"I keep the subject of my inquiry constantly before me, and wait till the first dawning opens gradually, by little and little, into a full and clear light."

-Isaac Newton (1642 - 1727)

Creating a joyful home requires careful planning in order to choose the perfect interior design details. When you understand the underlying psychology of colors, patterns, textures, and finishes, you avoid costly mistakes in decorating your home.

In planning your home makeover, start with the feelings you want to bring about in each space. Consider your personal emotional needs. Think about the way you currently feel in your home and the way you want to feel.

Not all of your desired feelings need stimulation in every space. For instance, you may want your childs bedroom to inspire creativity and your main bedroom to inspire intimacy, while your whole home inspires comfort, peace, and joy.

Choose from the following emotional groups you desire to inspire in your home:

1. Happiness, Joyfulness, Cheerfulness

2. Peace, Serenity, Tranquility

3. Elation, Excitement, Enthusiasm

4. Humor, Congeniality, Playfulness

5. Fantasy, Inspiration

What are your preferences? Did you choose a particular group, or a mixture? Defining your desired emotional support first, before you start your home improvement projects, helps you get your home decorating right -- the first time!

(c) Copyright 2004, Jeanette J. Fisher. All rights reserved.