It can be daunting to embark on an interior design project. Some people can’t afford to hire an interior designer. Those who can afford it want to be educated and know what they’re doing.
The most enjoyable part of your job is choosing products. There are so many options! Materials, finishes and fixtures. There are so many options and options.
FIRST and foremost, whether you are working with a designer or doing it on your own, let the professionals be professionals.
You can have an idea of what you want, but they should guide you. You can help Home Depot do its job well and guide you in your choices, even if they only have what you want. This is what designers do too! To ensure that you get the best possible options and are well-informed about your project, we use experts in the field.
Prioritize Your Purchases
You will need to make a list. If you have a dream product, add it to the list. Next, write down why you want these items. When we don’t do it every day, it’s easy for us to forget about items. Take a look at photos of similar spaces and take notes for each item. This is what your list might look like:
Counters- granite: aesthetics
Sink- Stainless Steel, Undermount: Beautiful, durable, and easy to clean
Faucet-??? Faucet-???
Refrigerator – Lots of freezer space. We can store lots of leftovers and make bulk meals.
Dishwasher-QUIET: Personal preference I get cranky from noisy dishwashers
Stove/Oven-Gas, 6 Burners, Single Oven: I like the look and feel of professional stoves but don’t bake a lot.
Microwave-integrated: More counter space
Floors- Wood: Aesthetics
Recycled glass tiles: Beautiful, easy to clean, and environmentally responsible
This list can be taken to your designer, or to the shop where you are choosing your products. Professionals will question your choices and probe deeper into the “whys”. The example above wants 6 burners but does not cook a lot. So why 6? Are they really needed? Do not expect them to ask questions about the product or discuss it with you before they buy it. Let them be pros!
KNOW WHAT LOOK YOU WANT
It’s not easy to do this. If you have any questions, talk with a designer. You can use magazine clippings, Pinterest or any other guide you prefer. Whatever resource you choose, make sure you have something that you can take with you to shop. Take a look at the images that you have selected. Do these images fit the product or does it stand out? This rule should be applied to all selections. When shopping, I find mood boards (or an image of a single inspirational space) to be the best tool.
