It’s time to think about changing the look of your home. Where do you start? A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words .When I begin a decorating project for myself, I look at decorating magazines. When I’m helping someone else, I tell them to look at decorating magazines. There are so many publications on the market with so many wonderful ideas. True, you may not be able to duplicate exactly what you see, but you can get inspiration and direction. Do you want a formal or a casual look? Are you drawn to American Country or French Country? Do you hate the color of the room but love the style of window treatment?

Cut the page out of the magazine and make a few notes on it about what you like. Is there a wonderful arrangement of plates on the wall that you can adapt to display your grandmother’s china? Tear out the page and make a note of it.

One time a client followed my directions. She went to the library (of course she did not tear out the pages!) and found the room she loved. I was able to find the exact fabrics she had seen for the living room and bedroom and she was thrilled. Since it was all available at retail—I didn’t do anything special, but having a picture of what she liked led me in the right direction. It’s not always that way, but many time you can find similar products which will produce equally satisfying results. The resources here on About can help to make it happen!

Reality TV, that is. With dozens of decorating reality TV shows on the airwaves you are sure to find one that uses styles and projects that may appeal to you. From TRADING SPACES to Bravo’s QUEER EYE FOR THE STRAIGHT GUY, there are more ideas than ever for the taking. Some of the programs are more fantasy than reality, but most of them have helpful tips to offer. And you get to see the wonderful transformations right before your eyes. Of course, not everyone has a whole team of professionals available to sweep in and do all the dirty work, but you may get some ideas for your own project.

Surf the Web

Interested in a certain line of furniture or lighting? Look up the websites for these companies to learn more about their products before heading out the door to shop. It's a great way to obtain measurements and specifications as well as browse options and finishes. Print out possibilities and compare them at your leisure. Many times you'll be able to find these items for sale on the web. In other cases you'll want to locate a retail outlet and see the products in person. Either way you can save time, energy, and gas by browsing the web first.

Another source for ideas is your friends. Now that you’re thinking about decorating, look around you. Be more observant. Probably the people you like have homes you like, since their home reflects who they are. Sometimes you’ll be surprised. More often than not, you’ll see ideas that you can bring into your own home.

When you do see things you like, be bold and ask for sources, recommendations, and advice. Most people are happy to share this information and you will have a place to start for your project.