I just went through this and had to select stone, paint, stucco finish, grout texture, roof tiles, pavers, lighting, and garage doors. It's overwhelming. What helped me is finding house pictures illustrating colors that I wanted.

Many retail paint stores (e.g. Dunn Edwards, Sherwin-Williams) have color specialists who can help you for free. Get a stone sample, your home's elevations, and let them help you pull it together.

Have you asked your builder if they've someone who can help you?

i agree with the above, that it will help your excitement...

but you dont necesarily need someone who will do top to bottom decor, you can hire someone for one or two sessions, and have a list of questions ready, and ask them....

houzz is here for some descisions too!! so many people who love to help....

Hire a designer. The price that you pay for their expertise will be far less than the cost of the mistakes that you are bound to make (and regret!). I also suggest consulting with a designer because, no matter how much you think you know about design…they will know much more and will have fabulous ideas and suggestions that you wouldn’t even think of! Good designers can help you stay in budget. Good designers can serve as your advocate, when necessary. They will help you prioritize what you buy now and what you can do later. Good designers listen to you and to your concerns. I believe you can’t afford NOT to hire one. Seriously!

Thanks Patrick, yes I did ask but I was told that is what they were for- so why are you asking me was my next question.

I have made every decision in all my remodel/building projects and would not have it any other way, but not everyone has the desire, ability and/or time to do that.

Where are you building? Someone here might be able to recommend a good local designer that would fit your needs. I have great one to recommend if you live in Los Angeles!

Designers have to eat, too.

Chisel I live in North Carolina small town outside of Fayetteville

Post here! We can help. :) We did a full home remodel inside and out with no designer. It wasn't in the budget but if it is for you go for it, not necessary though IMO.

If your skill set is not in design, then yes, hire a designer at least for one or two sessions to help point you in the right direction.

Check in with a designer, but don't take his or her word as an end-all.

I didn't use one - it's a log house and I doubt many designers have any idea what is best for a log house. Maybe I didn't either, but I am happy with what I did - one or two things I think a true designer would have steered me away from - my lights in the common areas are up too high - but otherwise since I am sort of an iconoclast and don't plan to sell for many years to come...

I'd avoid getting a designer or decorator that comes with their own line of YOU GOTTA USE THIS cabinetry etc. Unless you already know you love items in that line.

This site was of tremendous help when I was putting together my kitchen - I already had a list of HATES from my previous kitchen (I do like to cook), and the one and only LIKE from there.

Yes, towards the end, the process of choices got really really wearing. ("What color grout???") But even with a designer, you should still be choosing, but a designer will help you limit down choices.

many companies offer 'design/color' assistance (see comment above re paint). A largish lighting SHOWROOM, (i.e. not Home Depot or Lowe's) can offer assistance with lighting; a plumbing distributor (Ferguson's, for example) can help with a variety of bath/kitchen items. Yes they want to sell you something, but they also want to help you make a good (for you) decision (so you will recommend them rather than leave bad review).