Welcome to your virtual designer... Sometimes, when people ask me what I think about a design project they've tackled on their own, I am left thinking, "Oh, I wish you would have asked me before you spent the money/time on that." Sometimes, the advice is as simple as, "two inches to the left" or "add a contrast color" or "one shade darker" or "no, that chair is way too big for your space" and the design goes from "nice" to "wow!" So, please, please ask me BEFORE you pick a paint color, hang a curtain, or select a flooring.

This is how it works: I am open to any and all design related questions. Just post your question on this blog or email it to me at yabdesign2000@yahoo.com. You can also send me a picture of the item or space for which you need advice. Then I will post your question and answer for others to see and reference. I believe so much in preventing design disasters that I would even make Skype appointments if you have a bigger design dilemma you want to run by me.

So, tell your friends and family and send in your questions and I will address them one by one. I'm looking forward to working with you!

Friday, March 11, 2011

Tip of the Day - Space Planning


So now we've arrived at Space Planning. Yes, it is always best to take the measurements of the overall space. You can buy some graphic paper at any office supply store. Each 1/4 inch square (or 1/2 inch if it's a smaller space) can represent 1 foot. So, measure the space with a tape measure and then draw it out on the graphic paper. Measure the existing furniture that you will be using (mainly the length and width, or depth) and get measurements of the furniture that you want to purchase. For beginners, it is always best to draw the pieces to 1/4" or 1/2" scale (which ever you are using for your floor plan), then cut out the pieces of paper furniture and play with them on your drawn floor plan to see where they might best fit. This will save you time and money as well as the headache of returning a piece of furniture that doesn't fit in the room. Oh, and don't forget to measure the DOORWAYS! You have to make sure you can get the pieces IN the space! Measure elevator doors and widths. Measure stairways and landings, etc. Remember, the most important part about designing - is planning.

Once you have your space planned out with furniture, lamps and area rugs (you will need to draw where you want the rug to go so you'll know what size to buy), then you'll need to pick an inspiration piece. Something that you want to design around. This will determine the colors, textures and overall feel of the space. But we'll talk more about that in the next tip of the day. For now, let's make sure you have a set plan of attack by measuring and playing around with your paper floor plan. Have fun!

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