6 Things To Consider Before Starting Any Interior Decorating or Design Project

Interior Decorating or Design could mean doing a full renovation at one end of the scale or a simple refresh with a can of paint and some new furniture and accessories at the other. Regardless of the scale of your project, there are 6 important steps you need to consider in order to create a cohesive interior design style.  Each element needs to build on each other to create a style that you love and supports how you live. 

Step One:  Create a Floor Plan

There are so many great software programs available today online that will help you create a floor plan and determine the appropriate size of furniture, rugs and accessory items that will fit in the room.  Check out Room Sketcher or Smart Draw.

Step Two: Style/Colour/Design 

When decorating or designing a room, you need to know where you’re going – and in order to do this, you need to have a plan.

Start with gathering inspiration: colour schemes you like, interior images, furniture you love, textures, and materials like tile & wallpaper.  Group everything into a folder or on a Pinterest board to keep a clear and coherent vision in one space.  Is your style Modern, Traditional, Transitional, Mid-Century Modern or Shabby Chic?  Whatever it is, define your personal interior design style. 

Look for common themes or threads in the folder you’ve created and decide on a palette of colours, materials, and textures to help you guide future decisions. 

Step Three: Function/Lifestyle

How are you going to use the space?  To relax, entertain, work or all three?  Identify the core activities that take place in your home – NETFLIX marathons, video games, homework, crafts, eating habits.  Do you have pets or young children? 

Defining all these activities will help you decide the type of furniture, flooring and lighting you need. Make a wish list. 

Step Four: Window Treatments. 

Window treatments are the ultimate finishing touch and can make or break any design project.

Light control, privacy, colour and design are all important considerations and should enhance the interior design/style you are trying to establish. 

If you’re trying to establish a transitional style, simple drapery panels or roman blinds might be the right choice.  If you’re trying to create a more modern look, think about incorporating zebra blinds, textured blinds or Hunter Douglas Pirouettes.

Step Five: Scale

Determine what size your furniture, rugs, etc. should be by going back to your floor plan and experimenting with different furniture pieces and sizes. For furniture – start with the biggest items first and then add smaller items to your plan. 

Step Six:  Establish Your Budget

Once you’ve nailed down your design/style and made a list of furniture, flooring, window treatments and lighting you need, take inventory of what you already own.  Decide whether each piece will support the design style you’re trying to achieve.  Can you find a place for your art, paint or re-finish an existing piece of furniture? 

Create a list of what you’re keeping and what you need to buy.  Then establish a budget. This is really the hard part, especially if you don’t know the cost of items and materials, all of which varies significantly according to the level of quality and where it’s made. Google items you’re looking to purchase from stores that you frequent because you like their level of quality. 

If all of this is just not in your DNA or you don’t have the time to devote to, Contact Us today to discuss your project. We’ll put together a customized design package to provide you with the help you need.