Help! I’m Terrible At Decorating.

Do you have a Design Dilemma? Building a new home or renovating an existing one? We’ve got an expert here at LKNConnect — Margi Kyle. A professional Interior Designer for over 45 years, Margi has an extensive portfolio, a brilliant vision for color and style, and a willingness to help the design-deprived among us! If you have a Design Dilemma, write to Dr. Margi at [email protected] and ask your question. Include pictures and details, and Dr. Margi will respond to your Design Dilemma with a perfect solution!

Help Dr. Margi!

I am terrible at decorating — currently working on my home office.

Just bought a floral print – not sure what other wall decor can be used. I painted light gray walls with one lavender accent wall.  Do different shades of purple all work together? Lastly — how can I get professional help without having to pay a lot? — Pam

Dear Pam,

Love your question and dilemma. Worry no more, help is on the way! The biggest reason for your Design Dilemma is you ran out of confidence.

You found a picture you loved and took a color from that for a wall. Then you put on the brakes and need a big cup of courage to carry on.

Let’s look at color first.

Accent walls were popular years ago and today are not so much.  Why?

• Looks like you ran out of Paint, Money or Nerve!
• When you select a color, it should be one you can use on all 4 walls.
•  Be aware that the 4 walls will look different due to Metamerism (Color changes under different light). Another great area to look at. 
• When you paint all 4 walls — you are looking at 100% of color. Once you hang pictures, add greenery and window treatments. You will be looking at about 40% color. 
• If you like that shade of purple, paint the other 3 walls. 

Accessories

What do you love? Where have you been? Where are you going?

Find artwork that makes your heart sing. In your home, especially your home office — you want it finished. Unfinished rooms are like going out into the world half-dressed.

You have a great start, just finish it.

Pull your sofa down and place a tree next to it

Greenery will bring in color, life and energy. Uplighting from the floor up creates shadows and mystique.

Window treatments should be the last thing you put in a room

If you do them first, you usually over treat them and they don’t work well with all the other elements of design.

I selected a simple valance to finish the window. You have wooden blinds for privacy and that is really all you need. I found pictures on Amazon to put around and finished the room with an African violet. Put any degrees, pictures of you on your job or ones that you love.

Let your Artwork tell your story of Who you are.

Where you have been. Where you want to go! Last but not least — Paint all your walls the same color.

• Rooms look bigger when they have the same color on all 4 walls.
• Add more task lighting. Overhead lighting is good for getting into the room and turning on your computer. You need about 6 sources of light — so keep going.
• Greenery adds color, life and energy to every space. Even the artificial ones.

Would love to have you send me a picture of your finished room.  This was fun!  Thanks!

If you have a Design Dilemma and need some help

Please email me at [email protected].

Or call me at 704-661-5223. I look forward to helping you solve your Design Dilemma!

For over 45 years, Margi Kyle, “The Color Doctor”, has built an astounding portfolio from the ever-important ‘Designer’s perspective’. Never idle, this Professional Interior Designer has contributed to this industry as an Interior Designer, Television Host, Mentor, Keynote Speaker, Educator, and Writer. Margi has Taught Interior Design of over 45 years and is the executive director for We Make Color Easy, The Dewey Color System.  

Go to The Designing Doctor to purchase The Magnetic Room Planner or Margi’s color course and coordinator. 

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