Theme Rooms: Dramatic yet Tasteful

by Sherry Holetzky | More from this Blogger

16 May 2006 04:01 AM

Some of the best tips regarding theme rooms are the simplest. One important aspect of developing a great theme design is to limit your focus, rather than making every detail a themed element.

For example, if you're going for a Western or Cowboy theme, you don't have to use a cowhide print for every fabric treatment. A little goes a long way and adding in some denim, other solid colors, and some subtle prints, will help make your space look more pulled together. Instead of a "shoot out at the old corral" look, you can create a warm cabin or a quaint saloon.

Another important point is selecting a color scheme and staying within that range. You can of course add different shades of colors, but too many distinctly different colors in one space tend to create chaos instead of a cohesive, tasteful, feel.

Limiting your colors will also help you avoid adding items that aren't appropriate for your design plan. Even if you find the cutest knick-knack that fits your theme, you aren't as likely to force it into the mix, if it doesn't fit firmly within your chosen range of colors.

On the other hand, if you find something truly wonderful that represents your theme, but it's not an appropriate color, see if you can make it coordinate better with stain, glaze, paint, or some type of treatment, such as distressing or giving it a nice patina.

If you're looking for high drama, yet you still want the space to be tasteful and charming, avoid overdoing it with the size and the number of items you select for your theme room. Scale plays an important role, even in themed spaces. If all the accessories you select are in many different size ranges, simply group items with others that are similar in size. Place small items together in one area, and larger items together in another. In some cases, a variety of sizes will work, such as when creating a vignette, but otherwise it's best to group similar accessories.

A theme room can be quite striking and interesting without going over the top. In fact, unless you are going for all out funky and whimsical, less is more, when it comes to theme rooms.

Learn more about Sherry Holetzky

Sherry Holetzky is a work at home mom and freelance writer. Married to her best friend, Sherry and her husband are raising their family in a quiet rural setting in the beautiful Ozark Mountains.

View Full Profile | More from this Blogger