The thought of decorating your home can evoke and send waves of fear, anxiety, frustration and confusion to the very core of your being - unless you step back...take a deep breath...and really look at what some of the fundamaental truths, that home decor and deorating rests firmly on, as its' foundation.

My story: I remember, many many years ago, looking at beautiful homes, in magazines, decorated with elegant and very expensive furnishings and accessories - and longing to have such decor in my home.

But through my (many many) years, I've gained some experience, wisdom and insight. My/your/our home decor is a reflection of who we are: our individual tastes, style, and preferances...our lives and lifestyle...our daily needs, routine and (of course) budget.

Looking back, I realize that one of those magazine picture perfect homes would have made me very happy for (only) about 10 minutes.

With 2 kids running around - and usually my house full of their friends - this type of decor would have been impractical, to say the least.

The first time they rode their skateboards through my "elegant" living room ...or bounced a ball off a designer lamp...or spilled soda on my white linen couch ...I would have had to kill myself (or them).

Fast forward (many many) years...my kids are grown and (almost) all moved out ...and I still don't have that magazine home.

I've found that is not who I am. That is not what I want. That (still) does not fit my lifestyle, needs or budget.

Don't misunderstand ...my home is elegant ...or maybe unique...ecclectic...interesting...lived in...functional...I guess it is a combination of the personalities, preferances, lifestyles and budget of those that live here ...that's why we call it HOME...and it is, indeed, "the most excellant place of all".

"Home" is where we all go to rest, relax, recoup, restore and recover from all of the "insanity" outside and on the other side of our front doors.

Make your home your very own and a reflection of who you are - where you are now - and where you're going to. Start with the basics - wall color and texture, floor coverings and foundation furniture - and then let it evolve by adding accessories, fabrics, (etc) and watch it come together.You don't have to do it all in a day - and don't be afraid to try new colors, styles or accent pieces -  add them to your home as you find them. Sometimes the "story" behind a treasure, you've found and added to your home, is half the appeal and satisfaction.

Don't be afraid to make mistakes - if that lamp you bought for the living room does'nt seem to work there - try it in the family room! (you can always return it or sell it on e-bay)

Relaize that your current decor is, most likely, not "forever". You will probley change your decor as often as you change your location, lifestyle or seasons. Using colors, textures and foundation pieces that can easily adapt to and evolve with these changes will make it easier for you. Example: a solid colored couch can look like a new and different couch with differnt colored throw pillows that are changed seasonally.

Buy and add pieces that you love - they will make you happy every time you see, sit on or use them. Always buy the highest quality that your budget will allow and remember that price doesn't always reflect quality. (How many of us have had an item "fall apart" with reasonable and normal wear and tear, sooner than it should have?)

Make sure your (and your familiy's) personality is reflected in your decor - a representation of your hobbies, skills, interests or beliefs. I sew and make silk and dried flower arrangements - so I make my own custom drapes, cover and recover throw pillows and have seasonle arrangements and wreaths in every room of my house. You will find that the "personality pieces" are usually what catches the attention and approval of your guests. (Kid's socks left on the floor of your family room doesn't count)

For most of us this is true: the people that visit our homes are people that know us and love us (or at least like us) and we don't need to "impress" them with "magazine homes". Our guests will be more impressed with the hospitality and personality we extend and display in our homes.

So, take a deep breath and get started!

...and don't forget..."you can get everything you want on e-bay"