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The Real Estate Book – Life events like purchasing a new home or a child moving out can leave homeowners facing a bare and empty room — and a decorating challenge. 
We understand how overwhelming this process can feel. To begin the transformation, the design experts at Decor&You, a leading interior decorating franchise, encourages homeowners to visualize their empty space as a blank canvas where they have the opportunity to create a masterpiece.
“Finding yourself in a position to completely design a room is a rare occasion and can be exciting,” stated Karen Powell, founder and CEO of Decor&You. “While the idea of decorating a room from scratch appears daunting, maintain a positive attitude and harness the situation as an opportunity to reclaim your space and make it your own. With the right approach, you can make the task of decorating into an enjoyable experience.”
Powell offers these simple guidelines to create a space you love:
Assess the room:
The first step in design is to get acquainted with the room. Gather measurements, make notes of large windows, doors and built-in shelves, and familiarize yourself with the geometry and space provided. By learning the shape of the room, you’ll have insight into what furniture and décor pieces will best complement the room’s silhouette.
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Find something you love
The next step is to determine the overall theme. While it’s typical to be overwhelmed by an infinite selection of colors, selecting a theme helps the rest of the room’s décor fall easily into place. One of the most effective strategies to ensure organized and cohesive décor is to start with something that you love. Whether it is a large sofa, a tiny, eccentric statement piece, a color, pattern or piece of art, this focal theme will dictate the remainder of the decorating process.
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Make it happen
Reflect back on your theme and what you love; then, start with the basics. How can you create a background to support the color(s) in your theme? Where and how can you incorporate these via paint, wall coverings, pillows, bedding, a throw, an area rug, etc.? What is needed for the function of the room?
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Elaborate
After you have decided on a wall color and furniture pieces, the final detail is to place everything thoughtfully. Ponder the purpose of the room and picture yourself living in the space. Consider what it’s lacking in order to reach its full, functional potential. This is the time to emphasize “you”. Visualize different embellishments. Try turning a hobby, such as a painting easel or book collection, into a display, or create a gallery by placing photos in matching frames.
