Nancy's sample board can be used in several ways. You will notice that there are a variety of textures, scales, sheens and patterns as discussed last week in Parts 3 and 4. Nancy can pick one stripe, one plaid, one small pattern, one solid silk for sheen, etc. from the swatches above.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-nGk1pv4CAZIzsFhM9PGYo1FR9zanrFXO711JVRaWDA1AOEmmBk8GX8t8a8dlFJQQwRGhyACrJXQki13cNMlpvw2XgU1433EHOpPvpmL1xqoMbcMJNtltCeYDX666NyB65SqsympYV7kQ/s200/nancy%2527s-board1-left.jpg)
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie9P81YxQ9K-m1vArqmpk6CO_6MPY-gs98z7mWpQKgytIdoCTsSOxuAhs15OkPkAm7An51ddBUf-MPndNDn97N6wqOp6p5DkWp-zgRZSQgrmIF8fFLYWrVXXonEhIpIPbezjyVmLrp0Rai/s200/nancy%2527s-board1-top-right.jpg)
look) or the textured velvet (for a more casual feel). Both provide a wonderful tactile quality. The cornice above the solid satin drapery panel on the left is actually covered with a wide wallpaper border (or frieze) that happens to echo the flowers and colors of the inspiration fabric beautifully.
Similarly, Nancy can choose from the fabrics on the bottom half, and even select more than one pattern since all (except the striped lisere) are quite different.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0i_5TDeKlAh7YbPCSol_a6CCBN_oQi3rQAA_tjPKelumWuse_7S9depEYSZUYffqDOwjaHAqRV6ibygULSGm2riOUHfgpApjWMNA5_gNNF8ZsEca12n4oOce1ku8SyrvSIDsX6YqWAxOe/s320/nancy%2527s-board1-bottom-half.jpg)
Once you have decided on your fabrics, plan where they will be used. Do not use all of one fabric, color, texture, pattern, or sheen in one area of the room. Think in terms of balance in using them.
For example, if your inspiration fabric is a floral used on a sofa and a chair, as in the example below, you might use the same fabric for a couple of pillows to toss on another chair (whether part of that seating group or elsewhere in the room), and/or as a valance for the window treatments. Then your second fabric (such as a coordinating plaid or stripe ) could be used as a comforter or duvet and for Roman shades and to upholster a chair or cover a table. Your third selection might be a luxurious solid or tone-on-tone fabric that can be used to trim the curtains, make shams for the bed pillows, and to cover a bench at the foot of the bed.
Be sure to consider your walls and floors when selecting fabrics, as they provide additional places and sources of color and patterns. The scale of your furniture should also be considered. The same "rules" outline above can be used. Just substitute a wallpaper for one of the fabrics. Wallpaper can even be your starting point instead of a fabric. And lighter weight fabrics can be used as (removable) wallpaper! These are not hard and fast rules, and exceptions can often be successfully made but this guide is meant to be just that -- a guide to help you build the confidence and skills to create the room of your dreams.
Here are some additional informational and DIY resources you may find helpful:
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwPWvSNotrsjHTpR8Gi7KClIPG-fI6epAlGJN1BY59dz0QzEhKqwU7iocZT1xk7KxKxPqdfGtejXE3cb5dkOD0abz-7lihSf5986k1n3VZ5vYVQwEBC7SYm1Vmu0bW58HyFHpM0Ze7ts0P/s200/draft_lens19821067module162173435photo_1349322156a--a-a.jpg)
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik70Pv_cV4jyVlNCwN5MTVnHusdf6EVkQVKVkeSaZvVs-sZve2wCzKYuyMx-5ZQibSYVBfQ00v3HNBkaNJ-9TkZ0PwhOlqM51ftkJfa7ZM6b_8fVPeU8RRwx5aDhbummIWFDiv0yBQ78Rj/s200/color-swatch-wall.jpg)
You don't have to be a professional interior decorator to understand and apply some basic principles of interior design that will help you create a comfortable and functional home with style.Whether you want to rearrange furniture in your living room, update your bedroom decor, create a guest room, shop for a dining room chandelier, or are downsizing or starting from scratch with your first studio apartment, the tips on this page will help you make the choices that are right for you and your lifestyle.
This DIY Guide shows you how to hang artwork, individual shelves or shelving units, closet organizers, cabinets, curio cases, media storage, speakers, flat screen tvs, kitchen cabinets, heavy mirrors and more. Our guide to hanging items on walls explains how to determine what type of wall you have and the mechanics of hanging items on different types of walls (drywall or sheetrock, plaster, brick and stone, etc.) including what type of tools and hardware you will need to hang everything from family photos to heavy mirrors. You will learn the the basics and some easy-to-do but more advanced options plus we've included tips the pros use, important links for safety information, how-to videos, and much more.