rock your remodel

Chapter 1

Starting an interior design project on your own can be both exciting and challenging. To help you get started, here’s a list of steps you need to complete at the very beginning of your interior design project. Following these steps will ensure you gather all the necessary information to create a cohesive and well-planned design.

Step 1: Walk Through Your Space

• • Take Notes: As you walk through your space, jot down observations about the current layout, functionality, and any issues you want to address.
  • Assess Each Room: Consider how each room is used and how you want it to function in the future.

Step 2: Define Your Needs and Preferences

• • List Your Needs: Write down what you need from each room. For example, do you need more storage, better lighting, or a more open layout?
  • Identify Style Preferences: Gather inspiration from design magazines, websites, and social media. Note what styles, colors, and materials you are drawn to.
  • Think about what makes you comfortable in a space. This could include natural light, certain colors, or specific furniture styles.

Step 3: Estimate Your Investment

• • Set a Realistic Investment Level: Determine how much you are willing to spend on your project. Consider all potential expenses, including furniture, materials, labor, and unforeseen costs.
  • Prioritize Spending: Decide which areas or items are most important to you and allocate your budget accordingly.

Step 4: Develop aTimeline

• • Create a Flexible and Realistic Timeline: Outline a timeline for your project, keeping in mind that unexpected delays can occur. Consider key milestones such as design completion, purchasing, and installation.

Step 5: Create Preliminary Drawings

• • Sketch Possible Layouts: Use hand drawings to experiment with different room layouts and space plans. This will help you visualize changes and determine the best configuration for your space.

Step 6: Take Photos of Your Space

• • Document Your Space: Take comprehensive photos of each room from multiple angles. These will serve as a reference throughout your project and help you communicate your vision to any professionals you might hire.
  • Organize Your Photos: Store these photos in a folder on your computer or in a physical album for easy reference as you progress with your design.

Step 7: Explore Design Styles

• • Match Design Styles: Choose design styles that complement your home’s architecture and your personal preferences. Look for consistency in style choices across furniture, fixtures, and decor.
  • Before choosing paint colors, pick your flooring tile. Make sure it’s what you truly want. This will be the basis for making sure that the rest of the colors you choose will work together throughout the interior and exterior of your new home.
  • Select Paint Colors: Gather paint samples and consider how different colors will look in your space. Take your floor tile sample with you when choosing paint colors to make sure the colors work together. Take note of how natural and artificial light affects colors.

Step 8: Consider Lighting Options

• • Evaluate Current Lighting: Assess the existing lighting in each room. Determine if you need to add, remove, or update fixtures to achieve the desired ambiance.
  • Plan for New Lighting: Choose lighting options that enhance the functionality and aesthetic of your space. Consider a mix of ambient, task, and accent lighting.

Step 9: Evaluate Existing Furniture and Decor

• • Inventory Current Items: Make a list of all existing furniture and decor in each room. Note their condition, style, and whether you want to keep, repurpose, or replace them.
  • Determine Compatibility: Assess if your current items fit with your new design vision. This helps in deciding what to keep and what to change.

Step 10: Collect Inspiration and Ideas

• • Create a Vision Board: Compile images, color swatches, fabric samples, and other design elements that inspire you. This can be a physical board or a digital collection (e.g., Pinterest).
  • Identify Themes: Look for recurring themes or elements in your inspiration board to help narrow down your design style.

Step 11: Research Materials and Finishes

• • Explore Material Options: Research different materials for flooring, countertops, cabinetry, and other surfaces. Consider durability, maintenance, and aesthetic appeal.
  • Compare Finishes: Look at various finishes (e.g., matte, glossy, textured) to determine what works best for your design and lifestyle.

Step 12: Plan for Functionality

• • Identify High-Traffic Areas: Determine which areas of your home receive the most use and ensure they are designed for durability and practicality.
  • Consider Storage Needs: Plan for adequate storage solutions to keep your space organized and clutter-free.

Step 13: Think About Future Needs

• • Plan for Flexibility: Consider how your needs might change in the future and design with flexibility in mind. This could include creating multi-purpose spaces or selecting adaptable furniture.
  • – Anticipate Growth: If you plan to expand your family or host frequent guests, make sure your design can accommodate these changes.

Step 14: Set Clear Goals and Priorities

• • Define Your Goals: Clearly outline what you want to achieve with your redesign. This could be improving functionality, creating a specific aesthetic, or increasing property value.
  • Prioritize Projects: Decide which rooms or areas are the highest priority and focus your efforts and budget accordingly.

Additional Information to Gather:

• • Lifestyle Considerations: Think about your daily routines and how your space can better support them. For example, if you love cooking, prioritize kitchen improvements.
  • – Accessibility Needs: Ensure your design accommodates any accessibility requirements for you or your family members.
  • – Environmental Impact: Consider eco-friendly materials and sustainable practices in your design choices.
  • Legal and Zoning Requirements: Check local building codes and zoning regulations to ensure your design plans comply with legal requirements.

By incorporating these steps and considerations, you’ll have a thorough understanding of your needs and preferences, setting a solid foundation for a successful interior design project.