If your home were to write a personal ad, would it look something like this?

“Charming, but lived-in SFH (Single Family Home) craving adventure. Prefers urban lofts, but open to new experiences. No Victorian, Country or Shabby Chic, please”.

Is your home crying out for a new look, but you find yourself struggling with where to begin? Don’t waste your time hoping your perfect décor match will magically appear. You’ve got to get yourself out there, jump in feet first and make it happen! Start with home magazines, model homes, and design centers to help you identify your desired style.

-Use fabric or artwork as inspiration for your color palette, choosing no more than three shades. You can then select furniture to coordinate and contrast the look.

-Does your current furniture reflect the style you crave? If the pattern or color is the biggest factor, consider re-upholstering or a slipcover for an easy update. Pre-made slipcovers are also an option for an interim fix, until your budget can accommodate furniture replacement or the hiring of a professional.

-Is the wallpaper or wall color contributing to the outdated look? Paint is the least expensive method of transforming a room with the highest impact. Select the color for your furnishings first, though. It’s much easier to find a paint color to blend with your sofa than it is to find a sofa in the right style AND color to blend with your walls. Your local paint store can also create custom blends if you are having a difficult time finding just the right shade.

-Accessories are often the easiest way to inexpensively bring a room together. Look for items that complement your color palette. When it comes to artwork, you may even be able to use your existing frames with your new art.

When all else fails, consult an Interior Redesigner. They are the matchmakers of home décor, carefully screening your options and taking your own furnishings into consideration to find your true design match.

Leigh Newport is owner of Staged by Design Home Staging and Interior Redesign. www.Staged-by-Design.com, serving Northern Virginia.

*Originally published in the Loudoun Independent, October 2008, written by Leigh Newport