Whenever I am out socially and people ask me what I do for a living, when I tell them I am an Interior Designer, they always tell me: "I know what I like, but I am completely confused on how to pull it all together" or "Oh, one day when I can afford to hire a designer I will call you".

Creating a room that feels designed isn't rocket science. It's actually quite simple. I am going to share with you a few rules for the basic design of any room.

First rule: Select a beautiful color for your walls. Every room needn't be the same, but colors should engage or relate from one room to another for continuity.

Everyone down deep inside knows what colors they generally prefer. Take inspiration from anywhere and everything. It can come from the color of a favorite shirt or your car, or the color of the sky at a particular time.

Whatever your preferred color is, select a pale, light version of that color. For example: If the color you love is orange, consider using a soft peach or light apricot color for the walls. This will introduce the color palette of your preference into the room without overwhelming it. Of course, any woodwork or millwork in the room can be painted in another color. My favorite color for millwork is a soft white that is not too stark or bright white. As with most things in life, the novelty of painting a room in a too vibrant color, will wear away and you'll be left with the desire to repaint the room again.

Second rule: Stick to two main upholstery fabrics. Colors, patterns and prints should be complimentary. One fabric can be a solid, while the other fabric might take on a pattern or print such as a floral, plaid, animal spots or stripes. If you like a more simple and tailored room use the solid on the principal upholstery items such as a sofa or pair of club chairs. The other printed fabric can be used on smaller chairs or benches. If you prefer a bolder look, try the opposite and use the printed fabric on the larger main upholstery, and solids on the occasional pieces.

Third rule: Bring in up to three other colors/prints/motifs to the room. This is your opportunity to personalize and jazz up the style of a room. Select other colors such as a stronger version of the wall color that will enhance and underline that original color you loved. These additional colors can be introduced in pillows, rugs, & accessories. You can also spike interest in a room by selecting a motif, which you repeat over and over in different ways, color and sizes.

Following these three simple rules should take the mystery out of designing a room. Creating a beautiful room doesn't necessarily mean every item has to match. As a matter of fact, there is something to be learned from slightly mismatched or a quirky pairings...this is what gives homes their personality. Be confident and select what you really love. You room will shine with your personality and style.

Joseph Pubillones is the owner of Joseph Pubillones Interiors, an award-winning interior design firm based in Palm Beach, Fla. To find out more about Joseph Pubillones, or to read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.