Where to Get Ideas for Designing a Room

Do you have a favorite painting or print? Perhaps you picked up a special sculpture on your travels? Or maybe you have made a piece of art yourself? Choose a prominent color in your painting or other art piece and several neutral complimentary colors to build the room around. You should also choose a striking accent color from the artwork as well. Use the accent color sparingly, however. If you overuse the color, it's no longer just an accent.

The art piece can also set the style of the room. A bold geometric print can become the basis of a modern or contemporary room. Landscapes work well in traditional settings. But if you are adventurous, you can make the art fit in any setting.

If you have a rug that is a heirloom or just a rug with a color scheme you love, use it as a basis for your design. As with the fabric, pick one main color, plus secondary and accent colors. If the rug is textured, it may difficult to match exactly, but it will add the illusion of another color and depth.

Most oriental or kilm rugs can fit in any room style, but a rug that is heavily geometric and modern or a funky texture may only be suitable for modern or contemporary rooms.

If you are in your favorite yardage shop and discover a fabric you love, design your room around it! You don't have to upholster your furniture in it (although you can!). You can use it in accent pillows, as artwork by framing a remnant, or even make roman shades. You have a ready-made palette in the colors of the fabric, so take advantage of the design in picking paint colors and accents.

Fabric, like art, can blend with the style of the room. Let the fabric you love influence the room so that the fabric does not seem out of place. Make certain the room's style harmonizes with the fabric.

If you don't have a art piece, fabric, or rug, visit your local paint store and look at sample cards. Find colors that have the feel you would like in your room. Whether cool and calming or warm and intimate, pick a color and get a quart of paint to sample. Paint a large sample on the wall and live with it a few days to see if the color works in the space.

If you have one great piece of furniture - new or used - you have the basis of a room. The upholstery fabric can be a jumping off point for a fabulous room. Pick wall colors and other room elements to highlight, but not overwhelm, the piece.

The style of the furniture can influence the room and its style. Modern, country, Victorian or southwestern can each make a statement that should be continued or complemented in other pieces in the room. You can mix styles, but think before you do. Make certain that the lines and colors harmonize instead of clash. If you are unsure, ask someone who's taste you trust.

A vase, bowl, or your favorite flowers can be the inspiration for your room. These usually have one dominant color, but you can use shades or tones of the color to expand the palette and bring the room together.