Organizing your Decorating Project - Step by Step

We know first hand how frustrating it is to organize everything necessary for a successful decorating project. Whether contemplating a new project or in the midst of one; organizing your thoughts and materials can help simplify the process and hopefully reduce stress along the way! Here are some things that we have found.

GETTING STARTED can be overwhelming. Developing an inspiration folder can be a great starting point. Dream, explore, discover. Take some time to look through magazines, websites, and newspapers. Clip pictures and articles that catch your attention. Have fun. You may find an inspiration picture of a room that could be a good starting point for your project. Your inspiration room may look like what you want your new space to look like, or it may just have the “feel” that you want your space to have. If you are working with a spouse, partner, or roommate; encourage them to do the same. You may not be as worlds apart as you think you are! Compare your inspiration folders and talk about them. Ask why they like or don’t like something and you may find some common ground. They might have cut out a picture of a great room with a fireplace that they love and you really don’t like it. What you may discover is that they cut it out only because they like the fireplace and that might happen to be the one thing that you like!

EVALUATE the space you are going to be decorating. Walk in the room (preferably without furniture or accessories) and start imagining the possibilities. If you only have a floor plan, imagine yourself in that space and if that is hard for you (and it is for most people!) ask someone who can read plans to describe it to you. Look at each surface; floors, walls, ceiling separately and then as a whole. Research the different finishes for each surface and what works for your lifestyle. Draw a floor plan if you don’t have one. Make sure to note window measurements for a quick reference when shopping. A floor plan is a valuable tool for determining furniture arrangements and the “flow” of the room.

START A ROOM FILE for each room that you are working on. Not only will this help keep everything in one place, but a few years from now when you want to re-touch the paint or find a warranty for something in that room it will be very easy to access the information.

A ROOM FILE includes storage for everything that you accumulate for the room that you are working on; including your floor plan fabric swatches, paint chips, flooring samples, business cards, receipts, etc… We think it’s important to carry your inspiration picture, a photo of the room that you are decorating, a copy of the floor plan, and color swatches to the store. All of these items can help convey to a designer or sales clerk exactly what you are looking for. You can use the display page for color coordination when shopping.

Additionally, you’ll find a space in your file for receipts, warranties and contracts of anything you purchase for that particular room. Another important feature of the room files is storage for business cards of your carpenter or builder, electrician, painter, and stores you are ordering from. Having the numbers in one place can make it much easier; especially if you need to make a call when shopping. Another important item to keep in the files is a running tally of expenses. A room can be done on any budget, but by keeping track of it can help you avoid going over budget!

TOOLS that are a must have for any decorating project: Always carry a tape measure. Take measurement of things that you find, using the dimensions to see if they work in your room. A digital camera is great to have with you when shopping. How many times have you seen a sofa or accessories and then at a later date, you can’t remember exactly what it looked like or want to explain to someone else what you saw?  And don’t forget a pencil and a note pad. Whenever you think of an idea or something that needs to be done, jot it down. Create  a room journal. A journal is a great reference when finalizing ideas or getting a “to-do-list” off your mind, this alone can be a great stress reliever. Best of all, the Decorating Assistant can hold everything!

THE CARRY BAG is great for shopping. With the file holder and room files inside, throw it over your shoulder and you have “hands free shopping” The DA has space for your wallet, cell phone and car keys so you don’t have to carry a purse. Of course, the bonus is that you will be shopping in style!

GETTING ORGANIZED is critical. It allows the project to move smoothly, is a great timesaver, and can ultimately save costly mistakes by having everything in one place.  We believe that getting organized is the first step in a successful decorating project.

Note: For additional “assistance” and tips for your project, look for other articles and tools on this site- you’ll find directions on drawing your own floor plan, downloadable budget forms with automatic calculations if you have Microsoft Excel, room by room tips and more!