Finish Decorating That Room Now

Color Craze

Roadblock: "The color in my room is all over the map."

If your space is a hodgepodge of colors and patterns, the good news is that you are not afraid of using color. Really, that is good news—many of us hem and haw for months about which shade of white paint to use!

On Houzz: Colorful Homes for Every Style

The Solution

Use your camera for a fresh perspective. Take photos of your room, print the pictures and play around with different arrangements. Looking at the photos will give you distance, so you can make decisions about what looks best without letting your feelings for your belongings take over your decision-making process. To finish your space, tighten up the color palette in the room, zeroing in on certain shades and tossing (or moving to another room) what doesn't fit. Bonus: You can bring your photos with you when you are out shopping to quickly and easily match colors and prints.

House Warming

Roadblock: I've lived here for years, but it looks like I just moved in.

This is such a common problem, and there are many reasons for it—but no matter the reason, it's important to understand that having a warm, welcoming, comfortable home is important and you deserve to have that now, not at some unknown future time. The first step is to simply acknowledge that you want a "homier" place and commit to doing something about it.

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The Solution

When you are taking your home from bare and empty to warm and inviting, the process can feel overwhelming. Tackling one layer at a time can make the task feel more manageable. And if you get stuck on one decision, like paint color, don't let it paralyze you—just move on and come back to it later.

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Clutter Control

Roadblock: "My family is so messy, I don't know where to begin."

It is possible to have a fun, stylish home with kids in the house, but there's no point in tackling decorating projects when clutter is spilling out from every corner.

The Solution

Set aside a weekend to pare down and donate unwanted items. Minimize the mess every day by adding hooks behind every door and swapping out coffee tables and benches for versions with hidden storage inside. Consider carpet tiles instead of a rug—you can easily replace individual tiles if they get stained and choose slipcovered or stain-resistant upholstered pieces. Finally, start a ten-minute tidy-up period each night where everyone participates.

On Houzz: How to Savor Your Beautifully Imperfect Home

Bored Room

Roadblock: "My all-neutral scheme feels boring."

You adore neutral or all-white color schemes, because they seem so foolproof—and they are. But sometimes all of that beige and cream begins to feel too predictable.

The Solution

Add a special piece, like an oversize mirror with an interesting shape or a piece of art. Or add accessories with metallic shimmer. Platinum, gold or silver will add a rich, luxurious quality that elevates the neutrals around it. More ways to spice up your neutral scheme include choosing one bright color to add in small doses—a few red pillows or paint a single accent wall in a fun hue. Bringing in deeper, richer neutrals like charcoal or espresso could be just the thing.

On Houzz: Color Guide: How to Work With Charcoal Gray

Right & Wrong

Roadblock: "I'm afraid of getting it 'wrong.'"

Perhaps the most common fear when it comes to decorating. None of us is perfect, and even professionals sometimes make purchases they regret or have a tough time finding just the right piece to complete a space. Remember, this is your home. It does not need to please anyone but you. It feels good to move forward—you can always change things later.

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