WHAT THE PROS KNOW

Last update: July 4, 2009 - 2:32 PM

WHAT THE PROS KNOW

Assign priorities. "Deal with what you need first. That should be your highest priority." -- Interior designer Susan Michalek, Desumi Design Inc.

Make a budget. If you watch what you spend and stay within your limits, "as a bonus you might have money leftover to purchase some extra goodies." -- Wanda Colon, designer and host of TLC's "Home Made Simple" and HGTV's "24-Hour Design."

Evaluate how you plan to live in each room. "Will you want a table in the family room for work space, for example, or a comfortable chair and good lighting in the bedroom for relaxing and reading?" -- Interior designer Jane Klein, Fox Point, Wis.

Consider the scale of furniture. "Be aware that there are choices and figure out what works best for your home." -- Gary Steinhafel, president of Steinhafels Furniture.

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