What methods do you use to change and control the dreamscape?

Last night was the first time I was able to change the dreamscape while LDing, two times actually. The last two times before this I ended in darkness twice, trying to change the dreamscape.

Last night I appeared in my bathroom, but I can't remember much at all from before I did a reality check. I tried holding my nose, but couldn't determine whether or not I could breathe through it, although it felt like I could somewhat. So I was going to try to push my thumb through my right hand, but when I looked down at my right hand I noticed I appeared to have a thumb sprouting off my palm, so I knew I must have been dreaming. I tried both a form of teleporting and spinning, because I decided my bathroom wasn't a very exciting place to be. The first time I ended up in a shopping mall, which I didn't really like, so I tried again and ended up in a café. I probably should have stayed there, but I had a place in mind that I really wanted to visit, so I tried picturing this place in my mind and focusing on it, but then I just ended up in darkness again and the dream ended.

So what methods do you use to control where you are in the dream?

I do something similar: I picture something in my head, and relaxingly know it will happen. But I find that if I drop my focus on my current surroundings, and focus too much on the new location I'm thinking of, the dream ends. I'm not sure if this is the norm or "right way" of doing it, but what helps me is finding a door by turning around and expecting one to be there, then opening it while knowing your location is on the other side! :) It's kinda like if you're at home in your bedroom and the door's closed, but when you open it, you know exactly what is on the other side: the hallway, or whatever. This way, you don't lose focus or attention to your surroundings.

I was going to post something very similar to what Carousel posted. Look for a door, or go around a corner, and just expect (know) that where you want to be or what you're looking for is on the other side.

This is also listed in the WIKI under Dream Control and Summoning.

Great reply from a new member! :)

I like to close my eyes and snap my fingers while envisioning a certain place. I use this the most often but if I'm not stable in the dream then I'll just use the door technique. I say this because closing your eyes in a dream can be very dangerous in terms of waking up. However I find it to be the easiest and fastest since I don't have to spend any time at all preparing.