By Jennifer Kustes

Making a house into a home can be a daunting, yet fun, undertaking. The goal is to make a home that is comfortable, stylish, and fitting to individual tastes. Senior Interior Designer Lynn Carney, at Ethan Allen Home Interiors, has some decorating tips and tricks.

There are many ways to make a home that feels good and is comfortable and casual, whether it involves a complete decor overhaul or just a small facelift.

For a complete decor overhaul, Carney recommends enlisting the aid of a designer. A designer can help create a grand plan, which will help create a decor that will last for many years.

She says the best strategy is to set priorities, then work in phases. Complete entire rooms instead of one or two pieces per room.

Carney cautions against impulse buying, except for small versatile pieces because they can be worked around easily. For big furniture pieces, think carefully about how they fit into the grand plan before purchasing them.

Instead of starting a grand plan entirely from scratch, start with possibly a favorite painting, a major item of furniture, or an area rug. Let the vision proceed from there.

If the thought of a complete decor change seems a little overwhelming, simply giving a room a small lift can have a big effect. The room can suddenly feel completely new and exciting again.

Carney says accessories make the room, and proportion and style are the key. New pillows, lamps, or artwork can be enough to change the feel of a room and make it seem new.

A change in lighting or window treatments can also work wonders. When choosing lighting, Carney says to be sure to think about the style and ultimate plan of the room.

Light can work for a room in several ways. Inset lighting can be very effective, and sufficient lamplight creates a warmth. To open a room up, light as many of the corners as possible.

One way to create a unique home is to use a collection as a focal point and decorate around it. Carney says any accessory or collection can be wonderful if it is used as part of a decorating plan. Real plants can enhance the decor of a home as well. Carney says, "If you have a green thumb, use it."

However, she cautions against using too many flower arrangements in room, unless it is a sunroom. Make sure even fake arrangements appear authentic. For example, Carney says, "there is no such thing as blue flowers."

Whether the plan is to completely redecorate or just to make a few small changes, remember to start with the basics, then layer on the style, and finally add the finishing touches.