What do following have in common? 1) Boxes of odds & ends collecting dust in basement

2) Bags of discarded curtains, bedspreads and pillows in attic

3) Half empty paint cans stacked against a wall in garage

It could mean you have a hard time parting with anything, however, in this case all these point to decorating attempts gone astray.

Let me continue with a short story: “The Discovery” Once upon a time there was a very cluttered basement. Over years occupants of home had done nothing but toss things down there.

When it finally became obvious that only way to get from one side to other was with use of a road map, Mom decided it was time to clean house.

As she began going through numerous boxes and after opening an infinite number of storage bags, she began to realize that one particular phrase was continually being repeated, “Why did I buy this”.

After what seemed like an eternity in basement, she moved on to check other parts of house.

What she discovered probably could have been used in a Steven King novel, abandoned items in basement has multiplied and had taken up residence in every out of way space they could find.

Why? Remember impulse buying, well it’s less likely to occur if you’ve planned and written down items specifically for that one room.

Think about it this way; You go to grocery store without a list, what happens? Everything looks good, so you end up buying extra things you do not need and probably forget a few essential items.

Tip: A large notebook or blank writing journal will help make this process easier.

This will come in handy for jotting down ideas, measurements, color choices, keeping track of purchases even drawing out a layout of your room. Also, if your purchasing any large items furniture, lighting, carpet etc. this is a good place to keep track of stores that carry things you’ve seen and prices. Now that you have chosen room, next step is to think about how room is used.

Sound like a strange thought, well not really. This will determine direction your decorating goes in.