Cecil N. Hayes: designer for stars tells how to create your dream space

SO you're about to decorate your new home. Congratulations!

As complicated as interior design can be, you can successfully complete your design effort on a fixed budget. All it takes is patience, persistence and a plan.

This 9-step process, which I developed during 30 years as a successful interior designer, will give you the basic knowledge you need to achieve your decorating dreams. Follow these steps in exact order and you can successfully complete your decor regardless of your personal style or color preferences.

We will begin at the beginning, with a basic evaluation of your space. Step 1 takes time, but it is essential to the successful completion of the project. Successive steps in the design process will be illustrated in the next installment.

Get to know your space. (Don't be afraid, you can do this!)

Look at it this way. Your room space is like an unclothed body. No one I know is afraid to shop for clothes that complement his or her shape. The key word, however, is COMPLEMENT. Just as most people don't have the perfect shape, most rooms don't have the perfect space. The good news is that both body and room can look great if you pay attention to detail and study what will fit them best. In today's marketplace the options are infinite. Short, tall, wide or small, the stores have it all. The trick is to determine what is right for the space.

What kind of light do you have?

To get started, walk through your room several times. Do you feel that it has lots of natural light or is it dark? A bright space can be as asset, since good exposure from windows and skylights contribute to the open, airy feel of a space. Low light levels, however, can also be worked to your advantage. Light--or lack of light--can be used to create a mood. Just as there will be times when you will need more light, there will also be times when you will need to filter natural light to reduce its intensity.

The rooms that need to be brighter lit with artificial lights are the "working" rooms--bathrooms and kitchens--and the dining areas. In the bath, adequate lighting will be needed over the sink or vanity. Fluorescent or strip lights are an excellent light source for this. In the kitchen, lighting can take many forms and includes ceiling lights for overall lighting (including recessed, track or fluorescent lights) and under-counter lights for task-oriented activities. Some combination of the two will probably serve you best. Dining areas and breakfast rooms need direct lighting to make food enjoyable. In this instance, hanging a fixture over the table will provide the best source of light. Make sure the fixture is located approximately 3 feet above the tabletop.

Lighting Is Critical.

Remember, lighting is critical in these areas. If your daily activities are uncomfortable, you need to increase the light levels. It is also important to note that in bathrooms, kitchens and dining rooms lighting is attached to the architectural structure of your space. When adding or making changes to the existing lighting in these areas, it may be best to hire an electrician.

In the non-working room--bedrooms, living rooms, family rooms and dens--a low light level can be easily overcome through the use of floor lamps, table lamps and art lights. Tall table lamps (I recommend at least 24" high) illuminate the room better than short lamps. Thoughtful placement of light fixtures can create a variety of moods. A simple thing like the choice of light bulb can also have significant impact on the finished space. For example, halogen bulbs--though less familiar to many of us--give off a whiter, brighter light than incandescent bulbs. One of my favorite designer tips is to make use of 3-way lamps and light bulbs. Typically, these bulbs illuminate at 60, 75 and 100 watts. With a flip of a switch, you can create three distinct moods with the same fixture. How's that for versatility?

Finally, light control is most often needed in the bedroom. It generally takes the form of a window cover, either for privacy or to block out light entirely. Black-out window treatments are essential in many households to ensure quality sleeping conditions. Among my favorite suggestions for light control are black-out draperies, Hunter-Douglas' Duette and Silhouette window shades, and blinds.

Make the most of your view.

Is there something to look at beyond the four walls of your space? If it gives you pleasure, you have a "view." Your view may overlook water or a wooded lot, a mountain scene, a beautifully manicured garden, or an impressive cityscape. Whatever it is, you will want to make the most of it. The important thing to remember when designing your space around a view is that the seating arrangement should always focus on it. This doesn't mean that every chair in the room should face the view. After all, you want a comfortable living area, not a theater! Work out a seating arrangement that showcases your view to the best of its ability but is functional for your lifestyle. It is okay to place furnishings in front of the view window if necessary, but make sure the item is at least 30" below eye level. Note: Average eye level is 5'6" above the finished floor.