Whats Your Design Sign?

If you've been consistently bewildered about how to make your style happen in your home, relax, take a deep breath and forgive yourself. We don't come into this world with knowledge, we learn as we go!

At first glance, interior design appears to be about the latest trends, beautiful fabrics, furniture or rugs, and the hottest label.

First of all, let me tell you what I'm not going to talk about! I'm not going to talk here about current trends, what's in, what's out. I'm not going to show you homes of movie stars or business tycoons. I'm not going to show you rooms and rooms of expensive furniture that you might be able to afford-- or not.

So, you won't find the answer on any TV show, in any magazine or website.

The answer is in you!

After serving over one thousand clients in 25 years, the secret of creating a dream home is-- dreaming! So, the first step is knowing what you want.

Experts and authors who talk about goal setting, from Napoleon Hill to Anthony Robbins to Lynne Grabhorn, talk about a FEELING. Yes, written goals are essential, but where does the writing come from? A book? Someone else's goals? No! They come from YOU! Have you ever really explored what is important to YOU?

From trash to treasure

Here's an exercise for you to do. It will help you pick your home accessories, but it will also help you find your individual style, your "Design Sign".

Go up into your attic, rummage through your closets, look under your beds and pull out the things you packed away. Pull them out and lay them on the floor. What items make you feel good, bring you joy that you'd forgotten?

Look through any decorating magazines you have lying around (or any other magazines, for that matter). What images stir your heart, make you smile, and move you? Start clipping pictures and pasting-just a few if you don't have a lot of time.

As you go about your day, look for things that make you feel good. I'm not talking about expensive things or status items; I'm talking about the simple, subtle images and memories that bring you peace, joy and comfort. Only you know what they are. These are the things that bring Beauty into your life, not the latest trip to the shopping mall.

Echoes of Childhood Past

Think about the places you lived growing up. If you have pleasant memories, recall them. What gives you a sense of safety, excitement, wonder?

Growing up, I loved to ride horses on our family farm. I liked everything about it: the green fields, the sound of wind in the trees, and yes, even the smell of manure!

So it's not surprising I live in a bungalow in the middle of horse country. No, it's not a "McMansion" in a trendy zip code. I moved there because of the feeling of freedom I had when I was a kid.

Believe it or not, your conscious intention to find these things will influence your attention to noticing them! If this sounds strange, believe me when I tell you I've seen stranger things. I have my clients do just these things, and I've seen them come alive when they rediscover parts of themselves they had forgotten.

For me, this is the whole point of interior design: creating a home that is warm, expressive, and personal. The first step on the path of self-discovery-- before buying anything, or reading anything-- is to spend a little time with yourself and those you love.

Good luck and happy decorating!

Mary Cynthia Knowles is an interior designer with over 2,500 clients in her portfolio. She has been sharing her home decorating knowledge and teaching the joy of self-expression for over 25 years.

For an expanded version of this article, complete with a quiz and illustrations, please visit http://www.decoratebydesign.com/hom e-decorating-ideas.htm

---

Japanese Sword: A Great Piece for Any Home

A Japanese Sword is a wonderful decoration to add to... Read More

A Look at Wine Glass Racks

Any wine collection is not complete without a collection of... Read More

The Benefits of Quartz Cuckoo Clocks

Unlike windup cuckoo clocks, which require rewinding every one, two... Read More

An Introduction to Shutters

Window shutters can serve many purposes. In areas of the... Read More

Save Money & Time... Plan Home Decorating Projects

Why is planning home decorating projects important? Let's start by... Read More

Antiques, Collectibles, & Memorabilia: Do You Know the Difference?

The world of antiques can be confusing. What's the difference... Read More

Quick And Easy Bathroom Decor Changes

Are you tired of the way your bathroom looks? Don't... Read More

How to Kickstart a Good Bedroom Design Project?

Dear friends,Any room in your home is primarily a space... Read More

Decorating with Authentic Zebra Decor

We all take a certain pride in the interior of... Read More

Ivory Like Sholapith Sculptures from India

In the past, collectors have been fascinated with sculptures of... Read More

Book Shelf Decorating Idea & Tip

If you have book shelves in your home, and lots... Read More

A Look at Vending Massage Chairs

Vending massage chairs are coin-operated devices that can be found... Read More

How to Decorate Spaces for People

When it comes to decorating your home, forget about the... Read More

For A Pleasant Smelling Home

If you're anything like me and the scent of something... Read More

Are You Hiring The Wrong Florist?

Many people agree that flowers are one of the most... Read More

Bollywood Boudoir... On A Budget

"Bollywood" is the next really big thing in interior decor.... Read More

Common Waterbed Sheet Materials

Several materials are used to make waterbed sheets. Waterbed owners... Read More

Decorating on a Shoestring Budget

Right now one of the most popular shows on television... Read More

Your Heritage and Personal Decorating Style

Ethnic traditions, customs, and attitudes carry forward our family values.... Read More

The Benefits of Laminate Bamboo Flooring

Bamboo, a grass once conjuring up images of Pandas and... Read More

Beyond Paint: Decorating Walls With Stencils

Painting walls in various colors is a quick and easy... Read More

Blackout Blinds

Tired of waking every morning with a stripe of blinding... Read More

How Curtains Can Change the Look of Your Home

The roles of curtains have changed. At one time they... Read More

An Introduction to Adjustable Beds

Adjustable beds, also known as Semi-Fowler beds, can be adjusted... Read More

Have You Considered These Space-Saving Bed Designs To Maximize Your Interior Decorating Space?

Vertical and functional space planning are two of the most... Read More

The Advantages of Wooden Wine Racks

Wood wine racks provide the best storage system for a... Read More

Decorating with Brains

Did I get your attention? Sorry, I just couldn't resist!... Read More

Conservatory Furniture - Hints and Tips

No conservatory is complete without beautiful conservatory furniture to relax... Read More

Decorating for Real Life and Real People

I spent a recent weekend curled up with a stack... Read More

A Look at Bathroom Vanity Mirrors

Bathroom Vanity Mirrors are an integral component of the bathroom... Read More

Mission Style Lighting - Its Timeless Beauty Continues

If you ask most people to tell you about Mission... Read More

Home Decorating Tips - How to Change a Rooms Dimension using Wall Pictures

The Basic Role of Pictures Wall art plays an... Read More

Bar Stools & Counter Stools - Tips on How To Select the Right Style for Your Space

If you have a breakfast bar or wet bar in... Read More