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Creating a signature space — one that is personal and totally yours — takes time. I compare this process of dressing a room to finding that gorgeous outfit to wear to a big reunion: If you plan ahead, you will find your ideal look that fits perfectly.

For the design-challenged, the type of planning required to achieve their goals is a daunting task. The effort will be rewarded if you follow a few suggestions.

Determine your style

Whenever I speak to a new client, I ask them to do a couple of things before our initial meeting. My first suggestion is to browse through design magazines and compile pictures of rooms they like and dislike. I am not expecting a client to determine why they like a space. I’m looking for a gut first reaction, a feeling.

The rooms featured in the photos can be kitchens, bedrooms, bathrooms and other spaces; in fact, the more varied the spaces, the better. We undertake this process to see the patterns that develop. This exercise allows me to determine a client’s preferred style without forcing them to go to design school to be able to articulate their desires.

A picture really is worth a thousand words. You might not be adept at analyzing your design style based on a stack of pictures, but you are one step closer to knowing what you like and dislike and can reveal your “file” to a pro when you are ready.

Decide how to use space

The second request I ask of my clients is to really think about the space they would like to decorate. Think about how the space will be used. This involves considering their habits and how they like to unwind when they are home.

In order for this exercise to be beneficial, it is necessary to be completely honest and realistic.

For example, if a client wants to be able to watch TV, eat dinner and practice putting in the family room, I need to know that so I can plan accordingly. To achieve a cohesive space that allows one to undertake all three activities, it is essential to create a floor plan that allows flexibility.

It is important to be practical and think through who will be using the space and plan for it when selecting seating, flooring, wall treatments and storage. These days, “practical” can be very stylish.

By being open about your needs, style and function can be incorporated into the design from the start.

Do your homework

When designing your space, spend some time online to research what is new to the marketplace.

Resist the impulse to rely on your contractor or even your kitchen designer to know everything about everything. If you are a gadget person, enjoy the process and get involved in finding the latest and greatest products.

Bring passion to project

You are creating and planning the perfect space — enjoy the journey. Don’t worry about price in the beginning; dream a little. Creating a signature space is far more than decorating a pretty room. It is about customizing a space to meet your every need by blending style and function.

Highly personal spaces do not have to be superexpensive; however, I recommend you aim high when establishing your wish list. A plan can always be pared down, but adding elements in the middle of a project is costly and frequently extends completion timelines.

If, for example, a custom built-in is on your list, but not in the budget, you can have the main portion fabricated and add it on later. That huge flat-screen TV you’ve been dreaming about might not make it into the room now, but a good design plan will allow space for it when the time is right. And the necessary wiring can be put in place ahead of time, ensuring there are no messy wires to deal with during the installation.

Many well-meaning friends and extended family members may offer input, but don’t rely on their advice. If you need help, hire an objective design professional to assist you and interpret your design goals.

Jessica Dauray is owner of Elements of Style Interiors, a full-service interior design firm with offices in Greensboro and Wilmington, and The Studio, a trade-focused fabric and furniture resource. Visit her Web sites at www.elementsofstyleinteriors.com or www.thestudioofgreensboro.com. Have questions? E-mail Jessica at jessicaofeos@bellsouth.net.