Charlotte Moss:  "Actually the first thing doesn't have to do with buying anything.
The first thing people should do is have a heart to heart talk with their spouse about where their priorities may be. Sometimes they find out that each one has a different priority about what they see happening first in their house or what they need to own. One person might say 'I want a fabulous bed in the master bedroom' while the other says, 'The living room has to come first.' You don't know these things until you have that heart-to-heart chat.
"I always recommend that you sit down and create a master plan, and then prioritize. Then the first thing will just logically bubble to the surface. Really, to me it's about creating the plan and having the chat. I do it with all my clients, no matter how much money they're spending."

Ann Fox: "I'd recommend rugs and floorcoverings first, especially if you're planning on anything other than a neutral. If you'll be buying an 'investment' rug (antique, Oriental, etc.), it's better to buy it first -- before choosing your fabrics -- as long as your budget allows. It's a lot more difficult to find a rug after fabrics. Even neutral floorings, such as sisel, should be chosen first because the tones can vary quite a bit.

"An ideal 'Dream Order' to follow would be:
      1. Floorcovering
      2. Windowcoverings (if non-neutral -- curtains can make a statement, so choose wisely)
      3. Sofa
      4. Chairs
      5. Accessories"

      Lyn Peterson: "Before you move in [to a new home] give the house a coat of "landlord white". OK maybe it's not always white -- sometimes it's Linen White, or White Dove, or Cameo White. Remember, the cost is the same, the elbow grease is the same, and the preparation is the same -- only the top coat of color is different. So, get some decorating benefit from your painting dollar by carefully considering the color.

      "The same color will appear vastly different when moved from room to room. Just this morning I was mixing paints for a new homeowner. The same paint was a pinky taupe in the kitchen and a lemon chiffon yellow into the living room. She could not believe it was the same paint color. Reflection was contaminating her choice. What does that tell you? Check your color in all rooms before painting them the 'same' color.

      "Take the time and effort to pick colors that fill the space, enhance your possessions, and make you feel good about your choices. No 'just for now' paints for anyone over the age of 30. If you really really can't decide, then have the painter do all the prep work and apply a primer coat. Your place will look clean and later you can add a topcoat of your color of choice, as all the prep has been done there will be very little mess.

      " ALWAYS paint moldings and trim white , except in strictly period homes. Ceilings should be whiter and brighter. I like Benjamin Moore's Ceiling White."

    * Rachel Ashwell: "Less is more.
    * Choose a few select items -- a sofa, table, rug, chandalier.
    * Keep whatever you have simple.
    * Try and have fresh flowers, even three separate buds vases which adds luxury and beauty.
    * Fragrance is nice as well, so incorporating candles (vanilla) is always nice."

Tricia Foley: "Follow the architectural style of the space and determine the function of the room. Really think about how you will use the space and furnish it appropriately. Finally, layer on your own personal style -- not someone else's -- it will make sense. Try and aim for a personal comfort level as well as a visual comfort level."

Mary Baltz: "Create your own canvas. Choose paint colors and a theme first, then make decisions on your furniture and larger pieces."