HOW-TO...

Select Home Decor

Everything about your home says something about your style, tastes and preferences. Choosing furnishings and decor for your home is perhaps the most enjoyable part of moving into a new home.

From couches and chairs, tables and bookcases to selecting art and other decorative elements, choosing your home decor is an act of self-expression. But obtaining advice and the opinions of others you are close to can also aid you in decorating.

Here are some things to consider when decorating your home:

Match Your Personality

Home decor should be a reflection of who you are. Don’t think you have to follow the herd. You’re unique, and your home should be, too.

Whether you like excitement and adventure, which translates into bright colors and bold patterns in your home, or you prefer the calm, peaceful feeling of clean lines and muted tones, the right home decor will match your individuality.

Make a Statement

It’s important to find a few bold items that make a statement and set the stage for your room’s feel. Throw pillows on the couch or new artwork on the wall are simple ways to start. Pick a few items that create a visual or stylistic theme for your room. Then look for accessories that fit the theme.

The theme could be as simple as a color palette or something more literal, like a seaside-inspired room decorated like a beachfront getaway. Really, it’s up to your imagination.

Make You Feel at Home

The perfect home decor will just make you feel right. When you mix and match the right items and create a space that matches your lifestyle, it’s easier to relax and unwind in a room that makes you feel comfortable.

Design trends can be fun to follow, but a comfy, cozy feeling that’s unique to you — well, that’s timeless.

Seek Help If You Need It!

If choosing your own home decor seems like a daunting task, there are professionals that can help! Blending colors and patterns to introduce a new feel to your room or house is their forte.

A locally owned furniture and home decor store always has sales persons and designers that can provide advice. Sometimes they will visit your home to help with tasks such as color matching, fabric designs, space planning and furniture layout.

Visiting their store can give you many ideas as to what’s available and what brands that particular store carries. The sales/design person will gladly assist with meshing your current furnishing and decor with what you’d like to purchase.

A design professional will listen intently to your wishes and provide you with a style that’s personalized to exactly what you want. After all, building a lasting relationship to earn your repeat business is their goal.

Choose a Private School

The benefits of private schools are well-documented. Smaller class sizes, individualized attention, advanced curriculums and a focus on specific arts, sciences and athletic interests. They are model institutions where children can develop intellectually, emotionally and socially. Some parents turn to private schools out of personal experience and pride; others, troubled with the state of public education, opt for private schools to provide a more personalized or valuesbased upbringing. Still others value learning with an institution that shares specific religious values or beliefs.

If you’re considering doing the same, follow these steps to make sure you pick the best institution for your children.

First, evaluate your child’s educational goals and needs. Does he have natural gifts you are seeking to nurture? Are there physical or learning disabilities or behavioral issues that should be addressed? Has your child voiced an interest in science, math, sports or music?

Referrals from your child’s current school, teachers, guidance counselors, family and friends can be a good place to start in creating a list of potential private schools.

You should also consider what you believe an ideal school should offer. Make a list of these features. Will your child attend a local day school or boarding school? Are there travel or budgetary restrictions? Are extracurricular activities, such as sports, band, art or debate club important?

Conduct some research on the internet for schools that have these features. Most sites will have plenty of information as well as policy summaries. Look at photo galleries and videos. Some sites may even give virtual tours of the facilities. Think about your child’s daily commute to school. Are there suitable transportation options?

After looking at these considerations, you can now make a “short list” of schools. It will consist of institutions that fit your criteria. Ask your child for his or her opinion about these schools. Talk it over to decide which ones are best.

When the list is complete, it is time to narrow it down even further. Determine entrance requirements and ensure your child meets them before contacting a particular school.

Make a list of general questions along with a subset of specific questions for each school. Then start contacting the institutions. If their answers are satisfactory, make an appointment to visit them. While there, inquire about the enrollment paperwork and any testing your child will have to complete.

Check out the atmosphere of the school. Is it relaxed or competitive? Is there structure and discipline, or is it more free-flowing?

Most importantly, will your child feel comfortable there?

Be aware of how you are treated by the staff members. They will be dealing with your child throughout the day. Are they friendly, helpful and respectful? Try to meet as many of the staff and teachers as you can.

Imagine your family engaging in school activities. Is it easy to picture your child spending time there? If your child accompanies you to these appointments, ask him or her about the school. Children often have special insights and reactions to environments.

After all tours are complete, review your findings. You should be able to start eliminating schools.

Now that you have seen the school, asked questions and met the staff, you can also develop a better understanding of the financial cost of each school. Ask about financial aid, if needed.

With diligence and forethought, you should be able to apply to the school of your choice and have your child happily accepted.