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Recently, I read an article on why certain award winning spaces were so chosen. I gleaned some important pointers and mixed in some of my own decorating views to share with you. While the goal may not be award winning decor in 2008, we can always take a step up in decorating the most important space of all... our homes, for the most important people of all... our family and friends.

• Adding personality

While a showroom full of furniture and excellent decorating may look beautiful, our homes should reflect the individual personalities of those living there everyday. A problem can also arise from an injection of too much of ones personality in a space. The obvious answer is to find a delicate balance of good judgment mixed with our personal belongings and treasures. Resist the temptation to cover every surface with collectables and dust collecting knick-knacks. They can be overwhelming, distracting, and create too much busyness in a room. Try to keep collections together in one particular area. Showcase them where they can be appreciated as a whole, not causing the eye to dart all over the room but rather a place to rest upon and admire.

• Scale and proportion

Choose furniture and fixtures that will balance a room, while making optimum use of space. Large rooms with high ceilings demand large-scale furniture and accessories. Larger pieces such as an armoire or a full sized chandelier are good examples of pieces that work well in a large room. As in every room, a focal point is the key to a well-balanced room. If there is not a natural one, such as a fireplace, or other architectural feature, then you must create one. It can be simple as a windowscape, or the decorative headboard of a bed. Whatever it is, dress and accessorize it so that when you enter the room your eye is immediately drawn to it. Everything else should flow out from and compliment a room’s focal point. It is important to mention here, that having more than one focal point is perfectly acceptable, as long as the room’s size can handle it and they are complimentary to one another.

• Accessories

A well-appointed room should be accessorized with the same good taste and judgment you would use to accessorize an outfit. It should be appropriate for the style, fabric, and the occasion you are wearing it to. My advice is usually to edit, edit, edit! The rule of "less is more" applies here. A well-edited room speaks volumes, making the room more welcoming and serene. A pretty bouquet of fresh or silk flowers breathes life and injects color into a space, as does greenery. Whether they are live or silk plants, they should never overtake a space, but be a decorative accent to enhance a room’s furnishings.

• Practicality

Form follows function. This is a very important rule to remember when decorating our homes. Trendy, uncomfortable furnishings have no place in a well designed home. Make sure your furniture is compatible with your lifestyle, considering upholstery fabrics, space planning, and the amount of people who will be using it on a regular basis. If you entertain often, make sure there is ample seating and tabletop space to accommodate the needs of your guests. Choose lighting with location and function in mind, making sure to hang fixtures at the right height, neither too high nor too low. When choosing artwork for the walls, be sure to hang at an appropriate height, as well. My rule of thumb is slightly higher than eye level for larger pieces, and smaller ones either clustered just above eye level, or hug low at end tables. One should only have to raise the head slightly to view artwork from a standing or seated position.

• Cohesiveness
  

It is said that classic, well-designed interiors have a common thread woven throughout the home without overloading the senses. In other words, as much as is possible, one room should flow effortlessly into the next. This can be achieved with the use of color, texture, and symmetry. For instance, my main floor is traditionally decorated with patterned oriental rugs on wood floors combined with leather and wood furniture. The kitchen and dining room are French country. The thing that brings the two styles together is the color scheme. Very warm, caramel toned walls paired with the furniture and black accents blend seamlessly to a black and ivory toile themed kitchen and dining area. Glass French double doors also help to define the space while allowing light in and giving a feeling of openness. My house is not large, but the effect is one of space and a good design flow. Create symmetry with furniture and accessories, while playing up the architectural features of a room. Windows are important, not to be overlooked or neglected. Make sure your window treatments are fresh, up-to-date, and work well with your decor.