Everyone has flipped through a magazine or walked through a home and admired what they saw. A great goal is to create a home that goes beyond looks. A true HOME is inviting and comfortable. It can vary between the extremes of casual to elegant yet still make everyone think, “I could live here”.

To start this process, consider who is going to be in the space and how it is going to be used. Most homes have children, pets, or the clumsy adult living in them. This should not be considered a limitation.

Nothing can bring more character to a room than fabrics. Draperies, upholstery, and pillows can be subtle and smooth or bold and dynamic. Don’t judge a fabric by its color or pattern alone though. If your body is going to come in contact with it, touch it before making a selection. If it does not feel good to the touch, then it is doubtful that anyone will ever be relaxing on it or be drawn to it.

One starting point when furnishing a room is fabric shopping. Keep an open mind, do not worry what its final use will be, grab anything that catches your eye. It is easier to filter through a large selection than to only have a few things and have to go on an additional search feeling a bit defeated. By working this way, you are more likely to find things that you love instead of just finding things that you think will make a great room.

Starting with a patterned area rug is also a great way to begin. With the area rug selected, it is easy to begin pulling colors from the yarns. Often a beautiful color palette will already be established.

When selecting the upholstery, focus on the frame of the furniture first. Is it the correct scale for the room, does it fit the function of the room, does it fit your body, and is it comfortable? Upholstery should be purchased for comfort as well at looks.

Look for chests, cabinets, and tables with character. These could be rich deep woods, creatively painted items, or shapes which demand attention. Nothing pulls people into a room faster than wanting to touch the items that are in it.

Art and accessories can make or break a room. Nothing is more interesting in a room than pieces with a story. Stories of family history, travels, or great unexpected finds can relate the warmth of who you are. The smallest postage stamp can be framed like a piece of art, hung on the wall, and recall great memories and will peak a guest’s interest.

Play with the scale of art and accessories to create interest. Having a few large pieces is better than having large numbers of small pieces. This makes the eyes travel up and down not just straight across the room.

Follow these steps and achieve a home that expresses personality. Your spirit will be more at rest in this home than any home you see in a magazine.