Interior Design Tips & Trends…Insider Secrets for Home Design Enthusiasts

Even if you are planning to use an interior designer, it is a good idea to plan your project before you pick up the phone to interview designers.  Most of us look at magazines for ideas and inspiration, and that is the perfect place to start.

Some people like using file folders, and some people like notebooks.  Either way works well, so pick the one that works best for you.  Grab a stack of sticky notes (two colors if there are two of you), folders, scissors, pens and a hole punch plus sheet protectors if you are using a notebook. 

I use notebooks with tabs for my inspiration books.  If you have a notebook with a sleeve, get creative and make a nice title page for your notebook.  I separate my pages by room. 

When you are saving these ideas, immediately take one color of sticky note and write what you like and don’t like about the photo.  If there are two of you, have the other person take another color of sticky note and write their thoughts.

File these away, and when you feel inspired.  Sit down and review, the photos with each other.  It is a great way to start developing your thoughts before you begin your project.

Next, you need to set aside time to think about your project.  If you are just doing a room, you can think of it on its own, but you may want to consider an overall plan for your home before narrowing your focus to one room.  You will want to decide what your color scheme is for your home.  Try to limit it to one main color, a secondary color and an accent color for starters.  When you add too many colors, the design becomes disjointed. 

It is extremely important to think about your budget very early in the project.  Whether you are doing the work yourself or hiring a designer, it is important to start with a realistic idea of what you want to invest.  A good designer will work within your budget, and if you don’t know what to budget, the designer can help you develop a budget. 

You should plan to educate yourself about costs prior to beginning your project.  If you want to change all of the furniture in the room, are you interested in custom furnishings (which is the high-end and gives you unlimited options), or do you want to purchase from retail showrooms.  If you are buying at retail, the numbers still add up quickly.

Each room needs a focal point.  For some people, it is a piece of art.  For others, it is a special rug or an architectural detail.  If it is something you already have, you begin your plan with that element.  Often, the color scheme comes from that special piece. 

Here is one of my tips for design.  Everything should blend, not match perfectly.  When you do this, your result will automatically be more sophisticated.  If you have ever watched the show, What Not To Wear, the stylists also preach this for fashion. 

So…start here and enjoy the process.  I will be posting more tips for planning your interior design project this month.

About the author:  Gail Doby, ASID is a high-end residential interior designer that specializes in renovations, blissful master suites and spa baths, dream home designs and now education for consumers.  Be sure to click on the orange button on the top right of this page so the newest posts are delivered to your inbox.  If you like what you are reading, be sure to share it with your friends, join our newsletter, and click on the icons below to share it with the Blogosphere.