Below are somethings to keep in mind when you become your own designer.

As a rule of thumb, use smaller patterns in small rooms and large patterns in large rooms.

Look around and check out your wardrobe and your favorites -- clues are all around.

Collect items that are YOU, from photos to fabric swatches to little details you find fascinating.

If possible, collect them on a design board, a theme will often reveal itself in colors styles and textures

Defining your design look is based on your lifestyle.

Texture & Pattern
After color and style, texture is important. EVERY flooring type and style has a texture. Texture is achieved in two ways, actual and visual.

Actual texture in the floor can be the grid on a ceramic tile, the joints or grain or hand-scrapings in a wood floor, the smoothness or nubbiness or sculpture of a carpet.

Visual texture how color and pattern work together. Consider how a smooth, cream-colored saxony differs from a multi-color semi-shag or a bold floral print. Patterns these days are bold geometrics or nature inspired.

Pattern is a statement about ourselves, from the subtlest of loop patterns to the boldest of prints.

Kids' rooms
Another new design trend is for personalized teen rooms. Kids' rooms are all about personal touches. Ask your child to cut out pictures of rooms and things they like or relate to. It's OK if their colors don't exactly blend with the rest of the house.