Newlywed Decorating Tips
By Susan Coss
 

Getting married can be stressful when it comes to deciding what dining table you and your spouse want, what kind of drapes look best in the bedroom and is that piece of art your mother gave you still fashionable?

First things first my friends, you must talk with each other before marriage … about creating perfect look for your new home or apartment.

Some people don’t think about what their spouse likes in home décor or even know what they personally prefer. The best thing to do is talk before the big day about what you’d like in home décor.

Discuss what emotions you would like to be implemented into the space you are trying to decorate. Do you and your spouse want an airy serene feel or a maybe a warm cozy feel?

When you have discovered in more detail what your likes and dislikes are, go see an interior designer. Your dream look could be right around the corner with the right help.

“I feel the same way about interior decorators that I feel about real estate brokers. They are worth every penny,” says Donald Trump, in his bestselling book, Think like a Billionaire, 2004, page 38.

With the help from a professional, finding what you are looking for doesn’t always come from the Bed, Bath and Beyonds of this world, -- those favorite items can come from Specialty stores and boutiques.

How many items of non-returnable crystal can one couple receive? Or Noah’s Ark cookie jars (how many cookies does one make on a daily basis?) To fix these gifts-gone so wrong, get the advice and help you deserve.  You really can’t afford not to use an interior designer.

A plus to getting a designer before moving in together is being able to register at specialty and other retail stores for the type of décor you want to make your home complete.

Stores like Elegant Interiors by Mona are full of unique affordable merchandise perfect to decorate with and Mona can be of assistance when in need of decorating tips. 

Mona Sahgal, owner of Elegant Interiors by Mona, says future spouses should simplify their lives first by throwing away what they

don’t need – to de-clutter.

“When you simplify your life, there is no awaited frustration,” Mona says.

Mona has 10 decorating tips to help you and your designer work through in successfully finding a style that fits you and your spouse.

Tip 1: Use the rule of 60-30-10: The walls are 60 percent of what needs to be decorated, then the upholstery is 30 percent and the accessories are 10 percent.

Tip 2: Learn what pleases you: When exploring decorating magazines, leave post-it notes on the photos you like, then go back with the designer and look again with the designer to see what you really like. Don’t get caught in the mind frame of ‘this is good’ and ‘this is bad’ decorating, draw from your first reaction to the picture and then think it over.

Tip 3: Pick a highlight: Choose something in the room to accentuate. Mantles and windows are nice focal points, but the key is to use paint and accessories to dress it up.

Tip 4: Round works: Don’t be afraid to use a round coffee table or ottoman in a room, they work great! They do not need to be in the center of the room or directly in front of the couch, and ottomans provide extra seating.

Tip 5: No more matching: There is a look called ‘eclectic’ and this means selecting or employing individual elements from a variety of sources, systems or styles, according to dictionary.com. There is no longer a need for the matching five-piece furniture set. Variety of the eclectic look welcomes uniqueness and personal touch.

Tip 6: Lighting: Lighting is very important, it should be selected to enhance the appearance as well as the function of the room.

Tip 7: Mirrors add sparkle and depth: There is no such thing as too many mirrors in your house. A nice place to put them is across from your focal point.

Tip 8: Make it personal: Make sure when you two are done with a room, you can claim it as yours. Not something your sister or mother helped with, but make sure you feel like you created the look with some extra help.

Tip 9: House should flow: A beautiful home should have continuity from room to room. To avoid the danger in a room looking out of place, try to keep similar tones and themes throughout the house.

Tip 10: Decorating is a process: Start small and with something you love and then build around it. Don’t try everything all at once. You might get an extra headache.

Bonus tip: Remember the things you can’t see: Create a scent for your home; add a candle or two with some candle warmers if you prefer not to burn the wick. A strong delicious scent is key. Set the mood with some music you enjoy. 

Even though you are moving in and combining interests, don’t be so quick to trash all you own.

With the eclectic look, you can keep some of your belongings and combine it with your spouse’s favorite pieces.

Don’t be afraid to say good-bye to white walls and what your parents liked in their home. Create a sanctuary for you and your spouse, something the both of you can feel comfortable in.

To get more tips and advice from Mona, visit Mona at Elegant Interiors by Mona at 14313 NE 20^th Avenue, Suite A110 in Vancouver (Salmon Creek across from Kaiser) or at www.eibymona.com.

Marriage takes teamwork and so does decorating.

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