You've signed the papers, you've got the keys and now you're staring at a whole lot of blank walls. You've spent the past decade moving from place to place, city to city, focusing on your career. Now you're ready to make a true home — but you haven't the slightest idea how.

That's the position in which many ambitious young professionals find themselves. They may have seen the world, but they can't see how to turn a house into a home.

To help conjure up the courage to create a comfortable abode — and invite company over — we called in the experts. Some of the state's reigning interior designers, bloggers and editors have come to our aid with tips they learned the hard way for creating a warm, welcoming sanctuary and entertaining space.

 Adrienne Breaux, editor at Apartment Therapy

 1. Get it clean — and keep it clean

Home feels like home when it's filled with friends and family, and you're more likely to invite folks over when you're not worried they'll spot your dust bunnies or stumble on the pile of laundry that springs up in that one corner of your bedroom. Finally set down — and stick to — a cleaning schedule this fall.

 2. Go ahead and buy yourself confidence

Your home doesn't have to be perfect to enjoy it, but give yourself permission to start the process of making your dream home. Buy yourself a few needed (or wanted) pieces that will give you confidence to entertain.

 3. Focus, experiment, breathe — and then enjoy

Focus your time, energy and brilliance on DIY projects, new home items or furniture layout rearrangements that work for you. (And don't be afraid to experiment until you strike just the right note.) But if you're still worried, remember: Low lighting and lots of bourbon can make any space look design magazine-worthy.

 Kristie Ramirez Hoitsma, Texas Monthly writer-at-large and editor of Texas Style & Substance

 1) Always have a good mix of music

Even if just one person is coming over, create some background noise with something other than your television. A neutral mix of Joni Mitchell, Willie Nelson and Van Morrison never offends.

 2) A few flowers go a long way

They add life to a room. You don't have to go nuts with $12 stems of peonies. Orchids or succulents are big-impact, inexpensive and long-lasting.

 3) Stock the pantry with good snacks

This is easy but something that people often forget. Always have wasabi almonds, crackers and a block of cheese. All of these things are affordable and keep forever, plus they are a good balance of textures and flavors. You're more likely to have friends over when you know you don't have to run out to the grocery to sate even the smallest appetite.

 Janus Lazaris, owner and interior designer at JanusDesign

 1) The "giving home" is always ready for company

Give yourself enough time to plan, organize and create. Start early by setting up the guest room weeks before your company arrives. Think about menus, events and schedules before the doorbell rings. A simple game plan will work wonders in eliminating stress.

 2) Now that autumn nights begin early, turn on the lights

Your home will sparkle much brighter if you dust light bulbs and clean light covers. This is also a good time to polish glass, silver and other shiny surfaces so they reflect light better.

 3) Keep warm and cozy

Don't forget rugs, wraps, pillows and blankets! November is the time to layer your home in warm and cozy textures. Drape a distinctive blanket over the back of the sofa. Add inviting pillows and a rug, and place firewood so it is ready for a cold night.

Put these ideas in motion, and next time a friend unexpectedly rings your doorbell, you won't have to hide behind the couch.