Decorate

Like you Debbie I have much experience in the interior design/decorating world. I was diagnosed with melanoma in 2002. I had started a design business in 1979 and was very busy in it by 2002. The cancer diagnosis changed my life and my perceptions of life. I closed the business in 2004 and started another in 2005. Along with my 2 sisters I started Spirited Sisters Inc.. We design modest and dignified clothing to wear while being treated medically; whether a simple yearly visit to the doc or a daily treatment of chemotherapy, our Healing Threads help the patient maintain their dignity and modesty while empowering them to take ownership of their disease or illness and become part of the treatment, not just a passive bystander to it. As my journey as a Recovery Wear clothing designer evolved, I found that my interior design background was an asset and that many design concepts are shared by both: 1.) soft shades of blue and green are the most peaceful colors, but soft is the operative word. Use it as a color of a room or on one wall of a room, or as an accent color in a pillow or throw. 2.) speaking of color, if you are not sure which colors you lean to, and you have lots of photos from magazines collected, try looking in your closet. Usually the colors you wear are colors that look good on you and that you like. 3.) try to keep art work that is calming and peaceful, no need to stress yourself out after a bad cancer day with a disturbing or jarring piece in the room! 4.) think soft, soft, soft. Your definition of soft may be different from someone else's, so sit on that sofa or chair for more than a second at the store. And sit in lots of them until you discover what it is that you like about the "sit"; is it the soft chenille fabric or the polyester fill or combo of poly and down on the inside? Is it the depth of the chair/sofa, the height of the arm a/o seat? Is it large enough to sit with your feet curled up under you? With that info you can then look for the perfect piece that will envelop you as you sit. 5.) don't forget what music can do for your space. Try to include it so that it is easy and accessible to you in your comfy spot. 6.) Pay attention to the light in the room. Natural light is wonderful, but not if it is streaming in onto your face while you try to rest! Or coming in so strong that it heats up the room to an uncomfortable degree! There are all sorts of window treatments that soften the light coming in. Visit a blind store or big box store that have displays of various treatments. 7.) Hire an interior decorator/designer! "Bing" decorators in your area; ask people who have used a decorator to recommend one; view her/his portfolio and/or website, speak with them on phone or in person, ask for references and call them, discuss your budget and what you want. Many will quote you an hourly fee to come to your home, make suggestions, and consult while you do the running around and the purchasing. They will also accompany you to stores or design centers. 8.) Good Luck, a well designed room can do wonders for your mood and your attitude and will help with your recovery! Good for you for thinking that way!