The best part of decorating is experimenting with different colors, furniture styles and accessories. For experienced designers and those born with a flair for it, no problem. However, for the ordinary Joe or the novice decorator, this can cause a problem with major financial consequences. Review the different areas of your project — before decorating — to keep you from making costly mistakes.

Never choose a color of paint for a wall just because of an enticing name on the paint chip, or because it looks good in someone else's home. With so many different paint colors to choose from, try a few samples on the wall to see how your sources of light affect the room. Select a combination of complementary colors. Don't be too experimental. Use the paint chip brochures as your guide. Paint companies spend thousands of dollars figuring out which combinations work.

Never start a project without an overall plan for each room. Have some idea of the style of rooms you like. Magazines are a great source of inspiration for sorting out your design style. Don't allow your best friend or anyone outside of your household to give unsolicited advice. This is your home, reflective of your taste. Never let someone else suggest your decoration style, unless it is your partner or a professional decorator. Keep in mind the concepts other people have offered, but only use them if you really love the idea.

Your home can reflect your love of different cultures and different things. Although it is correct that you don't need to decorate your home in a single style, it is also true that you don't need to decorate each room in a completely different style. Your home can reflect that you are well traveled and sophisticated without the result being a smorgasbord of design. If you decide to use slightly different styles in a few rooms, try keeping some things consistent, such as the color scheme.

Think outside the box, and avoid placing all the furniture against the walls. Although it is an easy "no-brainer" layout, this will turn your room or home into a boring space void of style. Create a space that flows, placing furniture in such a way that it feels natural. Allow the intended function of the space to determine the placement of the furniture.

Avoid buying cheap furniture. It is better to buy the best quality furniture you can afford over time than to buy a suite of inexpensive furniture all at once. These furnishings may be eye-catching and considered a good value, but over time they will wear out.

There is no reason to spend thousands of dollars on a piece of art and accessories unless you have the means to do so. Art can be bought inexpensively at art fairs — or made by you or someone in your household. Decorative accessories are like jewelry for your home; they help define its style. Scout out yard sales and thrift shops for stylish items that don't break the bank.

Joseph Pubillones is the owner of Joseph Pubillones Interiors, an award-winning interior design firm based in Palm Beach, Florida. 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.

Photo credit: at Unsplash