Having the room color-coordinated in the same shade of ivory may sound appealing at first, but it can also be incredibly boring in a few months. Everything just sits there, devoid of warmth and with a touch-me-not look about it. On the other hand, a room full of loud color and ditzy prints can be completely overwhelming and garish. Moderation is key here. Go ahead and get your furnishings in neutral colors or pastel shades but make sure you complement that with splashes of color. A bouquet of live or artificial flowers in a beautiful vase or a collection of colorful, sequined throw-pillows, or a bright contemporary area rug will add life to any monochromatic room.

Think of your walls as a canvas with endless possibilities. If you are artistically inclined, display your own works of art, whether they are murals, tapestries or water colors. If you are avid traveler, use one wall to display the many souvenirs you've picked up from different countries around the world.  Hang up your eclectic collection of plates.

Forget about boring, functional old ceiling lights that just work to light up your room. Instead create an element of drama with a mixture of different kinds of lights. Think decorative table lamps and carved Indian totem-pole floor lamps. Use ceiling track lighting to or art lighting to focus on your displays on the wall or a spot light to focus on the display set up on your corner table.

It's not the cost that counts; it's how you use what you have that matters more. One eye-catching piece strategically placed, will enhance a room more than a collection of spectacular artifacts placed in dark, dusty corners. It does not necessarily have to be an object d'art. It could be a collection of family photographs in burnished silver photo-frames; or your fabulous collection of miniature musical instruments placed on a corner table; or that hand-knotted oriental rug; or a hand-painted wall hanging in an ornate frame.

Adding at least one unique, antique piece that has a story behind it can add character and history to your room. Whether it is an old, authentic hookah, an unusual coffee table or a carved Chinese altar that originally belonged to a Chinese Emperor, it is sure to become a conversation piece. Browse through flea market stalls for unique, quirky antiques. Better yet, get an old anything that belonged to your grandmother. Re-do it if you must, and make it the centre of attraction in your room.

While painting your walls, adding the furniture and putting up curtains are a must for any room, they are in effect, only the background for a great room. It is the other additions and the finishing touches that make your rooms come alive with a character and personality of their own. Don't rush it. Decorating a room is a work in progress. Better to take it slow and easy and let the room develop as you go along.

The way your room looks is a reflection of your own personality. It says a lot about who you are, where you've been and the kind of lifestyle you lead. Rushing out to shop for all your décor items in one day could very well be a major decorating snafu, and one that you will have to live with for a long time.