Planning is the most important ingredient when trying to create a beautiful room. You should measure the room and draw a sketch of the area including windows and doors using graph paper or computer software. If you aren't sure what look you want, look through the Web or magazines for ideas. Research the type of design style you want--Tuscan, Farmhouse, Country, Modern, etc. and this will help you select the items that will fit the style you want. Once you have chosen your design style, create a design board--cut out swatches of fabric, select paint swatches, find magazine pictures of looks you like and arrange them on a poster board. When getting started, identify or create a focal point--a large window, fireplace or entertainment center--in the room and let that inspire the rest of the room. Place your furniture around the focal point and then move outward. Because some rooms have large walls or tall ceilings, be sure to choose furnishings and accessories that fit with the scale of the room. For color, you can choose color from the furniture and use a few different shades of the same color in the room. You can choose an accent color that can be used on trim or on a pillow or accessory. Decorating doesn't have to be expensive. By following designers' guidelines and selecting lower-priced items that imitate the shape and scale of similar accessories, it ispossible for you to create a designer look for less.

Blog inspired by article featured on distinctiveliving.com and can be seen here:  http://www.distinctiveliving.com/create-a-designer-look-on-a-budget/