Learn New Design Tips at Homearama 2012

It’s that time of year again . . . Homearama 2012. This year’s new homes showcase runs from July 14 – 29 at Rock Springs and Shakes Run. Even if you aren’t interested in that particular area, the size or style of the homes on display, or ever building a home yourself, the best thing about Homearama is all of the great decorating ideas you can get just by visiting. Home owners in Louisville are doing just that and learning great new design tips for their own houses.

The key to learning from what you see inside these homes is to deconstruct the various parts of a room you like to figure out just what it is that works for you. Too many folks take one look at the professionally decorated rooms and think, “I could never do that,” or “I don’t have that kind of money.” You don’t have to be wealthy or have a degree in design to learn things that you can do in your own home from the pros. Just keep these simple tips in mind when you visit.

Separate the substance from the overall style. A room you see at Homearama may be far too contemporary for your more traditional tastes, but that doesn’t mean you can’t pick up a few great decorating tips from how that room was put together. Focus on design elements – like color, texture, and furniture placement – rather than the style of the individual pieces you see in the room. They may not appeal to your tastes, but perhaps the mix of wall colors or the clever way accents are used to add drama is something you can replicate in your own space.

Remember that color is king. Designers of showcase homes spend a lot of time choosing colors that will make a statement. Many will try new techniques and color combinations to see what kind of reaction they will get. Even if the paint colors aren’t ones you would choose for your own home, you can still learn a lot about how the pros use color. For instance, notice if a room has walls painted different colors or shades and which walls were chosen for the different hues. Also, pay attention to any paint treatments you notice as you’ll see some experimental techniques on display that might be all you need to update a room in your home without a major overhaul.

Don’t forget the details. While many visitors to Homearama are overwhelmed by the visual display from one room to the next, the savvy design-minded spectator will remember to focus on the details. For instance, how are accents, like throw pillows, wall hangings, or other art pieces, placed? How many are there and where are they situated? And how does their color play off of the rest of the room’s décor? Learning from the Homearama pros about how to wisely use accent pieces can help you transform a room on a very limited budget.

Homearama 2012 is a great opportunity to learn ways to freshen up the look of your own home from the work of professional designers. If Louisville home owners separate the style and furnishings of the home they visit and focus instead on the essential elements of design, like color and the use of accents, then it’s easy to use those design tips to liven up their own spaces.

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