Easy Design Without Spending A Dime!

People today are presented with so many options when it comes to decorating their homes and personal spaces. The number of web-sites devoted to this cause number into the thousands and present more choices than any sane person would ever actually need. But, by making the most of the options on a well-designed site you can take your design inspiration to new levels. Many people tend to start by collecting pictures of the colors, furniture, and accessories that they like. These pictures are often cut from a magazine or printed from pictures on the internet and can get quite messy very quickly. There are tools available on the internet that allow you to gather these things into a working page that can easily be saved, changed, or removed without messy scrap books, craft glue, paint or scissors. It is also important to note that the pictures need not reflect exactly what you're looking for, but, rather convey your general tastes in design and color. After all - it wouldn't really be any fun if someone else did it for you - would it?

Let's start with a great site that is very near and dear to my heart - keepabox.com. On this site you really need to setup an account - this way you can save your work between sessions and come back to finish when it's convenient for you (it's also a good idea to sign up for the newsletter - it's full of helpful articles about design and home decor). Once you have signed up for an account you can begin by using the fabulous search feature on the site to begin identifying major pieces in your room, color combinations, seasonal tones or just about anything else you can imagine.

For example, since Christmas is rapidly approaching - let's start by doing a search for the word 'Christmas' or 'Santa'. In the results of your search you will begin to see various seasonal items that should get your creative juices flowing. Even if a particular item isn't exactly what you're looking for - imagine how you could use the colors or combine the item with something else to achive the look you want. Choose the 'Buy it Now' link - which actually just adds the item to your cart - you don't actually have to 'Buy it Now' - but, you have that option. The screen will not change, but, you will notice that the shopping cart link at the top of your page will now show (1) items. You can click on the shopping cart link at any time to view the items you have collected. Sometimes just seeing a shape will lead you to your next inspiration. There are literally thousands of items that you can choose from to mix and match to achieve the look you desire.
Next, try searching for 'lamp' or 'table' to get more ideas about shapes and colors for your project. Again, focus mainly on the idea of what you want and try to visualize a combination of items to fine tune your exact vision. As you go from one page to another - remember to add the items to your cart so you can collect and compare your finds at the end of the session. Also, remember that your cart will be saved when you log-off so you can continue your design session anytime you choose.

Once you have compiled a good cart full of choices - click the 'shopping cart' link at the top of the page - you will be taken to the cart and you will be able to see each of your choices in a list. Now, you can contrast each of your selections with one another until you have the exact combination you need. When designing a new look it's often a good idea to purchase multiple items to customize the design over time - this way your look never has to look stale. Again, you can truly achieve that custom design look by combining items - try using a white side table along with several candles to create a mood-setting centerpiece. Let your imagination run wild and your home will be a truly custom treat for your entire family.