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Design Tools Get You Where You Need To Go

Design Tools Interiors consist of more than just tables and chairs. An interior designer, or an interior design, can take advantage of many "tools" to create attractive interiors.

You'll be using all these "tools" as you design your interior:

  • wall coverings (paint, wallpaper)
  • flooring (carpeting, tile, hardwood)
  • window treatments (draperies, blinds)
  • furniture (seating, storage, work space)
  • lighting (table, ceiling, floor)
  • wall decorations (paintings, prints)
Before you decide which of these design tools to use, draw up a preliminary plan to guide your purchases.

Start with a "Design Plan" Most home design projects are done in phases. You work on different parts of the home at different times. But even if you plan to do the work in stages, you should develop a long-term design plan. A plan will help you avoid splurging, and it will keep you from spending the entire budgeted amount on just one room.

A simple plan has these elements:

  • a floor plan;
  • a detailed list of furnishings; and
  • a list of priorities for your purchases.

Start by drawing up a floor plan. Include all the changes you plan to make, even those you do not plan to make right away. As soon as you have completed your plan, make a detailed list of all required furnishings. Then set priorities.

Decide which pieces of furniture, or other elements of the interior, you will need to purchase first. Buy appropriately. Remember that every room has areas that will be used more often and will have different wear patterns. Invest the most money in items that will get the most use. Save money by purchasing inexpensive items for areas that do not get a lot of use or wear.

Knowing the basic approach, where do you start? If you try to juggle all the pieces of a good design at once, you end up with too many balls in the air. Try the approach interior designers use. Look at each element in the design by itself. This can help you visualize the finished room.

Published by the Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois
Reprinted with permission, HouseNet, Inc.

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