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