A house in need of redecorating or renovating can be seen either as an exciting creative opportunity or a stressful mental and physical ordeal. If you consider it more as the latter then be assured you are not alone. Being an artist is not requisite for redecorating a room, a “creative instinct” is not necessary for a house renovation. There are many people who don’t know the difference between a roman shades and a roller shades, a club chair and a wingback chair. Interior redecoration and renovation are less complicated than they seem and when broken down into steps are manageable by just about everyone.

Firstly, take a good look at the room that needs rejuvenating. The size, the light, the view, the ceiling height, all these are important considerations. Does it make you feel cramped or agoraphobic, does the room feel light and airy or dark and gloomy. What will the room be used for? If it’s going to be a study and feels too big then consider painting it several different complementary colours, one of them slightly darker. If you’re planning a lounge but the room feels small then a single lighter colour would be best, something bright and uplifting. Think carefully about the colours and the use of the room. Red may be your favourite colour and it may be invigorating and alive but it is not very relaxing. Don’t forget, a single colour has dozens of different tones and shades so look at colour charts carefully.

Now think about the general style of the room. How do you imagine it, modern and functional with glass and chrome furniture and bamboo shades, smart and traditional with a chesterfield sofa, leather embossed coffee table and elegant balloon shades or more like a cosy cottage with stained oak furniture and flowered drapes. The furniture, floor covering, shades, plants, pictures and lights should all contribute to a certain “look”. Kitchens and bathrooms need to be well lit and practical so consider easy clean roller shades or folding roman shades for the windows. A conservatory looks great with wicker furniture, leafy pot plants and bamboo shades. If you can’t imagine a style for your room then take a stroll around a nearby furniture store or browse through some websites until you see a style that appeals to you taking into account the room’s characteristics. Find out the names of different types of shades or rugs, tables and light fittings that you like. Pick up (or download) some brochures to flick through.

When you have chosen a general “look” for your room and decided on a colour scheme it is best to draw a rough plan to work out the furniture placements. Draw your plan on graph paper and mark the electrical sockets, windows and doors. Consider the type of lighting that is suitable; soft, adjustable, ceiling, spots or lamps. Once the basics are filled in then mark the furniture, use the brochures to draw the placements to scale. Leave some space around tables, roller shades, windows, doors, seating and other items that require room for passage.

Now your room is designed all you have to do is buy the items, install them and enjoy your room, decorated and designed by yourself!