Create a Decorating Notebook - A decorating notebook doesn't need to be anything special. You can use a three-ring binder with a divided section for each room, or even a simple set of folders with one folder for each room. Put in pictures you have cut from magazines, your home floor plan and anything else you have collected such as sketches and fabric swatches. Be sure to include several photos of each room so that you can better visualize things when you're out shopping.

Decide On a Style - Choosing a style that will be consistent throughout you home will help you create continuity as you move from one room to another. Your overall style is most strongly reflected by your furniture choices. Visiting some home design websites can help you determine which styles most appeal to you.

Decide on a Few Stores - The easiest way to keep continuity throughout your home is to buy all of your home d'cor at just a few furniture stores. Purchasing all of your furniture from just one or two stores will automatically give a consistent base to your design.

Choose Your First Room - Which room you should choose to decorate first depends largely on your lifestyle. Choose the room that will give you the most satisfaction when completed. If you entertain frequently, choosing a room where your guests tend to gather, such as your living room or dining room, will give you a great feeling of satisfaction at the beginning of your design project. If you are more of a solitary homebody, you may want to choose your bedroom to decorate first. There's nothing like being able to relax in a newly created bedroom sanctuary at the end of a long day.

Create Relationships With Your Salespeople - The people on the sales floor at the furniture and home d'cor stores are more than salespeople. They are a great resource. They can help you solidify your choices and suggest ways to make the room you're decorating come together. When you visit a store you've chosen, bring your project notebook with you. Showing your notebook to your salesperson will give them a great idea of how you want your entire home to look, as well as what you want to do in the room your currently decorating. As you move through designing each room of your home, your salesperson can also let you know when new items you may be interested in arrive in the store.

Take Advantage of Special Services ? Each store will have different special services that they can offer you. Your salesperson can be very helpful with guiding you through possibilities such as high tech services, home visits or special discount programs.

Deciding to decorate your home one room at a time doesn't mean you need to sacrifice the look and feel of your entire home when everything has been completed. By following these simple guidelines you'll be able to create the home of your dreams, one room at a time.