by Emmluu

Created on: November 14, 2008   Last Updated: November 17, 2008

My idea of decorating a room, say the living room for example, is to figure out a way to center the furniture around the television set. My husband has a home entertainment system which consists of a DVD/CD player, stereo surround sound, radio, video, etc. It comes with speakers you can put around your room (hence the "surround sound"). These speakers have these long wires attached that I do not want hanging all over the walls or cluttering up the floor. Therefore, we have to figure out how we are going to fix the wiring in such a way so the room doesn't look ugly and it's not hazardous to anyone walking or children playing. Other than that, I just find a couple pieces of furniture-sofa, loveseat, chair, maybe a coffee table and end tables with lamps, rugs, curtains, artwork and BAM-There's my living room.

Some of you are probably cringing in disgust or find nothing wrong with what I'm saying because you do the same thing. I feel like I really don't have the time to put together a creative, elaborate or "feng shui" appropriate space. However, I would rather do it myself than hire a professional. Now I'm not a professional designer-I don't consider myself a novice. This is just my opinion. I want to start becoming more skilled in the DIY department because I don't really see it as work, I see it as a fun activity to burn stress off. Even if you do not consider yourself creative or handy, DIY can boost your self esteem and your mood. Being creative is extremely relaxing for me. I don't look to do it for any accolades from anybody. If people are more concerned with what my home looks like than enjoying a visit with me, then I do not want them in my home. Really, I am more concerned with my home being clean than decorated. Plus you don't need to get it all done in one day. It can be your weekend project.

Now don't get me wrong, some of these professionals are very knowledgeable, creative and thrifty. They know how to design a space, can come up with new ideas and save you a ton of money on furniture, accessories and supplies. But what you are really paying for is their time to do all of this. And it's not cheap. The lamp that looks like an antique but isn't may have cost you next to nothing but what the interior design pro wants per hour (plus expenses, I'm sure) will break your bank. Now if you can afford it, then you will have a home worthy of the cover of Better Homes and Garden-the envy of all your friends. It will be worth it.

For those of you who have to budget

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