\" frameborder=\"0\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/gkGpaIpCe5I\" width=\"560\"\u003E\u003C\/iframe\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"\u003EKeynote is super simple to use and produces mood boards with ease. Are you inspired to create a mood board of your own? Let me know if you do! I'd love to see it.\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.ramblingrenovators.ca\/feeds\/6876901631463741340\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"https:\/\/www.ramblingrenovators.ca\/2019\/03\/how-to-decorate-how-to-create-moodboard-using-keynote.html#comment-form","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/5982626037063072560\/posts\/default\/6876901631463741340"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/5982626037063072560\/posts\/default\/6876901631463741340"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"https:\/\/www.ramblingrenovators.ca\/2019\/03\/how-to-decorate-how-to-create-moodboard-using-keynote.html","title":"How To Decorate Series: Gathering Design Inspiration and How To Create A Moodboard in Keynote"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Jen @ RamblingRenovators"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/18045745850049751098"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-0rsEG9kCHJA\/XGyDJrDPWKI\/AAAAAAAAeKY\/xaJ6LUtyoRMnt0tzRwVdMUXDRBsHL8Z3ACK4BGAYYCw\/s72-c\/Untitled%2B9b.002.jpeg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5982626037063072560.post-3545546903439452192"},"published":{"$t":"2019-02-19T07:00:00.000-05:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2019-02-19T07:00:06.320-05:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"how to decorate"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"tips and tricks"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"How To Decorate Series: Defining A Room Layout and Function"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv\u003EHave you ever walked into a room and things just felt \"off\"? Maybe it was the way things were laid out. Or there were problems with the way the room functioned that didn't become apparent until some time had passed and you actually used the room.\u0026nbsp; In today's instalment of the \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.ramblingrenovators.ca\/2019\/02\/how-to-decorate-how-to-start-decorating-a-room.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EHow To Decorate series\u003C\/a\u003E, we're talking about some of the earliest but most challenging design decisions that need to be made: defining a room's layout and function.\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EIn the first instalment, I shared \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.ramblingrenovators.ca\/2019\/02\/how-to-decorate-how-to-start-decorating-a-room.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EHow to start decorating\u003C\/a\u003E and the four things to consider before taking on any decorating, renovating, or remodelling project. Once you've decided which room you'll be tackling, you need to identify what you'll be changing.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cblockquote class=\"tr_bq\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cblockquote class=\"tr_bq\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Ci\u003EThe main problem areas you need to assess for any design project are layout and function\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/blockquote\u003E\u003C\/blockquote\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003ELayout: is the room plan effective? Are the furnishings and architectural details laid out in a manner that is useful, logical, and aesthetically pleasing?\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EFunction: are the basic functions of the room working? Are there damaged, non-working, or non-sensical features that need to be fixed?\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003ELet's take a look at each of these areas in depth, using my latest home project to illustrate these points. Here's our next remodelling project, Chloe's tween bedroom:\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-nXqsvzg8Evw\/WGlJI3qndzI\/AAAAAAAAZeE\/nW5fw9ifFtQX5p-AJErRK86tnMeEMFEQQCLcB\/s1600\/rrcolonialcharm-before-10.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"how to layout a room, how to arrange furniture, bedroom layout\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"801\" data-original-width=\"1200\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-nXqsvzg8Evw\/WGlJI3qndzI\/AAAAAAAAZeE\/nW5fw9ifFtQX5p-AJErRK86tnMeEMFEQQCLcB\/s1600\/rrcolonialcharm-before-10.jpg\" title=\"how to layout a room, how to arrange furniture, bedroom layout\" width=\"700\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThis is the room when we moved in. There was nothing drastically wrong with it so we moved Chloe's furniture in and didn't really do anything with it over the last few years. But over time, the room has proven to have quite a few problems that need to be addressed. Here's what the room is looking like now:\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-sidfjiNGnfE\/XGtVB0c72rI\/AAAAAAAAeIM\/oy4MPt0GInohGW7c_3d77dpg0M-Kh51aACK4BGAYYCw\/s1600\/DSC_4914.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"how to layout a room, how to arrange furniture, bedroom layout\" border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-sidfjiNGnfE\/XGtVB0c72rI\/AAAAAAAAeIM\/oy4MPt0GInohGW7c_3d77dpg0M-Kh51aACK4BGAYYCw\/s1600\/DSC_4914.jpg\" title=\"how to layout a room, how to arrange furniture, bedroom layout\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-pxwO1RoGoBI\/XGtVB-xcL_I\/AAAAAAAAeIU\/fBf68cDcIbg3HqiFvV5svQAJN2i6Ly7NQCK4BGAYYCw\/s1600\/DSC_4898.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"how to layout a room, how to arrange furniture, bedroom layout\" border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-pxwO1RoGoBI\/XGtVB-xcL_I\/AAAAAAAAeIU\/fBf68cDcIbg3HqiFvV5svQAJN2i6Ly7NQCK4BGAYYCw\/s1600\/DSC_4898.jpg\" title=\"how to layout a room, how to arrange furniture, bedroom layout\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EOkay, there's a lot going on. We've really just thrown the furniture in here from Chloe's last bedroom and its not quite working. So let's break it down by looking at each problem area.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-Ol3OGIL8y6o\/XGt5e64ZS7I\/AAAAAAAAeKA\/uToirxbDifIEilHjQNpFo882SNIV0bFjwCK4BGAYYCw\/s1600\/how%2Bto%2Bdecorate.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"how to layout a room, how to arrange furniture, bedroom layout\" border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-Ol3OGIL8y6o\/XGt5e64ZS7I\/AAAAAAAAeKA\/uToirxbDifIEilHjQNpFo882SNIV0bFjwCK4BGAYYCw\/s1600\/how%2Bto%2Bdecorate.jpg\" title=\"how to layout a room, how to arrange furniture, bedroom layout\" width=\"700\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-vednWTkFD30\/XGtVBzoIT9I\/AAAAAAAAeIc\/DGNFh9hKUc0mgRSZvR7LaY97T9GO0biEACK4BGAYYCw\/s1600\/DSC_4923.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-vednWTkFD30\/XGtVBzoIT9I\/AAAAAAAAeIc\/DGNFh9hKUc0mgRSZvR7LaY97T9GO0biEACK4BGAYYCw\/s1600\/DSC_4923.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-XsFtWXzKXx0\/XGtVB8bWmEI\/AAAAAAAAeII\/4GMPbgKsTYwB4OI_F7MifAEe1zW6wCG-wCK4BGAYYCw\/s1600\/DSC_4919.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-XsFtWXzKXx0\/XGtVB8bWmEI\/AAAAAAAAeII\/4GMPbgKsTYwB4OI_F7MifAEe1zW6wCG-wCK4BGAYYCw\/s1600\/DSC_4919.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ch2\u003ELayout:\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003EWhen we first put the furniture in this room, Chloe insisted she wanted the bed tucked up against the wall so that she could have lots of floor space for playing with her toys, tumbling, and doing whatever it is kids do in their rooms. That necessitated putting the desk on the opposite wall. This layout created a few issues:\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003Ethe side table, bed, and bench felt squeezed against one side of the room\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003Ethe desk created an obstacle when coming in the door\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003Ethe open area in the middle of the room felt under-utilized\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cu\u003EHow do you layout a room?\u003C\/u\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003EWhen considering room layout, identify what pieces of furniture need to be in the room. Start with the biggest piece of furniture and determine the ideal spot for that item first.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EConsider sight lines. Your room should have a focal point that draws your attention. Distract from big, clunky features of the room\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EEnsure there's breathing space and room to move around furnishings. Not everything needs to be pushed up against the walls. Make full use of the space. Think about using vertical wall space as well as floor space.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EAlso consider if there are architectural changes you can make which would help the flow of the room. In our old master bedroom, \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.ramblingrenovators.ca\/2010\/10\/master-bedroom-reveal.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Ebuilding out a bump out in one wall \u003C\/a\u003Eallowed us to change the furniture layout completely and create a much more efficient and attractive room.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cu\u003EThe alternatives:\u003C\/u\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003EIn this case, we have a bed, side table and desk that are necessary. We have the option of putting the bed in other locations: against either of the dark purple walls, or beneath the window. Having the bed beneath the window doesn't leave enough room between the bed and closet so that option isn't viable. Putting the headboard against either of the purple walls could work, so let's consider the other issues before we finalize the layout.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-_QTqCdRD1Ag\/XGtVByByHdI\/AAAAAAAAeIQ\/Uo-Ng_cFKrcoL6li40T3jrhL4pnMqeZyACK4BGAYYCw\/s1600\/DSC_4903.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"how to layout a room, how to arrange furniture, bedroom layout\" border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-_QTqCdRD1Ag\/XGtVByByHdI\/AAAAAAAAeIQ\/Uo-Ng_cFKrcoL6li40T3jrhL4pnMqeZyACK4BGAYYCw\/s1600\/DSC_4903.jpg\" title=\"how to layout a room, how to arrange furniture, bedroom layout\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EFunction:\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003EFrom a function standpoint, this bedroom has a few basic needs:\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003Ethe door needs to be unimpeded and open fully\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003Eyou need access to be able to open the window\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003Ethere needs to be adequate lighting\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003Ethe closet needs to be accessible\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003Ethere needs to be room for clothes storage\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-omIbRd9_eIQ\/XGthDzmQ0wI\/AAAAAAAAeI8\/4dPhZ8B10hIIqGAOHvlA8om4VV3G_wekwCK4BGAYYCw\/s1600\/DSC_4902.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-omIbRd9_eIQ\/XGthDzmQ0wI\/AAAAAAAAeI8\/4dPhZ8B10hIIqGAOHvlA8om4VV3G_wekwCK4BGAYYCw\/s1600\/DSC_4902.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThe only area that seems to not be fully functional is the closet. In the last six months, the closet bifold doors fell off of their tracks repeatedly so we removed them altogether. They'll need to be replaced.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EAdditionally, the closet storage could be improved. The shelves are fine but could be more efficient with pull-out drawers. The right hand side is unusable for a shorter child and has a lot of wasted space.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EConsidering the Layout and Function issues together, we have two options. Note: I've used the \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.urbanbarn.com\/en\/resources\/room-planner\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ERoom Planner\u003C\/a\u003E on the Urban Barn website to create these renderings.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ci\u003E\u003Cb\u003EOption A - Bed on Left\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-Kj09N0y6P0c\/XGtqEOarhaI\/AAAAAAAAeJo\/dt4T_3c2PUoPSxgFaMfWiPx4leMHyDaZACLcBGAs\/s1600\/Screen%2BShot%2B2019-02-18%2Bat%2B9.28.27%2BPM.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"how to layout a room, how to arrange furniture, bedroom layout\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"698\" data-original-width=\"764\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-Kj09N0y6P0c\/XGtqEOarhaI\/AAAAAAAAeJo\/dt4T_3c2PUoPSxgFaMfWiPx4leMHyDaZACLcBGAs\/s1600\/Screen%2BShot%2B2019-02-18%2Bat%2B9.28.27%2BPM.jpg\" title=\"how to layout a room, how to arrange furniture, bedroom layout\" width=\"700\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Ci\u003EOption B - Bed on Right\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-IWGS01l8e1c\/XGtqELvCSGI\/AAAAAAAAeJs\/-1vviAq-_nsgJO30cULGx1lFNoTfNPXtQCLcBGAs\/s1600\/Screen%2BShot%2B2019-02-18%2Bat%2B9.29.03%2BPM.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"how to layout a room, how to arrange furniture, bedroom layout\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"706\" data-original-width=\"756\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-IWGS01l8e1c\/XGtqELvCSGI\/AAAAAAAAeJs\/-1vviAq-_nsgJO30cULGx1lFNoTfNPXtQCLcBGAs\/s1600\/Screen%2BShot%2B2019-02-18%2Bat%2B9.29.03%2BPM.jpg\" title=\"how to layout a room, how to arrange furniture, bedroom layout\" width=\"700\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003C\/div\u003EWhich of these plans would you say is the best?\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EOption A gives ample room around the bed for the entry and closet doors to swing open. But Option B creates a nice focal point, with the bed facing the door as you enter.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-CY5hkd7NLok\/XGtVB-gcBhI\/AAAAAAAAeIY\/B81YOxznxvkQFotMCCIcbb91rrMhqEhkgCK4BGAYYCw\/s1600\/DSC_4909.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-CY5hkd7NLok\/XGtVB-gcBhI\/AAAAAAAAeIY\/B81YOxznxvkQFotMCCIcbb91rrMhqEhkgCK4BGAYYCw\/s1600\/DSC_4909.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr class=\"Apple-interchange-newline\" \/\u003EWe've already moved the furniture around so I'll show you which layout we decided next week. Suffice it to say, it already looks much better!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI hope this post has given you some ideas on how to tackle any layout or function challenges you might have.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ENext up, we'll talk about style and design and how to build a cohesive and attractive scheme for any room."},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.ramblingrenovators.ca\/feeds\/3545546903439452192\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"https:\/\/www.ramblingrenovators.ca\/2019\/02\/how-to-decorate-how-to-layout-a-room-arrange-furniture.html#comment-form","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/5982626037063072560\/posts\/default\/3545546903439452192"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/5982626037063072560\/posts\/default\/3545546903439452192"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"https:\/\/www.ramblingrenovators.ca\/2019\/02\/how-to-decorate-how-to-layout-a-room-arrange-furniture.html","title":"How To Decorate Series: Defining A Room Layout and Function"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Jen @ RamblingRenovators"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/18045745850049751098"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-nXqsvzg8Evw\/WGlJI3qndzI\/AAAAAAAAZeE\/nW5fw9ifFtQX5p-AJErRK86tnMeEMFEQQCLcB\/s72-c\/rrcolonialcharm-before-10.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5982626037063072560.post-232813857883970791"},"published":{"$t":"2019-02-11T07:00:00.000-05:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2019-02-11T07:00:02.354-05:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"decorating"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"how to decorate"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"inspiration and ideas"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"tips and tricks"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"How To Decorate Series: How To Start Decorating a Room"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv\u003EDo you enjoy decorating? Do you find it fun or do you struggle with the process?\u0026nbsp; Design blogs can help with that by providing information and inspiration. Over the years, I've shared a lot about how we design, renovate, and decorate our home and I think we have our decorating process nailed down. I've talked about decorating ideas, products, layout, and how to DIY - but there's a few things I haven't really discussed.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Ch2\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cblockquote class=\"tr_bq\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: small;\"\u003EThe \u003Ci\u003EWhy\u003C\/i\u003E we do the things we do, the factors that impact our decisions, and the order in which we make decorating decisions are just as important as what those decisions are.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/blockquote\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/h2\u003ETo dig into that deeper, I thought it was time I took you on a journey, a decorating journey, and share the A to Z of a single design project. I call it 'decorating' but I'm referring to decorating, remodelling, and renovating projects; they're just different degrees of intensity.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThe interesting thing is, no matter how big or small your project, no matter your style, these decisions and steps are always the same. If you find decorating a challenge, perhaps you'll find ideas on how to overcome some of the obstacles. Over the next few weeks, I'll share my process of \u003Cb\u003EHow To Decorate \u003C\/b\u003Eand we're going to start right from the beginning\u003Cb\u003E. \u003C\/b\u003EToday's topic: \u003Ci style=\"font-weight: bold;\"\u003EHow To Start Decorating A Room.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/i\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Ci\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Ci\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-SKMSVJC13bM\/XGBbQ-BXjfI\/AAAAAAAAeGw\/lu6GvQNgaqY6HeHz4rg64LMwk6cZ-hSNACK4BGAYYCw\/s1600\/how%2Bto%2Bdecorate%2B%25281%2529.png\" imageanchor=\"1\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"how to decorate, how to start decorating a room, how to interior design your house\" border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-SKMSVJC13bM\/XGBbQ-BXjfI\/AAAAAAAAeGw\/lu6GvQNgaqY6HeHz4rg64LMwk6cZ-hSNACK4BGAYYCw\/s1600\/how%2Bto%2Bdecorate%2B%25281%2529.png\" title=\"how to decorate, how to start decorating a room, how to interior design your house\" width=\"700\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Ci\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/b\u003EHere's my belief: we all have the ability to decorate a room. But to decorate a \u003Ci\u003Egood\u003C\/i\u003E room that functions well, works over the long run, \u003Ci\u003Eand\u003C\/i\u003E is beautiful? That takes planning and forethought.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: small;\"\u003EThe first step in decorating a room is deciding which room to decorate.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003EIf we had a giant stockpile of money, this wouldn't even be a consideration and we could do all the rooms. But most of us have limited funds and limited time so we have to pick and choose which projects are a priority. \u003Ci\u003ESo\u0026nbsp;how do you decide? \u003C\/i\u003ERarely do our homes feel 'finished'; there's always a room in need remodelling or updating! Here's four factors to consider before you start decorating.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E1.\u0026nbsp; Need\u003C\/h3\u003EThink about \"need\" in two ways: qualitatively and quantitatively.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cu\u003EQualitative needs\u003C\/u\u003E are emotional needs, those things that you feel. Every inch of your home should be used or enjoyed. Is there a room that you avoid or causes you dread when you enter it? Is there a room that's been neglected? What room do you avoid showing guests when they come for a visit? Your answers might indicate a qualitative need: is there a room whose redesign would bring you greater happiness in your life?\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cu\u003EQuantitative needs\u003C\/u\u003E are those hard and identifiable needs that translate into numbers. For a home, those numbers could refer to your home value (e.g. adding a second bathroom to increase your home's value), expenses (e.g. replacing your windows to save on heating costs), or time (upgrading your kitchen to make it a more functional and better working space).\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ETypically, quantitative needs will be more expensive and you'll need to save up before you embark on these projects. This brings us to the second consideration, budget.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-LAclgVzT15w\/Vf7UzbZjqRI\/AAAAAAAAWC8\/SajTQpu5Bl8\/s1600\/designer-series-pella-windows-install-2.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"replacing a front window, how to decorate, how to start decorating a room, how to interior design your house\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"441\" data-original-width=\"660\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-LAclgVzT15w\/Vf7UzbZjqRI\/AAAAAAAAWC8\/SajTQpu5Bl8\/s1600\/designer-series-pella-windows-install-2.jpg\" title=\"replacing a front window, how to decorate, how to start decorating a room, how to interior design your house\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.ramblingrenovators.ca\/2015\/09\/pella-windows-insynctive-technology.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EReplacing our front window\u003C\/a\u003E with one that let in light and a breeze was necessary in our non-air conditioned home!\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E2.\u0026nbsp; Budget\u003C\/h3\u003EKnowing your budget beforehand helps you to prioritize which projects to tackle. You might want to work with a smaller budget and complete a smaller project. Or, you might consider saving up until you have a larger budget and tackle a more intensive project. Both kinds can be equally satisfying. Later in the series, we'll talk about allocating the budget and breaking it down into different elements. But at this stage, it's enough to have a rough idea of how much money you have to work with so you can at least eliminate projects that are completely out of budget.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E3. Timeline\u003C\/h3\u003EIt's not unusual to have your projects determined by a real or perceived timeline. I find that imposing a timeline on your project can help motivate you and push you to achieve more than you thought possible. Our\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.ramblingrenovators.ca\/2017\/05\/one-room-challenge-preppy-traditional-living-room.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E six-week long living room renovation\u003C\/a\u003E that we completed for the One Room Challenge is a great example.\u0026nbsp; It's important to note though that while the physical actual execution of the project was six weeks, the planning and preparation took much longer!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-faJ5StFMXyg\/WRIspd30d1I\/AAAAAAAAaIs\/dlGiiEgkk7Ut2FgX3tCHru9hUp2awV8lACLcB\/s1600\/orc-preppy-traditional-living-room-4.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"801\" data-original-width=\"1200\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-faJ5StFMXyg\/WRIspd30d1I\/AAAAAAAAaIs\/dlGiiEgkk7Ut2FgX3tCHru9hUp2awV8lACLcB\/s1600\/orc-preppy-traditional-living-room-4.jpg\" width=\"700\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-JHnp1o36bYY\/WRIoD0AziVI\/AAAAAAAAaIQ\/Rb3wiof0dUQ2alHs3C_-2jGTB72aPB49ACLcB\/s1600\/orc-preppy-traditional-living-room-after-1.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"how to decorate, how to start decorating a room, how to interior design your house\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1600\" data-original-width=\"1280\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-JHnp1o36bYY\/WRIoD0AziVI\/AAAAAAAAaIQ\/Rb3wiof0dUQ2alHs3C_-2jGTB72aPB49ACLcB\/s1600\/orc-preppy-traditional-living-room-after-1.jpg\" title=\"how to decorate, how to start decorating a room, how to interior design your house\" width=\"700\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003EExamples of elements which could impact your decorating timeline include:\u003Cbr \/\u003E- seasonality: certain projects are better completed during warmer weather. Gardening and pool projects need to be done in the spring and summer. Exterior paint projects are best in the early cool days of fall. And it's ideal to complete large renovations like kitchen makeovers when you can bbq outside and running back and forth to the garage\/workshop isn't a hardship.\u003Cbr \/\u003E- life events: Major life changes like welcoming a baby can precipitate major renovations. In the nine months before Chloe arrived, we finished up a \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.ramblingrenovators.ca\/2008\/09\/and-its-done.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Ekitchen renovation\u003C\/a\u003E, tackled \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.ramblingrenovators.ca\/2009\/03\/bathroom-bliss.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Ea bathroom renovation\u003C\/a\u003E and \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.ramblingrenovators.ca\/2009\/04\/baby-is-on-way.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Enursery renovation\u003C\/a\u003E as well! Welcoming guests over the holidays, rearranging rooms after the kids have gone off to collage... life events have a way of making 'someday' projects an immediate priority!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E4. Effort and Skill\u003C\/h3\u003ESome projects are easier than others. If you have the knowledge, skills (and tools!) to complete a design project, you're more likely to go ahead and tackle it. However, if its a complicated project, one that is long, multi-phased, and requires expertise you don't possess, you need to find people who have those skills to help you do the job.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EDecorating projects that require simple tasks like painting a room or rearranging furniture can often be done quickly and at little cost. Generally, the more difficult a project is, the more it will cost and the longer it will take.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-HEZB5AxXJ6o\/T08HK_IH-eI\/AAAAAAAAGec\/moIruKI4QBQ\/s640\/demolition1.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"basement demolition, how to decorate, how to start decorating a room, how to interior design your house\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"640\" data-original-width=\"475\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-HEZB5AxXJ6o\/T08HK_IH-eI\/AAAAAAAAGec\/moIruKI4QBQ\/s640\/demolition1.jpg\" title=\"basement demolition, how to decorate, how to start decorating a room, how to interior design your house\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.ramblingrenovators.ca\/2012\/03\/basement-demolition-done.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EBasement demolition\u003C\/a\u003E is one project we left to the pros\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EIt might seem like a simple decision, but deciding which room to decorate requires a lot of thought and consideration. I've made the mistake of rushing in and just wanting to get things done (\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.ramblingrenovators.ca\/2008\/04\/98-done-o.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Ethis room\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;was a prime example of that) and while I might have had a finished room at the end, it wasn't one that I truly loved or one that really met our needs after all.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EAs with most things, preparation is half the work. Take the time to consider your needs, budget, timeline, and skills and it'll be obvious which room you should decorate next.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E***\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ci\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\u003Ci\u003EI'd love to know if you found this first instalment in the How To Decorate series helpful. Let me know what your most burning decorating and renovation questions are and I'll address them in a future post. What stumbling blocks do you encounter, what keeps you from transforming your home into a place you love? Let me know in the comments below!\u003C\/i\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-aMV5v7GoZ4M\/XGCOajQM__I\/AAAAAAAAeG8\/H1V9eZLxbOAI6cyPABWfzrZBwXEV16Q1QCK4BGAYYCw\/s1600\/how%2Bto%2Bdecorate%2B%25282%2529.png\" imageanchor=\"1\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"how to decorate, how to start decorating a room, how to interior design your house\" border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-aMV5v7GoZ4M\/XGCOajQM__I\/AAAAAAAAeG8\/H1V9eZLxbOAI6cyPABWfzrZBwXEV16Q1QCK4BGAYYCw\/s1600\/how%2Bto%2Bdecorate%2B%25282%2529.png\" title=\"how to decorate, how to start decorating a room, how to interior design your house\" width=\"700\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.ramblingrenovators.ca\/feeds\/232813857883970791\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"https:\/\/www.ramblingrenovators.ca\/2019\/02\/how-to-decorate-how-to-start-decorating-a-room.html#comment-form","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/5982626037063072560\/posts\/default\/232813857883970791"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/5982626037063072560\/posts\/default\/232813857883970791"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"https:\/\/www.ramblingrenovators.ca\/2019\/02\/how-to-decorate-how-to-start-decorating-a-room.html","title":"How To Decorate Series: How To Start Decorating a Room"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Jen @ RamblingRenovators"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/18045745850049751098"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-SKMSVJC13bM\/XGBbQ-BXjfI\/AAAAAAAAeGw\/lu6GvQNgaqY6HeHz4rg64LMwk6cZ-hSNACK4BGAYYCw\/s72-c\/how%2Bto%2Bdecorate%2B%25281%2529.png","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}}]}});