Secrets to Tackling Home Design Projects

Home design projects can be fun, but they can also be overwhelming: What do I need? Where do I start? How am i going to get there from here?

There's really no one way to start a decorating project. You can get the bug by looking at a magazine or seeing a beautiful fabric in a store. But don't move ahead without a plan.

Do Your Research, Find Your Style

It’s important to develop a clear idea of what you want the finished project to look like before you get started. In order to do that, you’ll have to do your research. Pore through interior design books, magazines, and websites to start identifying the design elements that you are drawn to.

What are you researching, you ask? You need to determine your design style, which will guide you as you make decisions about furniture, window treatments, and color schemes. Are you Contemporary or Formal? Traditional or Cottage/Casual? Not sure? Try BlindCrafter.com's MyStyle tool. While you may like elements from each, look for similarities in your favorite designs. Try keeping a "Design Project Scrapbook" to collect pictures and clippings of designs you love. This will also help you identify patterns and trends in your preferences.

Focus on Function

It may seem to be an obvious conclusion that dining rooms are for – well, dining. But it is still important, for every design project you do, to ask yourself, "What will you actually do in the room you're redecorating?" You may find that you rarely eat in the dining room because the kitchen has become the hub of family meals. In that case, a bulky dining room table might not be the best plan for this room. Thinking about the room’s purpose will determine your furniture needs (a room meant for interaction shouldn’t be cluttered by extra furniture), color schemes (a room meant for relaxing shouldn’t have bold color schemes), and even window treatments (a room meant for sleeping may need room-darkening shades).

Measure and (Floor) Plan

So, you have an idea of your style and color. Now get to know the space you’re working with. To do this, you’ll need to take measurements. Get the room’s dimensions, measure window sizes, and use this to sketch a floor plan.

Set a Budget (for Money and Time)

As with any big project, setting time and money limits are important. It gives you something to work with. You need to consider what your personal needs are and if you will be able to work around the necessary construction in your kitchen.

Your Best Resources are Free (or already paid for)

Very few people can start from scratch, decorating a fresh, empty room from top to bottom. Whether it’s not a good time for new furniture, or you have carpeting, counter tops, or flooring that you like, some things don’t have to change.

If the "here-to-stay" features are things you like, focus on them and make them important. For example, if you have an arched window that you love, it’s not time to hide it with a traditional blind. Instead, highlight it with specialty custom-built window shades.

If these "permanent" features are things you don’t like but cannot (or cannot afford to) change, look for ways to downplay them in your newly decorated space. Take furniture, for example. An entire furniture set may not be in the budget, but you feel the dark furniture you have is weighing the room down. Try a lighter paint on the walls to reflect light, and sheer window treatments that will make the most of natural light. It’s amazing what a difference this lighting can make. You may even find you like your furniture after all!

Time to Go Shopping

The most fun (and sometimes most scary) step of any redecorating project is when you get to shop for what you love! Again, planning is key here. For the best shopping experience, go in knowing what you need. When you’re redecorating, it’s not the time for impulse purchases that may not fit in to your design. Carry your floorplan, paint chips, and fabric swatches with you to help you be prepared as you shop.

And while there is no "correct order" for shopping, many people recommend purchasing paint last, because it is relatively inexpensive and is available in an almost never-ending variety of colors, so it’s easier to find a paint to match your accessories than it is to find accessories to match the paint.

Managing "While we’re at it" Syndrome

It happens to even the most amateur of designers: you get the design bug. You start with one little project, and sure enough, you’ll find yourself saying "while we’re at it, let’s (fill in your next decorating project here)". That’s okay!

To keep you sane (and to keep your concentration on the project at hand), simply make a "To Do" decorating list that details other projects you’d like to do, and a timeline for each.

Now enjoy your space!

For more tips and home design ideas, or to receive their monthly Customer Club newsletter with trends, advice, and exclusive coupons, visit http://www.blindcrafter.com/kristinasdesignstudio.cfm.