Motivational Monday – 3 Common Decorating Questions Answered

“We thought that we had the answers, it was the questions we had wrong” Bono

Such a brilliant quote and from my favorite singer Bono! With this quote in mind, I thought I would share with you my answers to 3 common questions I get asked all the time.

Why doesn’t my paint color match the paint chip?

Paint chips are printed on paper or card. Different papers and card have varying shades of white.  It will change the color slightly.  The other fact is that paper doesn’t show color as intense (bright) as the paint will appear on your wall. Start with a shade lighter of what you originally like and test it on a poster board or on your wall if it isn’t already painted. Painting over a color that is bright will effect the color as well. So tape the painted poster board on your door or something in the room that is neutral so it won’t effect the color to see if you like it.

photo from Desire to Inspire

How  should I place my furniture in my room?

It is about making the most of the space, most importantly when you enter the room you should be directed to walk right in and not stopped before you get in. You should create a conversational area and flow that functions for your family.

Photo from Sarah Richardson Design

What size artwork is best for my room?

Technically speaking it should cover about 1/2 to 3/4 of the width of the space your working in. So if if the wall space is 4ft wide anything from 2ft – 3ft wide can work. The wall space can be just over a bed, sofa or a piece of furniture, that would be more like 3/4. A blank wall more like half . For a collection of art measure the entire group.

But for me it is what you think looks right, your eye knows. So use this guide with craft or wrapping paper and tape it up where you want your art work to hang to see. Having the dimensions before you head out to find the piece is always best.  If you are using accessories around your art, use it in a simple way and not perfectly tucked underneath. Having bigger art that fills the wall  is better than smaller.

Photo from Tobi Fairley

Photo from House of Turquoise

Happy Decorating!

Karen

1 Comments

  1. Suzie on August 4, 2013 at 1:21 pm

    I am building a new home with all brushed nickel door hardware and light fixtures but all of my artwork is framed in gold finishes and I can’t afford to replace it all. Is it ok to hang gold framed artwork with brushed nickel hardware and lighting fixtures?

Leave a Comment





MeetKarenBlog

Meet Karen Davis

Marker Girl was inspired by an unforgettable moment with my daughter, a marker, and our furniture. That experience sparked my mission to find stylish, family-friendly furnishings and help others create spaces where life thrives without compromise.

My blog shares the very best of what I have learned about family-friendly design these past 20 years.

servicesblog

Our Interior Design Services cater to your family’s lifestyle.

optinnewsletter

Get Our Latest Interior Design News In Your Inbox

Save yourself some time and effort, opt-in to my email list. You will receive recaps of the latest tips and advice about designing a family home every month!

Browse by Category:

Keep Browsing:

2025 Family-Friendly Interior Design, What’s “In” This Year

haute-stock-photography-boho-office-collection-final-18

Marker Girl 2025 : Make Your Mark At Home

Marker Girl Karen Game Room

Why an Interior Designer is Essential for Your Next Project. (The Marker Girl Approach)

RelocationInteriorDesignerSimple

Essential Interior Design Tips Before Relocating To A New Home