We all need goals for our life. We also need to set goals for the design and color of our home. Little by little we can achieve the special look and design we would like to have. Here are some areas to start.

Design is both a product and a process. The product is visual like furniture, special spaces, wall design, accessory design, window treatments and much more. We can see and touch them. They must be eye pleasing functional and practical. This will help you to have the creative look that fits your home and your family’s life style. This process includes choosing a goal, making an plan, and managing the project.

Look for the space, lines, form, color, and texture to achieve the look you want for furniture. Check out how the furniture or window treatments will be into scale or proportion to the area it will be placed into the room. In a small room you can use simple window treatments and not a lot of furniture. Use low color contrast and it will keep the eye moving to give the look of a larger room.

Furniture and window treatments are comprised of vertical, horizontal and diagonal lines. Vertical lines and height can add a formal feeling if done in a certain way. Horizontal lines are restful and can create a casual feeling. Diagonal lines attract attention. Our eyes seem to be drawn to diagonal lines. However, these lines need to be used with vertical or opposite diagonal lines. Curves will add interest and soften the mood. Curves break up the square walls and furniture.

Lines need to be balanced for harmony. Your window treatment lines can echo the special shape of the architectural features of your home. The eye is drawn to different shapes in a room. It adds interest and is not boring.

Color sets the mood. It makes a room warm or cool, large or small. Color can even hide ugly features or create a focal point.

When selecting color for your furniture or curtains keep in mind room size, room exposure, amount of natural light and the function of that room. North and east windows use warm muted colors. Consider soft textures. South and east windows use cooler colors.

Curtains or furniture with the same coloring as the wall will blend in with the wall and appear not to be as heavy or as prominent. To maximize the visual effect of your furniture or window treatment, use a contrast color of paint on the wall behind it.

To balance color throughout the room one color can be used 2/3 of the time. A second color should cover the other 1/3. The third color is the accent. Repeating the colors creates a rhythm.

Textured materials are usually not very smooth and can be rough. Rough, nubby fabrics or material create a casual feel. Smooth and shiny materials or fabrics can give a formal feeling. You can use several types of complimentary textures for a variety of interest. Avoid a dramatic contrast. Try to have one of the textures to dominate the area.

As you are looking around the room your eye will travel and see a rhythm. Try to have a repetition of a few color designs, shapes and forms.

When you set your goals to design and decorate your home, many factors must come into play. Visually all of the lines, colors and textures must come together to form the unity, design and colors you have been wanting for your home.