Well, ladies let's face it, one of our biggest decorating dilemmas is convincing our husbands that decorating our home is more important than a new car, boat, lawn mower, tool or toy, he just has to have.  Most of us can relate to this, including me.  If you're significant other has as much interest in decorating your home as you do, that is unusual, and has it’s own set of problems as well.  Either way, compromise is the winning answer!  First, let me explain, it is perfectly natural for you to want your home to be beautiful (it's a nesting thing).   It's also, perfectly natural for your husband to want a comfortable home, but not particularly care about the things that are important to you.  Helping him to visualize your plan without nagging can help the problem immensely.  Before you approach him with your ideas, get them organized, thought out, and be confident.

My experience has taught me that most men lose patience regarding decorating when their wives are very indecisive, and wishy washy.   Dragging them all over town looking at furniture, art, nik-naks, etc, is not their idea of fun.  Most men tolerate this to a point, to make you happy, but usually there is a limit to their patience.  Obviously, they should have a role in choosing large purchases.  Although, I have found the least amount of time you require of them for the shopping stage the happier you and he will be.

Let's assume you have your Color Scheme chosen (see our Color Scheme Guides), and a style defined, spend some time looking around for the things needed to achieve your design project, narrowing the final choices down.   Gathering the Color Scheme Guide, pictures, magazine cut outs, and copies from furniture stores, etc., organize them in a display fashion.  Be sure to estimate the cost as close as possible, he will certainly ask.  You are now ready to propose your interior decorating plans to your husband.

Most of us have busy lives and families to care for.   The need for a comfortable, happy, cheerful, beautiful, romantic, practical, and functional home, achieved in the most cost effective way is a necessity.  Using some of these adjectives when discussing your project with your husband, can be very effective.   For example, our master bedrooms are often the last to get attention, but should be one of the first.  Develop a design plan and color scheme that meets all the above criteria, especially a romantic, beautiful and practical room that can make both of you very happy.  Be careful not to make this room entirely feminine, but mix plaids, stripes, florals and solids, balancing the patterns and colors appropriately. (see Color Scheme guides)  Your effort to compromise in color and style will result in a romantic, cozy, comfortable room for both of you.

Hopefully your beginning to see the value in having an organized plan, proper tools, and good professional tips.  Now, it is possible to create the home you’ve always dreamed of!

I believe I should dwell a little more on the issue of your decorating budget. In most cases, the money is the bottom line.  Sure, we all think we can do a great job if we just had enough money to spend.  If you have a healthy budget, but still lack confidence, my system can help you too.  Most of us need to decorate on a limited budget, so the need to be clever with our decorating is very important.  Explain to your husband or other half that you have a plan that has been decided upon, (so you are not making costly changes) that you have researched the cost, either for contracting things to be done, or doing them yourself.  Then explain that the function and practical needs may justify the expense.  For example: a built-in desk for the children - can help grades, keep things neat, provide storage space, etc.   You get the idea!  These can all help in convincing your spouse it's time to decorate and fix-up.

Please understand, these tips have only scratched the surface about this very special, but common decorating dilemma.  Through years of working with clients, including couples and single men, I have found that a practical, confident and visual approach is extremely effective in helping men to visualize your plan.  The Color Scheme Guides and the supplement page of accessories, art, etc., can be an invaluable tool to help you convince him of the value and need to decorate your home.

Happy decorating!

Click here to see 18 Professionally Designed Color Scheme Guides