How to Make a Room Chic

Stick to two or three colors in the room if you have contemporary furniture. These colors can be bold and contrasting or subdued, but keeping the number of colors you are using to a minimum will make sure your room never feels out of date. Black and white is a classic choice that rarely goes out of style, and you can add splashes of color with small pieces of furniture or accessories.

Avoid pastels and neon colors on your walls. Pastels have a tendency to look dated, and neon colors, though they may be popular for a short period of time, tend to come and go with the trends as well. Pick a basic, neutral color that works with different types of decor. If you want something simple, bright white gives you the flexibility to change your furniture and accessories at will. For something a bit brighter, try a light to medium yellow or blue.

Avoid cluttering up your flat surfaces with too many accessories and knick-knacks. Clutter tends to make a room look like it is poorly or half-heartedly decorated. While some accessories, like a vase with fresh or high-quality silk flowers in it, an antique music box or collectible books, can add interest to a room, using too many of them will make the room feel thrown together.

Choose furniture with sleek, straight lines instead of furniture with rounded edges and decorative fringe or carving to keep the room simple yet stylish, and avoid furniture that is overly stuffed with foam padding. This is especially important if you are decorating a small space, as large pieces of furniture with excessive padding tend to make the room feel stuffy instead of chic.

Use large prints and patterns sparingly. Large prints and patterns can give a room a bold look, but if you use them too much or mix and match the wrong patterns, the room will feel claustrophobic and poorly designed. For the best results, stick to one patterned item. For example, if you have wallpaper with a large stripe pattern, choose a sofa with a plain fabric to put in front of it.