Here is my advice. Pick out some neutral light fixtures that you like first and have the electricians put them all in for you. Move into the house (whenever it's ready of coarse) and live in it. Get a feel for it. Take your time, don't rush. Live in that house for a while before you worry about decorating. Once you have spent some time living in it,it will come to you. I was in my home for 2 years before I truly knew what I wanted. Neutral lighting is great because it will match just about any style that you will decide. You may have to decide up front about kitchen and dining areas though. Bathrooms and bedrooms can stay neutral. It's easier to add then subtract.Hope this helps in some way.

Here is a link that might be useful: Christy's Thrifty Decorating

I agree with CLTurner about developing as you go. I will say, however, that the Brits and French sprinkled some oriental here and there with great success, but not to the light fixtures that would set the trend for the whole house. And yes, you can use grasscloth with any traditional decor, but just not try to go overboard with oriental because it will be a look that one can easily tire of if they are just not totally head-over-heels into that look and as much as I love it, I just cannot take my shoes off each time I enter and bow to the beautiful home. My dear sister, the designer, has gone totally oriental and to be honest, (I know she can afford to change) I could not live with that everyday but she is perfect to a fault and never does a bit of dust touch the table without her wiping. Up every 4 a.m. to do yoga, a ritual bath and meet with her husband for breakfast at 8 a.m. (yes, I said meet... she does not let him see her before she is dressed for presentation).

My advice is to really think about how you want to live. If you are more attracted to modern design get together with a designer now so that you can blend the rustic with the modern in a way that will delight you. We bought a previously owned home in the woods that has such a crazy mix of rustic and contemporary that I have been at a loss for the last year and a half on how to fix it without a major cash outlay! I tend to not love the rustic elements but some of them are growing on me. Best of luck to you!

Thanks everyone. Although I hate to spend money on "basics" now only to replace them later, it certainly makes sense. I think I will just buy some cheaper things that I like, for now, and worry about really "decorating" for later.

If you buy good basics, they don't have to be cheap and they can last forever. Your decorator items and the way you use wallpaper or paint, the choices you use in your furniture and decorator items can set the tone. I would wait for those large items until you are ready, get good basics. Never go cheap on the basics. Best not to have to change them out and basics do not have to be rustic or Oriental, but traditionally transitional that everyone has in their home.

I went through paralysis by analysis when we built last year. It is such "bourgeous suffering" you can't even complain to your RL friends! For the most part things came out fine and it sort of fun to see your true taste evolve through picking things you like.

Re the modern stuff, modern country is a very cool style. I read somewhere not to be afraid, and I tried to be willing to take a few little risks-- checkerboard tile, wildly colored Willard Moses chandelier, some funky 20's style Pottery Barn pendants. I'm glad I did! I made some mistakes, but that's okay. I'd rather have something a little different than have it all be safe and perfect.

I don't see why you can't have an Asian influence (which is usually modern, natural, simple) in a woodsy house. I think it could be quite wonderful.

When we built I had some basics I knew I wanted and was willing to sacrifice other stuff for-- hardwood floors, pretty divided lite windows, painted cabinets, WB fireplace, front porch, mudroom. We picked schoolhouse lights from Rejuvenation and simple sconces from PB. Some of the bathroom and closet lights are from Lowe's. I knew I generally wanted a farmhousey effect and went with that (even though it will look a bit silly when the lots around us get built and we no longer look like we're on our own farm!) It helps to have a look that you like-- pore over those magazine clippings-- see what common elements make you happy about them. Hang in, one thing at a time, it does come together in the end.

I think you should do what you like. Think of yourself as being ecclectic.