The details distinguish the space. If you invest time and thought into each and every facet of your home décor, you are sure to love the result. Interior designer Patsy Clifford offers insight on how to give your home a polished look and what you should consider before you decorate.

Clifford is an IFDA certified designer and has been practicing interior design in and around Tampa, Florida, for more than 25 years. Most of her projects include residential design; however, she has designed several doctors' offices and a beauty salon. Clifford received her Bachelor Degree in Education from the University of Georgia before pursuing design. Since then, she has taken several interior design courses at the University of South Florida and Hillsborough Community College.

Clifford recommends removing all of the accessories from a room and looking at the space with the foundation pieces before adding the details. "You do not want to over accessorize a space. Often times when decorating, less is more. You want to be able to absorb everything in the room," said Clifford.

Think carefully about each item you plan to place in a room and eliminate the pieces you feel indifferent toward. "Use the pieces that you never want to get rid of in your décor. When you decorate with items you do not love, you are not going to love the end result," said Clifford.

Bookshelves can often be a challenge to decorate. Clifford suggests that you work with the major pieces first, group collections for a bolder statement and monitor how many items you put at eye level. Use different heights and shapes for interest; use leather bound books for filler and illuminate glass pieces for that extra touch. Think of your bookshelf as a store window. You want it to be organized, interesting and clutter-free. Do not be afraid to be selective with the items you place on your bookshelf or in your home.

When you begin decorating, establish goals that you want to accomplish and determine what the purpose of the space is. You want your home to reflect your personality and to be a comfortable retreat from the outside world. If the room you are decorating is a gathering area, the furniture arrangement should be welcoming, the room should be well-lit and there should be a comfortable place for five or six people to sit.

According to Clifford, "It is important to capitalize on the feeling of a room. Bring the elements outside your window into your décor. You want the room to flow from the outside in. Also, use pieces that make you and others comfortable. Try to think abstractly when you choose the elements of a room. Perhaps your set of African drums will make an interesting side table."

Another factor to consider when you decorate is the scale of the furniture, art and mirrors in a room. "Furniture can overpower a room and items that are too big or too small can make a space seem awkward. It helps to make a layout of the room and see how the furniture and accessories fit best into the space," said Clifford.

Once you have decided on a color scheme for your space, use textures and patterns to complete it. Look to your flooring to create the color scheme for the rest of your décor and bring pattern and texture into your décor with the details.

"Vary your use of fabrics, textures and patterns. However, if you are using patterns, make sure they do not compete. Each space can only handle one large pattern, so if you choose a powerful print for the sofa use more subdued patterns on the other items in the room," said Clifford.

Carpet is a great way to add texture to a space. Clifford said, "For the dining room, choose a bold carpet with pattern or texture and find something soft and durable for the living areas. Textured carpet or carpet with a pattern adds a new dimension to your décor and is very forgiving when it comes to traffic patterns and stains." STAINMASTER® carpet with Tactesse® nylon fiber is ultra soft, durable and comes in a plethora of different patterns and textures that will fit any home décor.

"Think 'simple comfort' for the main pieces in your home, and add interest in the details, such as a leopard print ottoman or funky end tables. The one or two outstanding pieces in a room will leave a lasting impression on your guests," said Clifford.