Basics of Designing a New Space

By Darren Williger

Whether you want to design a quaint hideaway area in the former loft; a romantic master bedroom; a stylish family room or an elegant kitchen, designing a new space requires knowledge about a few basic things which are discussed below:

Decide How To Use The Space
As a designer, it is your duty to make the room both functional as well as stylish. Families having small children will not use a room full of expensive crystal and antiques. So, you should generate ideas and design the space according to the people who will be living there. While working around the family’s requirements and interests may be hard at times, it is vital to designing a room that is not only a showplace but can be called “home” too.

Estimate The Available Space
Take a look at the available space. Sometimes you will have to add square footage by knocking out walls and combining space or even adding on. Other times, you’ll have to make unique ways to handle space limitations and decide how to make a small cramped area look and feel roomier.

Evaluate Your Budget
High quality furniture and fixtures is liked by everyone and can make any space stand out, but that isn’t always a choice, especially when you have a tight budget. So, it’s a good idea to evaluate how much money you could spend on designing and choose your splurge items accordingly.

Now Comes the Real Designing
Once you decide how the space will be used; who will be using it; how much space is available and what’s your budget for all the makeover, it’s time to dig into the real designing. But, where so you begin? Well, you can start by following these basic rules of interior designing:

• Create a file of clippings and samples of all the styles and colors that you would like to use in that space. Be sure you have enough samples to estimate within the space itself.
• Draw a floor plan of the area that you will be designing.
• Create a budget according to your financial situation so you know before hand what items are reasonable and which aren’t.
• Either hand draw or use a specially designed computer program to start designing the particular area.

Remember to do the followings before starting the designing work:

• Plan a to-do list.
• Find an experienced & professional contractor.
• Work your plan.

Last Note

Always remember, there will be problems to overcome during the design process; whether you’re dealing with a total renovation or just doing a light design retouch. Many times you even have to change the best design plans in order to meet zoning requirements or to eliminate costly structural changes. So, be flexible and open to changes in your ideas.

Darren Williger writes for InsidePlanning.com, ErgoWebsite.com, and ParentingProcedures.com