Does your home have style? The first time I heard this question, I was frankly astounded. What do you mean "style?" My living space was just that - a place for living. As long as it served the primary purpose, "living" or "a place to relax" who cared whether or not it had any character? Now that I'm older, I realize that as much as the clothes that you choose reflect your interests, your home can be an even greater expression of who you are. After all, remember that outside of a job (if you work outside of your home), you will spend the majority of your time in your apartment or house. If you surround yourself with the colors and items that delight you the most, you will feel more at peace and your home can become a true haven of respite from the outside world.

If your home space looks dull and you want to liven it up, the first step is to decide what interests you. If you have an idea - great! But some people really don't know for sure if their interests lean toward a sleek modern style, or comfortable country.

Look through home decorating magazines and remove the pages with photos that look like something to which you aspire. Collect a number of these, preferably over a week or two, and then spread them out and see if there is an overall theme or color that excites you. Then you can start planning, budgeting and shopping!

There are a number of home improvement shows on cable television, ranging from complete overhauls of a house, to simply sprucing up and reorganizing the items already in existence for a more pleasing appearance of a room. Some of my favorites are TLC's "While You Were Out," and "Trading Spaces." If you're in the mood for a total new look, check out the "Property Ladder" show on TLC. You can get some great ideas and tips from these shows. Most times, the changes that they undertake are not expensive at all!

Redecorating your home, or its main living areas, does not need to be expensive or particularly time-consuming. Nor do you have to undertake a makeover in a single weekend. Once you have chosen the decor that best represents your personality, you can start with small changes that will build over time.

Paint a wall or two to bring color in, if you desire. Adding a few throw pillows on a couch will also help add character to your room. Personally, I think its best to clear out the room as much as possible and then assess the living space, lighting from windows, and re-arrange furniture. Oftentimes, the mere act of clearing out the clutter will free up your imagination to envision the space in a different way.

Once you start decorating in a particular style, its best to remember that less is more! For example, if you enjoy Chinese art and wish to showcase special pieces in your home, do not clutter every shelf and table-top with decor objects. Your special art work or scultures will appear much more so if they are one of just a few highlighted objects. Include some plants and fresh flowers too. Greenery livens up any room.

Another mistake that people make is going overboard with a collection. I have a friend who likes roosters. Her home is decorated in an early Americana/country theme; roosters fit in nicely. However, when every dish towel is emblazoned with roosters, her doorstop is a rooster, and all pictures hanging on the walls include roosters, you may not crow with delight.

Experiment with new colors and themes as often as you wish. Once you decorate your home, its not set in stone. If you really hate the red wall that you painted in the kitchen, try again with a shade of blue!

Finding interesting decorating pieces does not need to break the bank, either. If you love blue and white china, for example, you can decorate around that theme, looking for other unique blue items at garage sales, or even the Goodwill! Bring in a complimentary color, like pale yellow, to play off the blue and white. Searching through eBay can also result in some treasure finds!

Slipcovers are another great way to transform your couch or chairs, without the expense of buying new furniture. Another great trick is to paint wood furniture to change its look, as well.

Remember with decorating, there is no "right or wrong" way to do it! Experiment with your own personal style, and above all - have fun!