By no means do I claim to be a professional interior designer. I just know what I like. And, what I have learned over the years is…I’m pretty good at doing things on my own. Yes, I have used some pretty fabulous designers to help me along the way from time to time. But, what they have taught me is a lot of designing your space is having the confidence to just go for it!

So, here’s my advice. If you are moving in to a new home or doing a complete renovation, seek the advice of a professional if you can. You can use that professional for the big decisions—wall color, hard wood floor stains, fabric for that new sectional, etc. Sometimes it’s nice to have that individual validate your decisions or steer you in the right direction. If there are choices that need to be made that will cost you additional dollars should you make a mistake, spend the money to hire the professional. Trust me, it will save you in the end.

But when it comes to accessorizing your home, give it a whirl yourself. Choose stores that inspire you. I like to shop at Home Goods, At Home, Target, Wayfair and Howse. The great news is, if what you purchase doesn’t fit the space like you intended…take it back and try something else. No harm, no foul. All you’ve lost is time. So, head to those discount stores and find pieces you love. Bring them home. Try them out. Live with them for a few days. If it doesn’t work…take it back and start again.

Another place to get amazing inspiration for your space is Houzz. When we were building our home, I looked through thousands of photos on Houzz. There is a search bar on their site. For example, if you're looking for “Kitchen Ideas”, type it in and select “Kitchen Ideas in Photos”. There will be literally tons of inspiration photos for you to look through. You can even tag those photos and categorize them. Do your homework. It makes the building/remodeling process flow so much easier. Especially if you are doing it without the help of a professional designer. You can do it!

Now, let’s talk accessorizing. I believe accessories make a house a home. Once the bones are there, have fun with the rest! I love to start with a neutral pallet and add pops of color in my accessories. Throw pillows, blankets, chairs—the sky’s the limit! And artwork is big for me. It’s a great way to bring in that pop that the neutral pallet is lacking. Another tip, find a local artist if you can’t find the perfect piece you’ve been searching for. A lot of times those artists are very affordable and can give you exactly what you want to fit the space.

Your home should be a your sanctuary. A peaceful place to fall. So make it just yours. You’ve got this!