When you walk into a well-designed model home that's been skillfully constructed architecturally and then professionally staged, it provokes emotion, draws you into the home, and makes you want to stay -- with any luck, forever. Deal done. Contract signed. Home purchased.

A lot of us selling our homes aren't, of course, starting from scratch. But, with spring in the air, many homeowners get the itch to remodel or at least redesign the interior of their homes both for comfort and for greater marketability and value when they place their houses for sale. For some, interior decorating is a fun, exciting process but for others, it's challenging and causes a lot of stress. There are some simple tips to help homeowners decorate like a pro. "I think that when people start the remodeling process they are overwhelmed with the amount of selections and things that are out there,” says Kelly Smiar, interior designer for Marrokal Design & Remodeling.

The first important tip from the pros is to narrow down the options. Find something in your home that's really working for you. Smiar says once you discover that then all the other materials and products brought into the home support the style or theme that's already working in your home. Then it's a matter of just building on that. Another vital tip is to begin with one room, complete it and then move to the next. Keep a notebook handy and fill it with ideas, wish list, color schemes, room themes, notes, receipts, and any other information necessary for your home decorating project.

In the world of interior decorating, not all changes are equal. For instance, let's work on the kitchen because this is a high-interest level for buyers and for homeowners it's very often where people gather when visiting—food attracts all of us! In the kitchen, cabinets are very important in homes, says Smiar, "because they're furniture that you don't change.” Since cabinets will stay in your home for a long time, choosing the right finish is a big part of creating the overall look and feel of a well-decorated room. Some popular cabinet finishes are painted rather than stained wood, creating a vintage or traditional look that's both appealing and durable. Experts recommend neutral colors that provide a solid base to build on. Then color in back-splashes, countertops, and flooring really coordinates and perks things up in the room without becoming overwhelming.

Smiar reminds homeowners that the cabinets, countertops, flooring, and back-splashes are just part of the overall look. Next comes the furniture and that adds a style and colorful dimension that must be considered when making interior decorating changes. "[Homeowners] are going to have furnishings and décor that is going to add to that so you don't want to overwhelm it before they even have their things brought into the home,] she says.

Another great way to add appeal to a home and tie in the cabinets is with a custom range hood. There are many different looks but, if you don't overlook the hood, you'll find that you can blend your entire kitchen together in a seamless fashion by integrating colors, textures, and design with a hood. Rather than a stainless steel hood, a custom hood in a subtle finish can soften the feel of the kitchen and integrate well with the cabinets.

In any redecorating, remember functionality and aesthetic appeal should be equal parts to create a design that's comfortable and inviting. Getting expert help can make the process go faster and flawlessly.

Published: April 2, 2010

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Phoebe Chongchua is an award-winning journalist, an author, customer service trainer/speaker, and founder of Setting the Service Standard, a customer service training and consulting program offered by Live Fit Enterprises (LFE) based in San Diego, California. She is the publisher of Live Fit Magazine, an online publication that features information on real estate/finance, physical fitness, travel, and philanthropy. Her company, LFE, specializes in media services including marketing, PR, writing, commercials, corporate videos, customer service training, and keynotes & seminars. Visit her magazine website: www.LiveFitMagazine.com. Phoebe's articles, feature stories, and columns appear in various publications including The Coast News, Del Mar Village Voice, Rancho Santa Fe Review, and Today's Local News in San Diego, as well as numerous Internet sites. She holds a California real estate license. Phoebe worked for KGTV/10News in San Diego as a Newscaster, Reporter and Community Affairs Specialist for more than a decade. Phoebe's writing is also featured in Donald Trump's book: The Best Real Estate Advice I Ever Received and The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Buying Foreclosures. She is the author of If the Trash Stinks, TAKE IT OUT! 14 Worriless Principles for Your Success. Contact Phoebe at (858) 259-3646 or . Visit PhoebeChongchua.com for more information.