EVERYONE would like a house that they can be proud of, that you can invite people into and they will comment on the beautiful rooms you have.

In order to create rooms that have the wow factor, here are a few key things to consider.

Focal point

Every room needs to have a place for your eyes to rest on, and creating a focal point in all your rooms will automatically make the room feel well designed. This can be simple: - In a traditional house - use the fireplace and add a large mirror above it and some candles on the mantel.

- If you have a great view, ensure that your window treatments frame the view and are not too fussy or they will be distracting.

- If you have a beautiful piece of artwork, make sure this is hung on a wall that's visible as soon as you walk into the room.

- Make a small vignette in a corner of a room with a beautiful chair and a reading lamp.

Whatever your style of home you can create a focal point - just make sure it's not the TV!

Lighting

Lighting is absolutely crucial to a design scheme - and is often overlooked. Always have several layers of light available in each room which will enable you to create differing moods at all times of the day. As a rule, lighting can be split into three main areas: - General - ceiling / wall lights give a general light throughout the room, but are not cosy and welcoming when in isolation.

- Ambient - floor / table lamps and candles can create a warm glow in different areas of your room. Having a few lamps on will add warmth to your rooms and make you want to relax in them.

- Task - eg desk lights, under counter lighting in a kitchen - lighting that is focused on specific areas to enable you to complete jobs successfully.

Practicality

It's no good having a beautiful white fabric sofa if you live in the country, have two small children and three dogs! - When creating a design scheme you need to consider very carefully what each space will be used for, who will use it and at what time of day. All these things will focus you and help create a room that not only looks great but also functions perfectly for you and your family.

A good design scheme will last a long time, a bad one will require constant changes and updates - get it right first time saves money in the long run.

Personality

The most important part of a design scheme is adding in your personality.

Show homes look stylish - but how many of us could live in them? They appeal to you as they show you a way of life that you may aspire to - but they never feel like someone's home.

Adding in your personality, whether it is in the colour schemes, the style/theme of the room, or the items on show - all make your home truly unique to you. What better than coming home to a space that's totally yours - it will help you relax and enjoy your home fully.

Atmosphere

Not only can you create a great look with a design scheme, you also want it to feel' right.

If not, you will feel less inclined to want to be there. Think about adding fresh flowers, scented candles, differing textures in your furnishings, cushions/throws and anything you have that's personal to you and looks good (pictures/ornaments etc).

All these things will make your home feel welcoming and will make it feel personal to you while still adding style.

Plan

The most important part of a design scheme as all interior designers will agree is the planning.

Time spent planning a scheme will prevent costly mistakes. How many people have painted their walls a colour that looked great on the small sample sheet, but they hated once the room was finished?

Not only was this a waste of money, but also of time. Planning starts with understanding what you want from the design. I always advise a client wherever possible to create a mood board for their room.

Collecting pictures and items that you love, either for its colour, texture or style, will help to bring together the style you would like to live in. It will also show exactly what works together and what doesn't, and is a great starting point for a designer to work from as you can be sure that they have understood your requirements.