To create a home that reflects your sense of individuality and fits your family's lifestyle, browse through magazines, peruse the internet or visit Gehan Homes models and gather pictures of rooms that appeal to you. Answer the following questions to design your dream home:

What is your decorating style?

Once you begin collecting photographs and ideas, you should begin to see a common theme. Do your selections have a modern flair or are they more traditional? Perhaps you draw your inspiration from global influences such as Tuscan, Mediterranean, Oriental, Southwestern or French Country. Your unique style may be more defined as Shabby Chic, Rustic, Western or Tropical. Knowing the designs that appeal to you help more clearly define your decorating style.

How does the room make you feel?

Visualize the pictures you have chosen without the furnishings, and simply focus on the color palette of the walls, the cabinetry and the flooring. How does the room make you feel? Comfortable and relaxed? Invigorated and revitalized? Sophisticated and refined? Imagine yourself in that room. Is this the feeling that you are hoping to create in that particular space? The emotional response that you have to the room will assist you in determining the colors and textures that most appeal to you.

Is there continuity of design?

Visualize your furnishings in the room. They should fit well together with the color scheme and style you have chosen. Do all of the rooms flow together naturally? All of the rooms do not need to match, but should be consistent in style.

Is it functional?

Think about your family's lifestyle. You may draw your inspiration from pictures in magazines, but oftentimes these photographs are staged and don't reflect comfortable, everyday living. Envisioning your family enjoying and living comfortably in the space will allow you to create a home that is as functional as it is beautiful.

Will it last?

Trendy designs and unconventional colors are a fun way to add personality and uniqueness to your home. However, what is in style today may become antiquated tomorrow. When choosing your cabinetry, countertops and flooring, ask yourself if what you are selecting today will be something that will still be stylish years from now. Throw pillows, colorful paint, area rugs and other decorative touches can add whimsy and are affordable enough to change frequently.

Incorporating your individual style into your home design will help you create a beautiful home with lasting value.

Kitchen - The aspiring gourmand will appreciate a beautiful and functional kitchen. Larger, 42" cabinetry adds drama and height, and elegant crown mouldings can add a custom look. Whether you choose to go light or dark, hardwood is always in style. Maple, alder and cherry cabinets are currently hot trends that are poised to have lasting value. Countertops in a contrasting tone provide a sense of depth, with granite and quartz being the most popular choices of today's homebuyer. Extra touches such as undermount sinks, pull-out shelving, undercabinet lighting and rubbed bronze faucets are current trends that will add value and style to your home.

Flooring - Whether you choose hardwood, ceramic tile, carpet or a combination of all three - neutral and warm tones will always be in style. Add some flair with a decorative tile medallion at your entry, or have tile laid on the diagonal for an elegant touch. Tile and hardwoods are best for high-traffic areas and hold up well. A good quality carpet with upgraded padding will last longer and often is a wise investment.

Bathrooms - Create a spa atmosphere with a sumptuous master bath. Consider muted tiles for flooring, with a focus on those with a matte finish. Large tiles in the shower, cultured marble countertops and brushed nickel faucets are trendy yet traditional. Of course, no spa would be complete without an oversized soaking tub with an added Jacuzzi feature for extra relaxation.

Interior Trim - Small details can add big drama to your home. Consider oil-rubbed bronze door hardware, majestic crown moulding or perhaps chair railings in the dining areas. A stone fireplace and mantel add opulence and drama to the family room, and iron stair spindles are a stately touch.

Exterior - Enhance the curb appeal of your home by adding brick and stone finishes or a wood or glass-paneled front door. Landscaping with native trees and shrubs is a wise investment and will provide lasting shade and beauty.

Outdoor Living - Outdoor kitchens and fireplaces extend your living space to the outdoors. As this trend gains momentum, many homeowners are adding built-in grills, outdoor sinks and refrigerators, and even built-in seating.