DOING DCOTA

* Wear comfortable shoes and take breaks every so often to rest, clear your mind, have something to eat or drink. All of DCOTA is wheelchair accessible.

* Realize that every piece of furniture you see can be custom covered in hundreds of different fabrics and finished in many different woods or paint treatments. DCOTA suppliers can even adjust the sizes of furniture, making them larger or smaller to suit your own space. What you see on display is only a tiny glimpse of what you can actually have.

* Consider your lifestyle when selecting upholstery and window treatments. Maybe you want silk but you have children and dogs. A design pro can suggest new microfibers that have the look of silk but are family-friendly and are less expensive too.

* If possible, start the design process while your home is being built or remodeled. Ordering custom furniture, fabric, etc. takes time.

* Don't be intimidated. If you love bright colors and bold patterns or you want Asian strict minimalism, stick with your style. The design professionals will help you make the most of it.

* Know your own attention span. When you're tired, quit. Bad decisions are made by worn-out shoppers. DCOTA isn't going anywhere. You can come back.