Avoid the Cookie Cutter Craze in Home Decorating

Are you one of those people who can't help but decorate a room with just one single color? Do you have a weird obsession with just one shade that means everytime you head into a hardware store you buy everything in site that's even a remote shade of blue. There are an incredible number of other colors on offer but in your heart you just can't break away from that "favorite" color of yours can you?

The good news is that this is not necessarily your fault because lots of retail stores are doing this in their showrooms - deliberately matching an entire room in as few colors as possible. This might look pretty impressive when on display but it could quickly drive you nuts at home if you were to adopt this style yourself. Less is always more! Besides, there's an indescribable homey appeal to a mix-and-match style that exudes a distinct charm, far from all the generics of a matched up décor scheme!

Rooms and houses with these so-called cookie-cutter themes are easy to spot. They use only one color throughout the entire space, in the exact same shade! Although it's important that the colors you use don't look like some kind of abstract art, you can still coordinate colors of varying shades. For instance, try pairing up a baby blue bedspread with azure pillows. Just be careful of certain shades that don't quite combine well. They may make you feel uneasy rather than pleased.

When it comes to choosing furnishings, matching all your items tends to give the room that unapproachable quality. It's too perfect for planet earth! Would it be alright for wooden items not to be the same shade? Is it ok to match black with mahogany and other dark wood pieces? Well, it actually boils down to what you like. Don't worry too much, it's absolutely fine to use wood in a wide-range of stains as long as they are not placed side by side. Give each piece a space of its own. It's also a good idea to combine wooden furniture in diverse finishes. How about a team of blue chairs around a stark white breakfast table? All it needs is a fresh vase of flowers and the room would look perfectly sunshiney! When it comes to black accessories, these should never be left out in the overall design of a room. It complements the other colors present, helping them to really pop out!

While scouring through stores, you may find sets of matching fabrics. These were made by manufacturers with a keen eye for combining varying textures and shades that lend an interesting aura to a room. These deviations allow your own unique style to echo through your living space. You can also combine sets of fabrics coming from different brands. Not too sure about color combinations or texture matches? That nice saleslady might give out some tips. Go ahead and ask!

If retail stores don't really wet your appetite for unique accessories, opt for flea markets and antique shops that offer bargains all year long. You can enjoy great finds without getting a budget overload! Or how about doing it yourself? D-I-Y's are another wonderful option to display a bit of your creative side. So grab your tool kit and sew your own curtains. Do some painting on wooden furniture and even create your own special frames for family mementos! This adds personality to your design, at the same time, it's a fun way to dress up your space!

The final product of your design efforts will represent you as a person. You don't really want your friends thinking you're a one colour type person now do you? You'd seem way too boring! Even if people don't agree with your quirky décor style at least it will be 100% you!