Get started by writing a list of words that describe the vibe you want for the room. Use color, shapes, style and theme to create that energy.

Planning Your Decoration Project

Color can make a big difference in how a room feels. It decides what people see in a room and it affects their moods.

• Make a room seem open or bigger. Light and pale colors make the room seem big and open. If you have a dark room that doesn’t get sun, paint it white or cream to brighten it.
• Make a room seem smaller or cozy. Dark colors make the rooms seem small and enclosed. Use dark colors if you want the room to seem cozy. You can also use dark colors to hide problems or signs of age.
• Make a room seem lively. Red, orange and yellow create excitement. Bright colors create energy but should be used as accents or to add liveliness. Bright colors are good for kid’s rooms.
• Make a room seem relaxing. Try blue, violet, gray or green.
• Unify a room. If you have an odd shaped room or you want to create harmony in a room with a lot of different shapes and themes in it, use a monochromatic color scheme.

Shapes can make a bold statement in a room. For example, you can paint stripes on your wall, or tile a bathroom floor with in a black and white checkerboard pattern.

Style creates a feeling in a room. See a style guide for decorating or get inspired with these step-by-step instructions.

Theme means repeating elements in a room or maybe even throughout your home. For example, stripes on your wall or checkerboard tile on your bathroom floor.