I do not have a design "eye". Are there general rules I can follow?

What are you trying to design?

"Design eye" is really what you like. Try not to put furniture against all four walls, pick colors you like, if not sure of goes with what? Go to your local paint store and look at the paint cards. Take the suggestion books. Try not to put too many items/collections into a room where it looks like a storage unit of knick knacks or a museum and not a home. Really, your home is yours and what makes you happy and comfortable is really what is important.

One of the first rules I use is that each main room should flow well together. It could be either paint colors, molding, theme, etc... If you have an inspiration piece, you can start there! It could be a favorite piece of furniture, artwork, area rug, pillow, what ever happens to be something you love and can look at for a long time. Here's a great link from Better Homes and Garden that I think may be helpful!! Just remember, you should have fun doing this. Don't stress!

http://www.bhg.com/decorating/color/basics/5-ways-to-connect-rooms-with-color/

Have fun!!

Pick your wall color. This should be a great neutral color - not necessarily white or beige. Go to your paint store and look at the paint cards and find a color you like. Thinking about other colors you like, settle on 2 or 3 that you can live with awhile. Use these colors on your accent pieces. Don't overdo the accessories. For each vignette you choose to design, use groups of three. These can be all in the same color family or in your 3 accent colors. Use pillows, candles, favorite collectibles, etc. If it makes you happy, that is your "design eye." There is no set way to decorate except to keep it on the simpler side. A few well-placed accessories will stand out more than a hodge-podge of things!

Look through magazines, online, etc to collect styles and colors that you like. There is no rule to decorating your house...it is your space, so it should be decorated the way you like. Once you have some ideas from the pictures you haev found, begin by making the changes a little at a time...paint first, then add decor such as artwork, toss pillows, knick-knacks, furniture...whatever you like.

Thanks, everyone. I try to paint. I try to take great photos. I try to interior decorate. I'm good but not great. Want to be great. Enjoy learning about it and knowing your thoughts.

You will need to understand and study the "Elements and Principles of Design." Such as: Line, Shape, Form, Space, Color, Value, Texture, Balance, Contrast, Emphasis, Dominance And Focal Point, Harmony And Unity, Movement, Proportion And Scale, Repetition, Rhythm and Pattern, Variety And Variation.