Whether you’re redecorating the guest bathroom or tackling a larger project in the kitchen, when it comes to designing any area of your home, figuring out a game plan can be daunting. Ultimately, there are so many decisions to make—and we’re not just talking about choosing the correct color of paint or which type of drapes you’ll bring in. Before you finalize plans on a makeover or source new décor, it’s important to understand your personal design aesthetic and how to make choices that will help you reach your overarching goal. 

No one knows how to guide you through a home decorating project—from vision to execution—better than an interior designer. For that reason, we spoke to 20 different authorities in the home design industry; they shared their best tips for curating a space that best fits your personal style. Beyond their standout talent, the creators featured in this guide have another thing in common: They are the designers behind the first-ever Living By Design showhouse produced by Embello with national media partner Martha Stewart Living. The visionaries reimagined spaces throughout a virtual 10,000 square-foot home in Bedford, New York, where Martha’s primary residence is located.

As true experts in their field, these designers are some of the best creatives to turn to when ideating and wrangling your own home projects. They understand where to source inspiration, how to work on a budget, and, most importantly, how to bring an elusive vision into fruition. Ahead, these pros share their very best interior design advice that will help you make your house a home.