Step 1: Decide on the look you want to achieve. Get some decorating magazines at the library and look through them for rooms that catch your attention. Start with the styles you know you don't want first, and eliminate those. Then, go through the others that you like to see if you can find your "perfect" room. Things to look for:

- What colors draw your attention?

- Do you prefer a clean or uncluttered look?

- Do you like a "country" or rustic feel?

- Is chrome and contemporary art more to your liking?

- Maybe you like Victorian: velvet and tapestries?

You don't have to have a specific style. You can go for "eclectic" which will bring different aspects of different styles together. You should have some common element, such as color, to make this work.

Realistically, most of us can't afford to totally make over a room. Usually we have to work with much of what we already have. Purchasing furniture that is neutral in color and lines will make it easier to adjust to a new style later on if you change your mind.

Do you have a style in mind? Then go on to...

Step 2: Select a Color Scheme

Color is the most important factor in decorating. You can have beautiful furniture and furnishings but if you have clashing colors on those furnishings, on carpet or on walls, it won't look right.

To develop a color scheme for you room (or your house), look at what you already have. What color or colors are in the pieces that you want to keep? If you don't like the color of the piece, can it be changed with paint or fabric? Does the piece of furniture fit your room's scale? What condition is it in?

Determine the predominating color of the pieces of furniture you will be keeping and go back to the pictures of rooms that you liked from step one. Which ones incorporate the colors that you have to work with? Decided on a color scheme? It's time for

Step 3: Think about your whole house when planning a room.

When planning a decorating project, remember that your living room is only one part of a whole. You don't want to walk from there into a dining room that is totally different in style and color. The rooms don't have to be exactly alike, but they should blend to some degree. Ready to go on?

Step 4: What is Your Budget?

To figure out how much you can afford to spend, list everything you need to buy to get the look you want. Then find out how much each of those items costs by going "shopping" online or going to your local stores. Look at furniture, slipcovers, paint, window treatments and accessories.

Think of creative ways to save money on some of those items. You may be able to find a wonderful sofa at a thrift shop that just needs upholstery work or a slip cover. Budget Set? Go to

Step 5: Set a Schedule for Your Decorating Project

First, decide of any part of the decorating project needs to be completed by a professional or if it can be done yourself. After you have scheduled the time for the contractor to do his work, set up times for the tasks that you will be doing - painting walls, scrape paint off windows, refinish wood furniture, shopping for accessories or furniture, laying new wood flooring, and so on.

Write each task down in your calendar, determining how long each step will take. When everything is written down, you should have a general estimate of the ending date of your project. Of course, if you have a job, it will take longer because you'll only have evenings and weekends to work.

Most decorating projects aren't easy, but they can be accomplished by using these five steps of decorating.