Top 10 Decorating Tips

1. Draw inspiration

Inspiration can come from photographs, nature, pieces of art, or even fashion. Starting with this will help to create a colour pallet for the space and (hopefully) make it easier to decorate. 

Sedona, Arizona

2. Borrow ideas 

Decorating experts, like Nate Berkas, or as seen on HGTV, offer inspiration, ideas, and photos that can be used to start or continue your decorating process. 

3. Be patient

Decorating can be, and often is, a long process. It may take time to find the right elements for your space. Buy something when you know it is the right fit. 

4. Decide on a vibe

Sleek and sophisticated? Bright and vibrant? Tranquil and relaxing? Benjamin Moore offers advice on how to create the feeling you want your room to offer. 

A warm, inviting, country feel
My family schoolhouse

5. Choose colour last

When picking out paint colours, consider existing elements in the space. These items include (but are not limited to) flooring, furniture, curtains, or lighting. Certain elements, like flooring, may be more permanent than others, which may dictate your colour choices. 

6. Mix old and new

Pieces from the past add individuality and character to a space. This antique bed frame complements the shape of this modern country lamp. 

Bed Frame, Au Lit Fine Linens Outlet

Lamp, Thornbury, Ontario

An antique dresser updated with a fresh coat of paint and new drawer handles. 

7. Consider your lighting 

How you see a colour in the paint store often changes in other spaces. Bring home multiple samples, in the same and different colours, and test its appearance on your walls. Test its appearance in natural light, under different weather conditions, at different times of day and with room lighting.

8. Test out colours

If you are unsure of whether a certain colour is appropriate for a space, buy a small paint sample to test how it looks. This should make you confident in your colour selection.  

*Colour Tip: Benjamin Moore's "Historical Colours" and "Designer Classics" have more layers and interest, than "Affinity" or "Colour Preview," and pair nicely with "Off-White Colours". 

9. Use pops of colour

Pops of colour add interest to a room and can be easily modified over time, if your taste changes. Consider using colourful cushions, lamp shades, throw blankets, or an accent wall to add colour to a space.  

10. Bring the outside in 

Plants are an easy way to bring life into a space and help to purify the air. If you're looking for something lower maintenance, fake plants are a good approach to add colour.

Plant life in a Toronto apartment

How would you decorate your space?