Designers give decoration tips

Most designers can't even get their minds around hiding mistakes because they are so bent on preventing them in the first place. Here are some of their sure-fire ways to minimize post-decorating moans:

Proceed slowly. Cindy Piccoli, host of HGTV's "Decorating With Style," has just moved and hasn't yet decided on her color scheme. Instead of a hasty decision she might regret, she's opted to slipcover two new chairs in inexpensive white duck cloth. "Eventually I'll upholster them, but now I have the time to decide what colors and fabric I want."

Make a plan. This is perhaps as close to a mantra as decorators get. "You need a floor plan and a color scheme. Then you can shop the sales and pick up quality pieces," says designer Rebecca Rahl.

Get some help. "Have a designer come to your home for two hours to make some suggestions," says designer Scott Dolphin. "He may suggest things you haven't thought of."