When examining any environment to improve its looks or function, the most common approach is to select some individual element and say:  "I think it's time to repaint.  What color goes with our furniture?," or "This carpet is getting threadbare and filthy. Let's just replace it!" Or, "Honey, now that we've repainted, those window treatments don't match!"

The problem with this approach is that the space never really improves! It is merely maintained. To make a significant impact on a room, a home, or your workplace, the entire experience must be considered as a whole. This distinction is what distinguishes the designer from a decorator.