There are many issues to address when doing major home
improvements. The overall atmosphere and attitude of the
improvements can be a key issue.
Degree of Formality
Certain things tend to go with each other. Silk, silver,
crystal, brass, china, oil paintings in gilt frames, and
draperies to the floor have an affinity for each other for
example. Leather, built-in bookcases, old books, paneled rooms,
coffered ceilings, and dark wood are another group of things
that go well together. A third such group might be heavy linen,
polished cotton, glass and metal tables, woven baskets, and
wicker. There are the usual exceptions, but things that go
together tend to have about the same degree of formality. Their
color and texture are important, too.
Light vs. Dark
Most people are happiest living in rooms that are bright and
sunny in the daytime and are softly lit without glare or sharp
contrasts in light at night. In most rooms, lamps and indirect
lighting is the way to go. Window treatments that leave most of
the glass in windows uncovered when they are open during the day
are good for letting sunshine and pleasant views in and give
your home a cheerful feeling.
How much sun a room gets needs to be taken into account when
choosing paint. If a room gets a lot of sun, and you like the
look, a dark color will probably work. If the room is on the
north of your home and has few windows, you might be happier
with a light tint of the color you like.
Small vs. Large
Small rooms can be a challenge. Window treatments, which control
light and privacy without taking up a lot of space in the room,
make sense in small rooms. Fitted interior shutters, shades, and
café curtains tend to work well. Save voluminous fabric,
elaborate swags, and draperies that "puddle" on the floor for
large rooms with high ceilings. Furniture needs to be scaled to
the size of the room, too, although one occasionally sees a
small room with a few large pieces of furniture, which look
dramatically good and serve the intended function well.
Summary
The biggest key is to know what you want before you start. Get
that answer straight in your mind and you can't go wrong.
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