Is Your Home Your Dream Home?DIY Network's Amy Devers offers easy ways to achieve the model-home look from home décor magazines

In full-color magazine photos, homes are always polished, decorated with fresh flowers, and displaying fine art, expensive furniture and plush carpeting. Many homeowners may find it next to impossible to replicate the look that they see and love in home décor magazines without spending a fortune. Amy Devers from the DIY Network offers her expertise on how to achieve the luxurious look seen on the glossy pages in today's most popular home décor magazines.

Amy Devers hosts a how-to program called DIY to the Rescue and a how-to-program on modern furniture design called Freeform Furniture. Devers holds a Master's in Fine Arts in furniture design from the Rhode Island School of Design. She is an artist as well as a designer, and is currently operating a freelance build/design studio in Los Angeles in addition to hosting her own shows.

Decorated spaces in magazines have a very cohesive look, with many special touches that convey high fashion. Many of these rooms are not lived in and each item in the room is present for an aesthetic purpose. "Unify a room in your home by weeding out the things that are superfluous. Keep only meaningful and functional items in a space to avoid a chaotic appearance. You can string together an eclectic and diverse mix of furniture by opting for a monochromatic paint scheme. Choose a few accessories that pick up the colors in your paint and furniture. If your furniture is a solid color and texture, consider an area rug or wallpaper to add pattern and dimension," said Devers.

Although you want your home to be beautiful, stick to pieces of furniture and décor pieces that work for you and do not obscure the traffic patterns of your home. Choose functional and attractive storage that is easy to access and allows you to keep the room clear of clutter. Minimal clutter makes a tremendous difference in a space.

A space is defined by its architecture, the placement of furniture, wall color, flooring and window treatments, but it's the conversation pieces and art that really make a room special.

Artwork is what gives a room personality. "Choose your art carefully and stick to pieces you find truly beautiful, interesting or inspiring. Original art adds depth and character to a room and it does not have to be expensive," said Devers.

"Consider framing your child's abstract drawings, or displaying a piece of pottery made by a friend. Frame a photo you took on vacation or student work from the art department of the local high school or university," said Devers. Try to avoid generic prints or shopping mall paintings, so that your space really captures your individuality.

When working within a budget, do not skimp on high-traffic items such as flooring and frequently used furniture. "Using a quality flooring or carpet is critical to creating a beautiful space," Devers said.

Devers recommends homeowners save money by shopping in thrift stores, yard sales and on the Internet for home décor bargains. She also recommends do it yourself projects such as painting and applying wall paper, which is currently enjoying a resurgence in popularity.

When trying to achieve a certain look in your home despite budget constraints, there are several DIY things you can do to get started. However, the hardest part of DIY home décor projects is often finishing what you start.

Before you begin your project it is important that you are prepared for what you set out to do. Devers said, "My mantra is: Planning, Preparation, Practice and Patience. It is crucial that you plan your project carefully. Prepare for your project by doing the research and buying all of the supplies needed. Practice a technique on scrap materials before commencing the project and be patient! Many projects, like sanding, take longer than expected and have aspects to them that are downright tedious."

If you are set out to obtain a certain look in your home, do not get frustrated. "Do not rush your work or take short cuts. You will make mistakes and will not feel as satisfied in your work. Ask your friends for help and set aside DIY days on your schedule. It is important to acknowledge your work habits and make reasonable goals for yourself," said Devers.

When you involve your friends and set aside scheduled time for your projects you are more likely to follow through with them. Devers said, "Celebrate your hard work and reward yourself and your friends with a home-cooked meal and a bottle of wine, or send out for Chinese food and beer."