Hey, youve been working hard at your career for a number of years, but you havent taken the time to really make yourself a home. Why not? Dont wait for a better half, a mate, or a spouse, do it for yourself now. Dont wait till you buy a house - an apartment, condo, even a tent qualifies as a home space worthy of decorating. Youll enjoy entertaining in style rather than always complaining that your place isnt done or ready. If you live there, it counts. You deserve it!

Design and decorating is a valuable process of self discovery and it is through working on your homes interiors that you will really find yourself, establish your priorities, and create the lifestyle you want. Ready to start? Here is a simple, valuable ten-step plan for making it happen.

1. The first step is to create a road map. By the room, make a list of the pieces you think you will need to complete each space. This list is general, for example in a bedroom you might have listed: a king bed, two nightstands, a dresser, and armoire (for TV), artwork, greenery, lamps. This is just a guideline of what you will need. Dont get bogged down in details, and how each piece will look, that comes later. Do this for each room, including the bathrooms, and be sure to note any changes you want to make in finishes like tile, countertops, hardware and such.

2. Secondly, you need to establish an idea file. Go through current design and decorating publications and catalogues (online print outs are good too) and tear out pictures of rooms you like the feeling of, pieces of furniture you like, and even rugs, and artwork you enjoy. In the case of individual pieces, be sure to circle the pieces in question, as when you return to the file, you may forget what it is you liked. File these by room either in a three ring binder with dividers for each room, or an accordion file with a separate pocket for each space. Dont save entire magazines, it takes up too much room and much too much time to go back through to find what you liked. Be sure to review your wish files regularly as you are likely to change your mind a few times, and the next favorite can always be right around the corner. Dont worry about being all over the board. In the next step youll want to consider getting some professional guidance and the right one will be able to find the common theme in your files.

3. Now its time to investigate some professional expertise. Unless this is truly your talent and you have the time, it will save you both time and money to hire a designer or decorator for at least a consultation to guide and direct you in the process of furnishing your home. They all work differently, so ask dont assume. Many will do consultations. Be sure it is someone you are comfortable with, have reviewed their portfolio and checked references. They are there to work with you, educate in the options available, and make professional recommendations, not intimidate or insult. The best places to find such a professional is by referral from friends, an online web search reviewing their websites, or contacting a favorite you saw published. A designer or decorator can also help you establish a realistic spending plan and steer you to appropriate resources if you want to embark on this process solo. Remember this is moveable money and flexible investment. If you buy it right the first time, you wont waste time and money on a replacement later. It moves with you next time so you arent doing this all over again, unless you want too!

4. With some of the critical homework behind you, you are ready to start the process of decorating your home. In each room start either at the top with artwork as inspiration, or at the bottom with a rug as artwork for the floor. It is much simpler to start this way than in the middle, this is not an Oreo cookie, but your house! The artwork or rug will act as a guideline on the colors and mood you are creating. You are the constant, so generally speaking there will be a consistency and continuity in your selections. Remember a pro can always be part of the process in guiding, translating, and delivering your vision.

5. Step five in realizing your ideal interiors is the selection of major pieces of furniture. In a bedroom this is the bed, dresser, and armoire, in a great room it is the sofa and chairs. Upholstery always comes first in these spaces and in a bedroom that means the bedding. If you keep your main pieces simpler and quieter (not boring) you are less likely to tire of them and they will not get dated as quickly. In other words, on a sofa, a textured chenille fabric in a loden green, or muted taupe, or even rich persimmon will age better than a vivid plaid, or cheerful large floral. Keep your patterns and vivid visuals to accents pieces that you can change out.

6. Some of you men out there are going to be inclined to go leather all the way. Dont! One piece is enough. It is an important consideration and part of your plan to mix your materials. Get a balance soft vs. hard, slick vs. textured, shiny vs. mat finish, smooth vs. nubby. The more texture, the less dirt, wear, and soil will show. Go for timeless and classic and you can update seasonally. Be open to a variety of textiles, cotton prints, linens, chenilles, tapestries, damasks, leather, wovens. Variety will also make it look like you have created this over time, a collected feeling instead of the room in a box look.

7. Okay, time to make it functional and add tables and surfaces; remember that every seating surface needs a place in arms reach to put a drink, a book, or even a TV remote (or many remotes as so many homes seem to have today.) Mix your elements in casegoods too, wood, of course, but dont forget metal, glass, ceramic, and painted finishes. You want to coordinate, not match (again this is where that expert help can really be valuable.) Mix up your shapes, dont make it all square and hard edges, rounds and ovals are much friendlier to small children (even if they arent yours, you may be an aunt or uncle), and adult shins. Many pieces are available today with drop leaves, or even a height adjustment for multiple purpose use. Small spaces require multi-function, and the same pieces can be added to later for a larger room.

8. Now layer in some softgoods; that is the pillows, throws, table runners, and even draperies. These elements add interest, character, and personality as well as carrying the color scheme and pattern to a vertical level. They create balance and warmth. They dont have to be fussy or froufrou, but add invitation and warmth. Pillows can be simple, tailored or fringed and decadent. Throws are great for curling up with or that nap on the sofa. Table runners help a large expanse of wood or glass look friendly; they do need to be long enough to run off the ends of the table. Draperies can frame views, control light, give privacy and aid in acoustical benefit. Again, they can be straight panels, no bells and whistles or pull out all the stops and do it up with tassels and trim, swags and more. Call that professional for advice and recommendations.

9. No matter how terrific your design is, no matter how colorful, elegant, lively or peaceful, it wont matter if you dont have good lighting. Overheads are fine for cleaning, but you really need lamps, both table and floor to set the mood and welcome. You can mix your lamps just as you mixed your other materials. A single room can have a variety of shapes, shades, and light qualities. It makes it lively. Remember you want to create a collected look, as if it evolved over time, not just a few hours spent at your local retailer and you bought the room setting. Dont match your lamps, unless your tables are matched.

10. The last step is perhaps the most vital of all make it personal. Add mementos, collectibles, personal photographs well framed, and artwork. This is the part that really makes it yours and no one elses. What makes you smile, what do you want to see everyday! Watercolors from street side vendors on trips youve taken are a wonderful reminder of good times had, just as a ceramic or glass piece that you picked up native to a country adventured captures the moment. (Please no airport souvenirs.) If you collect sports memorabilia, put it up on display. This is your pad, your house, your haven from the world, your space to do with as you please. Perhaps you have a grouping of autographs, Lladro figurines, German beer steins, or even ball caps, whatever it is, if you like it, use it. If working with a professional, let them know what you like, they can often bring in original works that are specific to your interests, and even your travels. At the least they can take what you have and maximize it to advantage.

Once you have it all together, its time to celebrate! Create the invite list and host a housewarming. If you prefer to do this over time, have a room warming for each room as it is completed. Be sure to tell friends what youd like to have, maybe even consider registering at Pier 1 Imports, Home Expo, Bed Bath Beyond and more. Dont make them guess and pick a variety of price points to please them all. Youll get some finishing touches, and a great chance to share you new dcor with friends, family and more. Get comfortable and make it a beautiful life now.

2006 Melissa Galt

Melissa Galt, Lifestyle Designer, Speaker, & Author, is the owner of Melissa Galt, Inc., a full service interior design firm based in Atlanta. She has been decorating clients homes all over the Southeast for more than a decade, making their interior visions come true. She speaks to audiences nationally, on how to use design as the catalyst for creating the life youve always dreamed of.

Melissa is the creator of Design Destinations, a free monthly guide to designing your signature life. To sign up for her FREE monthly newsletter, visit http://www.melissagalt.com