? Do sketch your floor plan and record the room dimensions, window sizes and placement, and the location of special features, electrical outlets, and so on.

Take your floor plan with you when you shop.

? Do take the time to discover your personal style by reading shelter magazines, attending show houses, and browsing online and in stores to learn what styles and colors really appeal to you.

? Do identify the focal point of the room (a fireplace, a view, a bed, an armoire).

? Do use a mix of patterns -- large-scale, small-scale, checks, stripes, geometrics, plain -- when coordinating a room.

? Do consider the uses and function of a room before deciding on furnishings and arrangements. For example, if your dining room will also be your study, then you'll need room for a desk, books, lighting, and files as well as the dining room table and chairs.

? Do choose accessories that reinforce the color and style theme of a room.

? Do emphasize the important elements of the room and play down the unattractive or unimportant elements.

? Do use a variety of textures (smooth, rough, shiny, dull) when you want to add interest to a room.

? Do reinforce the style and theme of a room with appropriate details and accessories.

? Do install more details in a plain boxy room. Consider crown molding, wainscoting, and other applications to add interest and character.

? Do consider the location of your home and the architectural style when planning interiors.

Decorating "rules" are made to be broken. Not every project will lend itself to every so-called rule.

However, following the rules can help give your project a focus that a more haphazard approach may not. Now, here are some of the decorating "don'ts".

? Don't paint your walls then go out looking for fabrics to match.

Paint can be mixed in any of a thousand colors, so select the final shades after upholstery, carpeting, and curtain fabrics are chosen.

? Don't paint a room without trying a sample of the color in the room. Tiny paint chips can be deceiving as to tone and depth of color, so always paint a test board to confirm your choices.

? Don't turn your back on the focal point of the room by arranging furniture away from this important feature.

? Don't forget the details. If your theme is Mediterranean, look for iron lamp bases, weathered iron drawer pulls, and tile tables. If you love Cottage then use painted white accessories, floral accents, and lace.

? Don't choose colors standing in a store.

Try to take samples (of paint, fabrics, and floor coverings) back to your home and look at them in daylight and at night.

? Don't spend a lot of money on expensive items that are "trendy". Try out trends that truly appeal to you by experimenting first with inexpensive accessories.

? Don't ignore the mood effects of color -- red is exciting, pale blue soothing, green calming, and yellow is happy -- so choose color schemes that underscore the feeling you want to create in your home.

? Don't blow your entire budget on something that isn't functional, classic, or long-lasting, unless you're completely smitten and can't live without it. In general it's best to start with the basics and build from there.

These are just a few ideas to get you started on your home decorating project. For more help and tons of ideas visit GoCeilingMedallion.com. We are your GO TO people for all your home decorating needs. If you don't see what you want, let us know. We'll find it.