Designing a space

Design. People make it more stressful and complicated than what it really is. Their is no wright or wrong with design, only improvement and satisfaction. The space you create is for you to live in, use, and enjoy. Don't stress yourself to try and design a space for others to look at; if you are happy with it then it, then that feeling will be expressed when people walk into the space and get to experience the atmosphere you've created. 

I understand why people get frustrated when design a space, it takes patience and practice in order to achieve your goal.  However, there are some simple rules I like to follow in order to make the process easier. Hopefully they are helpful to you all.

1. Pick a single room to design; your ideas can get confused if you focus on more than one space. This also help if you are on budget, because it's more likely you will finish the chosen space, rather than dividing the current budget you have to several spaces. 
2. Do research, get inspired and think about the feeling and look you want achieve. 
3. Set a budget and divide you budget into categories, e.g. furniture, accessories, accents, etc. 
4. Make an inventory list. List the item you would like to keep in the space and list the items you would like to donate or move to another room. This way you don't over buy or over spend.
5. Measure the space you are going to design and make sure the objects you will buy will fit in the room. 
6. Before you purchase anything, shop around to make sure what you are purchasing is the one you really love and worth every penny. 
7. When shopping don't get excited over the different variety of things the stores sell. Focus on your objective and what it is you want to achieve. If it helps, take inspiration pictures you have with you or maybe a list. Getting distracted can cause a variety of styles to come into the space. This can be good if if you have an eclectic style, but if you don't then it's most likely the room won't have harmony. 
8. Don't get turned off by the price. Some objects may seem expensive because you can get them cheaper somewhere else, like ikea and other cheap places, but look further than the price. Look at the quality of the material and if it's a timeless piece. Pieces that will last you decades are totally worth it and they can be found on sale or even clearance. 
9. Do not buy things just because they are cheap (unless of course you absolutely love it).  Have patience with designing and decorating. The right object is out there and not only will you love it when you find it, but you'll save money too! How many of us have bought crap because it was cheap and ended up throwing out?
10. Have patience with designing. Many of us what to get the space over with, but if you are not patient then you will end up buying a bunch of stuff that you are not crazy  for just to fill the room. Like I said, the right things are out there waiting for you to find it. There is no rush or time frame with designing your perfect space (unless it's your job).