| Whether you want to create a quant | | | | Once you figure out how the room will be |
| hideaway space in the former attic; a | | | | used; who will use it; what space is |
| romantic master bedroom; a trendy family | | | | available and how much money you have |
| room or an elegant kitchen, designing a | | | | for the transformation, it's time to dig |
| new space requires knowledge about a few | | | | into some real designing. But, where so |
| basic things: | | | | you start? Begin by following these |
| The function of the space. | | | | basic rules of interior design. |
| As a designer, it is your job to make | | | | Create a file of clippings and samples |
| the room both functional and stylish. No | | | | that show the style and colors you would |
| one will use a room full of expensive | | | | like to use in your home. Be sure you |
| crystal and antiques if they have small | | | | have ample samples to evaluate within |
| children. While working around the | | | | the space itself Draw a floor plan of |
| family's needs and interests may be | | | | the room you will be decorating. |
| difficult at times, it is essential to | | | | Evaluate your existing environment. |
| designing a room that is more than just | | | | Create a Budget that works in with your |
| a showplace - but is place to call home | | | | financial situation so you know right |
| too. | | | | away what splurge items are reasonable |
| The space available. | | | | and which isn't. |
| Take a good look at the space you have | | | | Either hand draw or use a specially |
| available. Sometimes part of your design | | | | designed computer program to begin |
| will include adding square footage by | | | | designing the room of your dreams. |
| knocking out walls and combining space | | | | Plan a schedule of what you will be |
| or even adding on. Other times you'll | | | | doing and when. |
| have to create unique ways to handle | | | | Find a competent contractor. |
| space restrictions and figure out how to | | | | Get to work. |
| make a small cramped space look and feel | | | | Whether you'll be handling a complete |
| roomier. | | | | renovation or just a light design |
| The budget. | | | | touch-up, remember that there will |
| Sure, top of the line fixtures and | | | | always be problems to overcome during |
| furniture can make a space stand out, | | | | the design process. Oftentimes the best |
| but that isn't always an option, | | | | design plans must be changed to better |
| especially when the budge is tight. | | | | meet zoning requirements or to eliminate |
| Consider how much money you have to | | | | costly structural changes. Be flexible |
| spend to redecorate and choose your | | | | and open to changes in your ideas. |
| splurge items carefully. | | | | |