By Michael Holland

You may have been thinking about home decorating for a while, or perhaps it has only popped into your head very recently.  Either way, the first thing that you’re going to need is the right ideas for getting started.  But how does one come up with these terrific home decorating ideas.

There are so many different home decorating resources out there right now that you’ll have tons of different options, opinions, and ideas for your home makeover.  Certainly, the odds are slim that you’ll want to copy one of the ideas exactly, but they will give you the inspiration that you’ve been looking for.  For example, are you looking for something formal or casual?  American Country or French Country?  Do you like subtle colors or bright ones?

Lets say that you decide that you’d like your home decorating to involve a country kitchen.  First you should find a magazine, website, or show that can present you with a picture of a country kitchen.  Take a copy of this picture, and write down what you like about it, and what you’d do differently.  You don’t necessarily need to follow what is there, just what you like.

The country kitchen will involve warm, earthy colors, but the specific shade is completely up to you.  To decide which one you like best, visit your paint store, and look at some different color samples.  Some good choices for cupboards include antique olive greens, light mochas, and honeys.  Any type of warm green shade is also a very pleasant choice that will go along with your overall chosen style.

Your next step is the hardware.  Hardware can make all the difference in changing the entire look of a room.  In a country kitchen, you’ll likely want to go with something wrought iron or copper.  They give that aged look to cupboards and doors, and come in an endless range of shapes to cater to your own unique taste.

Your countertops can be an extremely expensive home decorating venture, especially if they need to be custom sized.  But there is a pleasant way to avoid this expense while still changing the look to something practical and enjoyable.  Find some ceramic tiles in the right shade.  A good size for countertops is 12 inches by 12 inches.  Using charcoal grout will finish the countertop look and blend well with the rest of your overall style. If you want some extra oomph to your look, add a finish to the edges of the countertop with two-inch wood trim.  One of the most attractive woods for this look is red oak.

On your floor, there are tons of easy options that you can do yourself, or have a professional install.  If you want the country kitchen look, you can go with hardwood, or a laminate hardwood flooring for those on a budget.  They are absolutely gorgeous, and very easy to install when they come in the snap-and-glue or the lock-together types.  This way, your home decorating is stunning to look at, but is also durable and does not require a sub-floor.

For your furniture and accessories, take time on your weekends to head out to garage sales and vintage/second-hand stores.  You’ll be surprised at the amazing things that people are selling for extremely low prices.  Keep in mind that if something is the right look but the wrong color, you can always paint it or refinish it to fit your style.  Going back to the country kitchen example, copper pots and candleholders are fantastic additions for walls and surfaces that need decorating in the right style. They give your home decorating that aged, lived-in, welcoming feel that so many people find extremely appealing.

Whether your home decorating involves a country kitchen or any other style, remember to start with an overall idea, and keep your eyes and imagination ready for creativity and style.

Michael Holland is the creator of Home Decorating. His web sites offer lots of FREE decorating tips and ideas for decorating your home.