by Carol G

Created on: August 13, 2009   Last Updated: August 17, 2009

Looking back at all of the decorating phases from barrel and crate style to country cottage (I even decorated a camper in Early Navajo), I've discovered a silver lining has threaded its way throughout the many different styles of home decorating.

I've learned that enjoying the process of going from a blank room to a homey and decorative place to cavort, relax, dine, sleep, or bathe is the best way to go. In other words, it's the journey just as much as the destination.

One thing a hired interior designer can't give you is the memories. When you DIY, every phase of the decor contains a memory of some kind.

Within an interior design, a memory tag might be an item from a flea market you and a girlfriend went to one summer; or the birthday party gift or housewarming remembrance, and - well, you get the gist.

Transitioning from its earliest phases, your blank room will have clarity in the beginning. You are on your way to a more decorative theme, but the starkness of the beginning has a Zen like simplicity to enjoy.

Later on, you may find a unique way to display your seashell collection, or someone brings you a wonderful housewarming gift. You learned how to do decorative painting and came through with a successful wall treatment in the small bathroom.

As you grow, so does the ambiance of your home.

As long as all the walls are standing, the heat and plumbing are working - go ahead and deliberately take a time to simply enjoy your habitat before finalizing a home decor plan. Everything has a seasoning process, so no matter how much you go headlong at achieving your desired look, there is always this part of the process that only happens in time.

Whether you live alone, with a loved one, or family; take this time to study natural habit patterns that develop. Should you make a casual area to hang coats, and take off shoes? Perhaps a spot near the door should function as a place to set keys down. Or maybe kids need a place to set down schoolbooks other than on the kitchen table. Let the decorating scheme work around the traffic flow, and habit patterns of life.

Always look out the window

Do you have a lot of greenery outside your window? Use green within that room to be in the flow with Mother Nature's design. Install window boxes with flowers that pick up the colors of your walls.

There are many ways to incorporate decorating, harmony and home life. Arrange around your motions and stave off commotion. Enjoy your home while you are on the way from point A to point B, and you will soon see the results show up in the feel of the interior decorating.

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