Vision Board. 

I am a huge fan of creating a pinboard to help define and inspire you. As a visual person I find it incredibly helpful to see these images on a daily basis. So often I find pages in magazines that I want to emulate, but later forget where I saw them or forget about them all together – out of sight out of mind. However, if I take these images and pin them to the large corkboard I have next to my desk it is a constant reminder and inspiration to me. I am far more likely to make that vision a reality. Don’t limit yourself – the images don’t have to be literal representations of the room you want to create. It can be anything that speaks to  you – a scrap of fabric, a beautiful leaf,  a postcard with appealing colors. When all these random pieces are seen as a whole your collage of ideas will help you more clearly see what you are looking for and better understand your personal style.

 

Look in your closet.

Our clothes are a good indicator of our general style.  Do you like to wear tailored pieces in solid colors? Then you will probably appreciate furniture with simple clean lines. Are most of your clothes flowy and full of pattern? Then you would most likely be drawn to a quirkier piece with curved edges. None of these are hard and fast rules, but they do often go hand in hand. So take a peek in that closet to help define your taste and help you choose items that will make you happy in the long run.

 

Define the purpose of the room.

This might seem obvious but it is helpful in choosing how to move forward on a project. Does the room function more formally or casually? Is it generally used in the daytime, nighttime or both? What kind of activities happen here? Currently, what works in the space and what does not? By answering these questions you will end up with a space that isn’t just aesthetically pleasing, but works for your family in both form and function.

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Budget. 

Maybe not the sexiest subject, but a critical component in the process. Try to be realistic in coming up with this number.  I am a big believer in balance - meaning re-purposing items you have, searching for bargains, and splurging on that special piece that can really make the space. One of the reasons I started Design Simplified was because of my strong belief that home design could be done at a reasonable price. I promise, we can beautify your space without breaking the bank. 

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