4 Steps to Choosing a Theme for a Room

If you are looking for a theme for a room it is easy to get caught up in the new trends and things you love like industrial, #farmhouse, nautical, nature, animal prints, gold, gold and more gold. The best things to keep in mind are to create a room that is inviting, comfortable and functional. This is a space that your family lives in and you should enjoy it every day. Plan according to your needs and budget. Here are the Elle Decor top decorating trends for 2017

Step 1: Idea Gathering
Have I mentioned I LOVE PINTEREST! I do. It’s an addiction. It is an amazing resource to get inspiration and pull together ideas. It can also be overwhelming with so many images and sites to go through. I recommend creating different boards for different themes. Don’t just lump it all into one board called bedrooms. Break it up into themes based on what has inspired you - the Black and White Bedroom, the Beach Inspired room, the Romantic bedroom, or the Rustic living. This way you can view looks in separate boards and stay organized.  Measure your space and think about what will work in the room. Are you working with a smaller or larger space than at your last duty station? Grab samples paint chips, carpet, fabric, even removable wallpaper. Oh yes. One of my favorite things is removable wallpaper. We will cover that in Step 2.
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​Step 2: Color Me Fabulous
Sometimes it’s tough to think about color when we know orders could be arriving not long after we arrive at a new duty station. If you live in military quarters, check with the housing office. Often times they offer more than the “White Walls” option. Removable wall paper is great alternative to painting. I love NuWallpaper by WallPop. From solid colors or patterns, to brick or shiplap, creating an accent wall or two is as easy as peel and stick. Adding color and texture to a room makes a big impact at a low cost. Keep in mind larger rooms can carry deeper tones. Dark colors in a small room can make the room appear smaller.

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Step 3: Pick a Focal Point
Whether it’s the fireplace in the room, the chest that you picked up during an OCONUS assignment, the perfectly broken in leather club chair or those curtains you fell in love with, pick one piece to develop your theme around.  Keep in mind the pieces you already own and how you could freshen them up to work with your new idea. Slip covers on couches or chalking painting that end table you found at the flea market could be a great solutions to incorporating the old furniture with the new theme.

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Step 4:  Your Family, Your Design
Plan according to your family’s needs. We are a busy family. Between school, deployments, sports, friends and FRG meetings our home can be a high traffic area. We need a space that functions at times for 30 guests to just myself and the dog. And with a pet, I think about what is best for her too. Never choose a theme that comprises function and comfort. Everyone is different and what works for one family may not be right for another. I love having a great looking room, but not just for show. Even if our home is our home for a short time, great design works best when your bring the humanity of your family into it.

Remember, it doesn't matter where we live, because We're The Home!

All the best,
Maria

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