Have you been cutting pictures out of magazines, going through model homes, gathering ideas that have been collecting dust for years? How do you begin to put all of the ideas for your dream home together? Should you hire an interior designer? Can you afford one? Can you afford not to have one?

Many people do not like the idea of hiring a professional interior designer. They fear the professionals storming their homes and critiquing their beloved furniture and fittings, what if they wanted you to get rid of everything?

In reality a professional will only offer you their opinion and advice, unless you give them 100% creative control which is fairly unusual. So do you hire a pro or go it alone? You might find asking yourself the following questions helps you to come to a decision.

Is the thought of where to start overwhelming? Does it all seem like too much for you to handle on your own?

Professional interior designers are trained to work with you to create an overall vision and then develop a plan of action. You can then choose to implement the plan on your own, or continue with help and guidance of the designer.

Can you create a plan that implements your ideals, reflects your personality, while keeping a level of consistency and meets all of your families lifestyle and needs?

A well developed floor plan is the critical first step in the design process. A lot of time and consideration should be dedicated to this important stage of the process. Consider whether you have allowed enough room for seating, is there comfortable traffic/ walkway space? Are the rooms balanced in weight, texture, style and color? These are just a few considerations.

Are friends and relatives tainting decisions by second guessing styles and opinions?

This is a very common problem. Sure, they mean well, but more often than not they end up leaving you more confused than ever. They can even convince you into making a decision you will regret. Interior design professionals are trained to ask the right questions to help figure out what you want.

Have you ever spent a lot of time and money only to end up hating the the overall result?

Experience interior designers will help you avoid costly mistakes. Most know that the little red sofa you fell in love with at the store isn't really 'so little' and conflicts with the color of the walls.

Does your home have a unified or patchwork look?

Don't get me wrong, some of the best looks are eclectic, blending styles, colors, designs and finishes. However, you still must have common threads running through each room to create a warm, inviting unified look.

Do you know how and where to find exactly what you're looking for?

Professional interior designers have access to the latest and greatest resources in home design. They know the best places to find what you are looking for, they often have a great number of resources you would never come across on your own. Through trade shows, showrooms, seminars, and contacts developed through the years a good designer will be able to direct you to the latest trends, what's hot and what's not! They also have worked with other trades people you will need, they know the reputable painters, upholsterers, paper hangers, carpet installers etc. so you can avoid the dodgy ones.

There is nothing more depressing then entering your home to a beige room and a beige chair. If you are like thousands of other people who consider themselves design challenged then this is a must read.

Before you even think about furniture, color, theme, or placement, get yourself a measuring tape. You want to measure the areas you are planning decorating. Concentrate on one area of your home at a time. If it is your first time decorating start small. The measurements you need are the perimeter walls, the floor diagonals and the floor to ceiling. You will find out that you simply can not have too many measurements. Write everything down and keep organized. Measurements are critical to any interior design project. The last thing you want is your perfect piece of furniture not fitting where you pictured it and having to rethink your whole plan.

Once you have the measurements, take a trip to your local paint store and start looking at colors. Do not purchase any paint on your first trip, you want to spend some time looking at the paint samples and finding colors that you like and will fit with your theme. Take as many paint samples as you want home with you and keep them in your decorating file. Look at the colors at different times daily for a least a week and record your thoughts about the colors each time you at them. The colors can look different in changing natural and night time lighting conditions. By the end of the week, you should have a pretty good feel for which colors you really like.

Once you have decided on your colors you should start looking for furniture you think will look right for your space. You shouldn't go with whatever is in the latest design magazine, choose something that feels right, goes with your colors and fits the space well. It's your home and ultimately you need to decorate it so that you are happy with the result. When looking for furniture don't forget your decorating file and measuring tape. Measure anything you are interested in, (measure it twice!) to make sure it will fit in the space you plan for it. You can also use your file to write down ideas on furniture placement when they come to mind.

The best idea with interior design is to make the space your own. By working slowing and keeping notes on what you like and do not like you can implement your own interior design plan without too much stress.

Modern minimalist design is not the old, harsh look and feel of years past. The new minimalist look is a softer look, more personal and more livable. These days you can have a life, a comfortable home, even kids, and implement a modern minimalist look in your home!

Minimalist is not for everyone, this look is obviously not for people who love to have lots of 'stuff.' But if you prefer a neat, tidy, organized living environment and hate clutter, then this is the look for you. A minimalist interior design scheme is a very simple, relaxing style, which will bring an air of real tranquility to your home, it
has a great, cutting-edge, contemporary feel too.

Walls and Color in minimalist design

white is the ultimate color for any self-respecting minimalist scheme. However, you can opt for a softer look, by choosing warm neutrals and colors from nature. Try using stone, beige, taupe, brown and even shades of green. Your base colors should be pale but interesting, use a splash of a bolder color for accents. Accents as little or as much as you
desire. Try a vase or cushion for a subtle introduction to color. Try a whole wall or sofa, for a larger impact. Try to stick to one color, or color group, for your accent color. Bright and deep reds are a popular choice.

Furniture in minimalist design

Try something simple and classy to compliment your minimalist look. Often plain, modern looking furniture is a good fit. Go for natural dark woods, dark leather, white or your bright accent color. Chrome, glass, mirror and stainless steel also work quite well. Low to the ground furniture helps with the modern minimalist feel in your room.

Floors and Windows in minimalist design

Less is more with a minimalist style. Wooden floors often work best but don't forget to add a rug for warmth and style. Keep window decorations simple too. Shutters and blinds will give a very minimal look, but you might feel happier softening up the look a touch. Go with neutral curtains colors for an easy look.

Accessories in minimalist design

Obviously accessories are not a major part of the modern minimalist look. That does not mean you just sweep the shelves bare. Clear the clutter but remember that minimalist interior design look needs a few, well-chosen and positioned accessories to complete the look, and keep your house a home. A large, striking painting or wall hanging will make a
better statement than several small ones.

Maintaining a successful minimalist interior design scheme can take a little getting used to but the results can be very satisfying.