Concept.

Renovating an entire house is a huge project and can be overwhelming.  The best way to approach the renovation is by turning it into a bunch of mini projects.  I'd recommend focusing on one room at a time, and perhaps break each room further into mini projects (if you are painting furniture or making your own art installation).  This way you wont feel overwhelmed and you will be more likely to complete the process.

In the early stages of a project you need to come up with a design concept.  Inspiration can come from many areas.  Magazines and home renovation shows are a good place to start.  You can also get ideas from decor stores, sometimes the best design ideas come from day to day life.  Perhaps you went on vacation to a hot spot and want to recreate a beach or resort room.  Maybe you have a love for a specific colour combination, or even just a love for a certain shape or even a vegetable.  The possibilities are limitless. 

I always start with a few sketches, and images of items that I want to base the design around.  Then I build my finishes,accessories and design ideas around that.  Make a folder to keep your sketches and images, paint chips and any other information on where you might buy your furniture.  Once you have a collection of inspiration ideas you can narrow it down and really focus on the concept and feeling you want to create in your room.