Want a beautiful house? The key to success is to make a plan! Figure out what you need to create the design you want, and if it fits in your budget before you buy a single thing!
Make a Plan
You are much more likely to get the end result you want if you start with a plan!
Often, people start buying things they like, hoping that it will all work together. This may not work because the styles or colors may not fit well together, or they may end up buying too many colors and patterns because they have no unifying theme to work toward.
Sometimes homeowners select finishes such as flooring and counter tops and get excited and rush into other aspects such as painting and selecting furniture without thinking it all through. I get it, once you start, it’s hard to pause because you just want to see the end result!
To get an end result that will make you happy though , stop…., take time and make a plan first.
So how do you develop a great plan?
Start with your vision
Say you want to redo your master bedroom. Picture what your perfect master bedroom would look and feel like if you could have everything you want with no limitations. What would make you happy? How would you feel in the space? What activities do you want to do in the space? What style is the space? Do you like to change things up on a regular basis and want future flexibility or do you want the space to stay the same for a long time? Once you have the ideal room in your mind, you can try to work with your space, budget and time to create something as close as possible to your dream room.
Develop a budget and timeline
For now, this just needs to be a realistic picture of how much money you are willing to spend and how much time are you willing to devote to get it done.
Determine what you have to work with
Fixed Finishes and Architectural Elements
Some things in your space like your fixed finishes may be “bossy” and can’t be ignored. The size of the room and existing architectural features such as your windows, doors, fireplace, counter tops etc. are unlikely to change and need to be considered. What colors are they? How will they affect the color palette, layout and style of your design? Of course, part of your plan may be to change some of these things.
Furniture, art, accessories
Do you have things you love and want to highlight in the room? Maybe a piece of furniture or art that is an heirloom or has special meaning? A beautiful rug that you love and want to use? What are the sizes and colors are some of these items?
How will the Space Be Used?
What will you do in your space? Who will be using it? Do you have children, pets or a significant other that you need to consider in selecting colors or finishes so they will like it too, and the finishes will stand up to the use?
What Needs to Change?
What do you have to or want to change? Do you need a paint job or new flooring? Don’t decide on your colors and materials just yet. Now, just identify that you need them, and come up with general ideas on materials you prefer such as carpeting vs hardwood flooring, or quartz vs marble countertops etc.
What Needs Replacing?
You know you hate your credenza and art for example, and want to purchase something new. Create a general wish list for the new items, without deciding yet on the exact items.
Select Your Color Palette
Color is key in pulling it all together, tying the bossy items together with the new items. A color strategist or Interior Designer can measure the colors you have in your fixed finishes and inspiration pieces, and provide great recommendations for new flooring, counter tops, paint colors and furniture and accessories so it all works together. What order do you select everything in?
- If you are putting in new flooring or counter tops, select these first.
- Select paint next. It is much easier to find a paint color to work with your flooring and counter tops than the other way around. If you select a more neutral wall color, it can provide you with greater flexibility in the future to change colors in your rugs, pillows and accent pieces.
Check Your Budget
Check your budget. Are you still on track? Don’t forget to include labor and design costs. If not, where can you adjust.
Work in a Logical Order
- Do your remodeling-flooring, counter tops, painting.
- Develop a floor plan to arrange furniture around your focal points or highlight your inspiration pieces.
- Select new items last. Pick furniture, rugs, accessories that work with your vision, inspiration pieces and color palette.
Get Help With Your Plan
Developing a great plan can take some work and expertise. An Interior Designer and Color strategist can help you pull it all together so you get the end result you love and avoid costly mistakes.
Pin These
Having a plan definitely helps, Mary Ann.. no doubt..and your ability to help your clients do that so well is what makes you so invaluable to them.
And especially as you can do it, long distance for them, via edesign.
Thank you so much Leslie! I think the plan is the most important part. Otherwise things come together in a disorganized way and people are not happy with the result but can’t figure out why. Edesign is also such a great tool for helping people no matter where they live! Thanks for reading.
What a thoughtful way to pull a plan for a room redo together. Great advice.
Thanks so much Lisa!
Having a plan is mission critical to the success of any design or decorating project! Great list, Mary Ann!
Thank you so much!
Having a plan definitely makes everything go much more smoothly and quickly.
That is for sure, it definitely speeds things up and reduces stress too.
Great starting points to a perfect plan!
Thank you Suzi!