Does the thought of changing your window treatments scare you? Are too many color choices for matelasse driving you mad? Have you been diagnosed with FOF, fear of fabrics? Well, not to worry. Home decorating doesn’t have to be a frightening experience. There are tricks to help you make good design choices and overcome that fear.

Donna Talley, national spokesperson for Calico Corners(calicocorners.com), America’s leading home design retailer, explains, "If you weren’t born with a knack for putting a room together, you’re not alone. The most important thing to remember is that there are professionals out there to help you --and many of them will do so for free. For example, Calico Corners sales associates will coordinate colors, patterns and textures, plus design window treatments and much more. For a very small fee, Calico’s in-home consultants visit your home and help you work through those decorating dilemmas that are keeping you awake at night."

Talley offers the following tips to home decorators:

Take it slow! Make decorating changes in phases. Start with something small, like creating a new look with pillows on a tired sofa, using different colors and textures to add punch to a room. Once pleased with the result, it will give you confidence to make other changes.

Visualize your choices. Forget tiny little fabric swatches and teensy paint chips. Unless you’re psychic, it’s hard to visualize the final result. Many paint manufacturers offer large color samples or small jars of paint so that you can try before you buy. Calico Corners allows you to borrow a bolt or large hanging sample and see the effect of that fabric in your room or on your furniture. Most retailers of carpets and home accessories also allow you to borrow furnishings and return them if they’re not right. Good companies don’t want you to live with a mistake.

Think about how you use your windows. Before you decide what kind of window treatment to choose, consider how your windows are used. Do you want window treatments to be functional or decorative—or both? Do they need to clear French doors? Provide privacy – or enable you to see a television or computer screen without wearing your sunglasses? Understanding what the room requires will help you choose between formal draperies or casual Roman shades.

Tired of looking at that same old furniture but don’t want to buy new? Make it simple: reupholster or revamp the room with slipcovers. Slipcovers can change the look of a room instantly. Depending on the fabric and fit, they can change a formal room into a casual one or vice versa. Since they’re dry cleanable, slipcovers are great for family rooms, kids and pets, too!

"The most important thing to remember," Talley adds, "is that you really can decorate with confidence. Have fun and take a few chances. Calico Corners’ design consultants will be with you every step of the way. Trust your instincts and take it slowly. Everything will come will come together—and it will be beautiful! Most of all, you won’t have to be afraid anymore!"