I have heard it's best to pick one thing and build off of that. It could be anything from a large painting to a decorative pillow that you get your whole color scheme from. As far as the technical information that may help you - there is an archive of articles here, http://interiordec.about.com/od/decorateforbegin/u/Decorating101.htm and it spans color, paint, styles, and techniques as well as info on working with a designer if you find you need one.
There are great websites out there where you can find the basics on decorating. Better Homes and Gardens and Home & Garden Television are two that are highly respected. I recommend that you look into www.bhg.com/decorating/lessons/basics/ and www.hgtv.com/decorating-basics/index.html.
You can look up the book "Decorating basics: styles, colors and furnishings." by Linda Hallam. http://www.amazon.com/Decorating-Basics-Styles-Furnishings-Gardens/dp/0696211971/ref=pd_sim_b_9
You can find information about remodeling your bathroom at homerenovations.about.com/.../bathrooms/.../smallbathroomremode... You can also check out www.hgtv.com �ۼ Decorating �ۼ Decorating Basics.
You could watch HGTV for television, as they have good shows on home decorating. You can also use some home remodeling/decorating magazines for help as they help most people.
Yes, there are several sites you can visit. I recommend you check out Home Decorating Basics - Pictures, Tips & Ideas for Designing www.hgtv.com/decorating/index.html
HGTV's website has some great pumpkin carving tutorials. Beginner tutorials are located here: http://www.hgtv.com/decorating-basics/beginner-Halloween-pumpkin-carving-templates/pictures/index.html, and more advanced tutorials are located here: http://www.hgtv.com/decorating-basics/advanced-Halloween-pumpkin-carving-templates/pictures/index.html
The basics are very important for soccer. Can't run before you can walk.
I would advise you to look for patio examples on patio.com and look for whatever you like. You can also check http://www.hgtv.com/decorating-basics/index.html.
Down to Earth - 1984 Back to Basics 1-3 was released on: USA: March 1984
You may get this at some great sites. You can access dir.yahoo.com/.../jack_o__lanterns/carving_tips_and_templates and www.hgtv.com/decorating-basics/beginner...templates/.../index.html
If you want to have transitional decor for your house, you can learn more about it online. This link can help http://www.hgtv.com/decorating-basics/transitional-style-101/index.html
I absolutely love HGTV and all of their great design tips. If you are anything like me, you want your home to have great style at an affordable price. HGTV can show you how to get both, here is a great link, http://www.hgtv.com/decorating-basics/transitional-style-101/index.html