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Do not force too much furniture into a small room or space.

Do be realistic about the room size and furniture needed.  Use graph paper and furniture templates (provided in the Decorator Secrets Kit or sold in office supply stores) to arrange the furniture you have and desired pieces.  Move the scaled furniture templates around on the graph paper until you come up with the best arrangement.  Consider moving some of the furniture off the walls and into the room space.  This will create interesting seating arrangements and maximize the available space in many rooms.  As long as the furniture template and graph paper are of the same scale (1/4 inch = 1 foot), this is a very reliable method for everyone to use. You can trust the look on paper to be appropriate in the actual room or space.

Do not paint without testing a paint sample before you start your paint project.

Do a test of paint samples in your home before you spend a large amount of time and money on the project.  I have seen so many people over the years who have been disappointed with their paint color choices.  They almost always choose a color from a paint chip and begin painting.  By the time they have finished most of the paint project, they discover it’s too dark, light, or totally wrong.  This problem can be entirely and completely eliminated.  Even though it will require a little effort and minimal expense, the trade off is immense.

Buy the smallest amount of paint available for testing.  Paint an area approximately 2 feet x 2 feet on the darkest wall (usually the wall with windows) and the lightest wall (usually the wall opposite the windows).  Live with the sample for a couple of days to be sure you’re on the right track.  If you’re happy with the paint shade, then proceed.  If you are not happy, reselect and test again in the same manner.  Use this same testing technique for exterior paint choices as well.  The sunlight and time of day will play tricks on the exterior colors.  View your test sample from all angles and times of the day for the best results.

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