Lesson 1: The Five Basic Factors
Introducing the five essential or "basic" factors you need to consider before you start remodeling or redecorating any room.
Introduction
You are standing in the middle of a room – bedroom, living room, kitchen, family room – and something just isn't right. In spite of your efforts, you don't feel comfortable with it. You and your family seldom use the room, or you grumble because you can't find what you need, or the space is cramped, or...whatever the problems, you know something has to be done. And, because just like most folks, you don't have a lot of money, you're going to do "something" yourself! This means you've joined the DIY people: "Do It Yourselfers" – welcome!
There are five essential factors you will need to address before you choose a single paint chip or pick up a screwdriver. These are:
1. Function
2. Color
3. Light
4. Focal Point
5. Traffic Flow
Each of these will be the focus of a section of this first lesson.
Once you have mastered these important concepts, you'll be ready to make a simple floor plan or layout.
It is not necessary to purchase any of the books mentioned in the Resources area, and you can also do very well by borrowing them from the library. Similar books on these subjects can also be found at Amazon.com. The books I've suggested are: Using What You Have, by Lauri Ward; and The Perfect Palette, by Bonnie Rosser Krims. Links to other web site sources can also be found listed in the Resources section.
You will find an occasional word is also a link - to the Glossary of Interior Decorating Terms. It will be helpful to take a quick look at the definition before continuing with the Lesson.
