Interior Design: 7 Steps For Creating a Room Design

Like any project that involves money, you need a budget or at least a range before you start. Do some research and bring in the experts  – an interior designer, contractor/builder, and architect  to give an estimated investment.  Then follow these 7 steps to create the room of your dreams!

Interior design by Karen Mills
  1. Decide on a design style or mix of styles that will flow with your architecture and existing furnishings you will be re purposing.   As an interior designer in Kansas City, I always suggest clients select several photos of room designs they like and make sure any spouse or significant other involved agrees. Here in this bedroom we mixed a more contemporary transitional style with a rustic antique look.
Interior design by Karen Mills

 2. Determine your color scheme ensuring it coordinates with adjoining rooms and any existing furnishings to be used in the interior design.   If you have no idea, take a look in your closet to see what colors you’re drawn too or pull colors out of an inspiration piece such as art, a rug, or fabric. In this living room we selected a white, warm gray, and teal color scheme.

  3. Create a floor plan so you know what fits in your space and the sizes you need.   To do that go online and use space planning software or get an interior design expert to help.

  4.  Set a timetable.   At this point you might want to bring in an expert – interior designer and contractor/builder to review your design plan/timetable because investing in a master plan can help avoid thousands of dollars in costly mistakes and a reasonable timetable helps reduce stress.  

Interior design by Karen Mills. Photo by 29 Pixels, LLC

5. Design and order custom furniture and any built in cabinetry after consulting with your interior designer. At this point all custom designs need to be finalized and ordered .   In addition permits need to be pulled for construction.

6.  Select and order all plumbing, flooring, tile, and general lighting.

7.  Design furnishings

Furnishings may include rugs, window treatments, pillows, bedding or other items.  Also ensure you select art, finishes, and other decor needed. Here custom made pillow enhance the custom sofa and other decor.

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Karen Mills

Interior Designer Karen Mills believes everyone should have access to beautiful design and loves to inspire people around the globe by sharing the latest design trends through different venues including her radio show "Living Large", her green show "Living Green with Karen Mills", in her nationally published work or Designer's Eye columns.

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