Get a distinctive style; If you're trying to find a unique look for your rooms, just check out Stirling's shops.

LOVE it or hate it, home decorating is now a national obsession. From the front hall to the spare room, Scots spend countless hours and plenty of money trying to create the right look.

Thanks to TV style gurus such as house doctor Ann Maurice, some people dream about chucking out the clutter and painting everything cream.

But for thousands of others, it's all about designing something that reflects their way of life.

White walls and stark furniture may make your place look bigger and help you to sell up but it doesn't say much about your personality.

And because neutral colours have been so popular in the past, a lot of properties tend to look the same.

Homeowners who aren't sure about what look they're trying to achieve tend to stick to the same colours year in, year out.

You don't have to look far to find similar styles - with every big household retailer selling the same type of product at nearly the same price.

So if you want to break the mould, think about shopping elsewhere.

Scotland's retail parks are always crammed full at the weekends with people searching for a new look.

But no matter what you find, it won't be long until someone else has exactly the same style in their living room or kitchen.

Instead, think about exploring other shops, stores and boutiques that stock goods no other retailer will have. If you're lucky enough to live in the Stirling area, there are plenty of individual stores that can help you create a unique, chic look.

Whether you want furniture or frills, the city has a lively shopping district where you're sure to find something that fits the bill.

The Bay furniture and interiors store, in the city's Springkerse trade park, has a new larger showroom featuring lots of stylish goods.

Or check out Surface Options for worktops and surfaces in a variety of materials. They are located in the Thistle industrial estate, Kerse Road, Stirling.

By shopping somewhere new, chances are you'll come across something you've never seen before.

It's no coincidence professional interior designers use unusual statement pieces to help a room come alive.

They know that if you don't feature something a little out of the ordinary, there's nothing in the room to help it stand out.

You don't have to spend a lot of money to help create that special look. A dull coffee table or bare shelf can gain a new lease of life through stylish accessories.

In fact, it's much better to add a few touches here and there rather than rely on one big item to give your room the wow factor.

And if you stick to adding vibrant rugs, unusual ornaments or cushions, it's a lot easier to quickly the change the look of a room.

All too often, people paint their walls or use bold wallpaper only to get sick of them weeks later.

So think about how you want your home to look. Keep a scrap book and stuff it full of inspirational pictures and sketches. Before long, you'll have a good idea of the style you like.

You may find you already have a few key pieces dotted around the house - for instance, your favourite throw, mirror or photo.

With a bit of planning, you'll be able to incorporate it into a new look for your home that's unique to you.

It's important to make sure every lamp, candle, cushion or ornament complements the room and viceversa. Otherwise you'll just end up with a room full of clutter.

So before you hit the big retail stores, think about making the most of the shops that can help you create something a little bit different.

By swapping the high street for boutique, you're more likely to end up with a home that's completely special to you.

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STIR THINGS UP: Thistle Centre has big name shops but the city is also home to small shops and boutiques