Decorating Your Own Home- Do You Have What It Takes?

It may be a bit intimidating to think about decorating your own home. Lots of people just live with things the way they find them. Others get the help of professionals, since they have no clue what they like or what to do.

If you want to know if you have what it takes to decorate your own home, find questions to ask yourself, see how much you know about your taste and style, and find resources here from About.com.

• Ask Yourself

  • Should You Be the Project Coordinator for Your Home Decorating?
    See if you have what it takes to coordinate a home decorating project.

  • Do You Need to Hire a Professional Interior Designer?
    Are you in over your head? Decide if you need to hire a pro for help.

  • What is Your Decorating Style?
    Modern or traditional? Rustic or formal? Sophisticated or charming? You need to figure out your style before you start.

  • Are You Organized Enough for the Job?
    Try to get everything organized for your project. Read about what to put together in a decorating file so you'll have everything at hand.

  • Are You a Decorating Fanatic?
    It will take a lot of time and work to decorate even the smallest room. Do you have what it takes?

  • What is Your Decorating Personality?
    Learn how to express your true personality through your decorating.

• How Much Do You Know?

  • Color Moods Quiz
    Do you know how to get a soft, gentle look with color?

  • Color Terms Quiz
    What are primary and secondary colors? Check out your knowledge of color theory.

  • Types of Fabrics Quiz
    Would it be appropriate to use a heavy damask for sheer curtains? What do you know about fabric?

  • Fabric Weave Term Quiz
    Do you know a matelasse from a dupioni?

  • Quiz I on Design Terms
    Check out your knowledge of backsplashes and aprons.

  • Quiz II on Design Terms
    What's the difference between a baluster and a balustrade?

  • Quiz III on Design Terms
    Where would you find a plinth or an obelisk?

  • Quiz I on Furniture
    A demilune? Is that like a demitasse?

  • Quiz II on Furniture
    Where would you find an armoire? How about an etagere?

  • Quiz III on Furniture
    Have you written on a Secretary? Not with permanent ink, I hope!

  • Molding Quiz
    Find where to use decorative moldings.

  • Quiz I on Paint Terms
    Would you use eggshell or gloss?

  • Quiz II on Paint Terms
    Test your knowledge of paint terminology with the terms here.

  • Quiz III on Paint Terms
    Should you use a tack rag for ragging on?

  • Quiz on Trimmings
    Should you add braid or bullion?

  • Quiz I on Window Coverings
    Do you like swags or cornices?

  • Quiz II on Window Coverings
    Different styles of curtains and shades are covered here.

  • Quiz III on Window Coverings
    What in the world is a stagecoach valance?

  • Quiz on Woods
    Test your knowledge of ash and oak, walnut and mahogany.

• Learn About What You Don't Know

  • Decorating Books and Book Reviews
    Visit a book store or library to find books on the style of decorating you've chosen.

  • Top Picks on Decorating Books
    Find books that we recommend on many decorating styles and by various designers.

  • TV Shows on Decorating
    Sit back and get tips from the pros while you eat popcorn.

  • See Slide Shows of Designer Showhouses
    If you can't go yourself, see highlights from showhouses we've visited.

  • Visit a Designer Showhouse
    Get ideas for your home by visiting a showhouse in your area.

  • Find Decorating Magazines for Ideas
    There are hundreds of magazines on the newsstands, all focusing on different aspects of home decorating.

So, now that you've discovered what you know and don't know, what you like and don't like, make the decision whether you'll decorate your home yourself. Practically everyone can do it. And you can learn what you don't know while you're doing it.