Most people take a backward approach to home decor, Christopher Lowell says.
Typically, they'll start with a swatch of fabric from a curtain or carpet.
Wrong.
"Paint is the place to start and the bolder or more stirring the color, the better," the TV personality and author told an audience Saturday at the Women's Showcase held at the Fargodome.
"It (paint) is the cheapest way to add drama to a room," he said.
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Anxiety over color selection can be eliminated, he said, by carting home as many color samples as possible and placing them in the room to be painted.
After a week, the right colors will become clear, he said. "You'll pick them instinctively."
Here are some other pointers from Lowell:
- Pick a neutral-colored sofa and perk it up with accessories. Don't park it against the wall.
- When in doubt about furnishings, go bigger. People need only 18 to 20 inches of space to get around something.
- Don't skimp on tables and hutches -- and keep surfaces free of bric-a-brac so people can set things on them when they need to.
- Get rid of things you don't use and replace them with things you do.
"It's time to let go of the junk," he said.
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Anti-clutter was the sole theme of a talk given by Krisanne Mogck and Laurie Corliss, who have their own consulting business on the subject.
Giving away or throwing your unused items, they said, is conducive to mental health.
People are "drowning" in their possessions, Corliss said.
With things like paint, which might not be used for years, they advised putting leftovers in containers that won't promote rust.
The tip came a little too late for audience member Donna Carlson.
"I certainly wish I had thought of that when I painted my house, because that's exactly what has happened to me just recently," the Moorhead woman said.
"I opened up a can (of paint) and all the rust fell in," she said.
Readers can reach Forum reporter Dave Olson at (701) 241-5555
