How to Tackle Design Decisions for Your Next Project
by Suzanne M. Harvey
Whether you are building a new house or renovating an existing space, the design decisions can seem daunting. Often I hear people complain there’s too many choices and too many decisions to make. It seems that this ‘fear’ of too many choices stops people from even starting the next project. So I started thinking about how I approach designs for my clients & myself. I have developed a system that I use with clients and I am sharing these tips with you. Now you will know how to tackle design decisions for your next project.
Divide & Conquer – Whether you are starting new construction or just a one room renovation, break the project into manageable sections. Don’t try to figure it all out at once. With a large project, divide it by interior / exterior, or by floor or take it a room at a time. For a smaller project only focus on flooring or paint or furniture that is needed. Decide one thing at a time then conquer it & move on to the next.
Start with the Big Stuff – Whatever the biggest selection is – do it first. It’s the idea that you get the tough part out of the way first then the rest will be easier. So for a whole house, start with flooring or paint colors. These will be items that will be throughout the space so they are the harder choices to make. Get them out of the way then you can tackle the smaller details.
Limit Your Choices – This is my best tip for you. For every choice you need to make in a project there are a million good options. So after considering your taste, style & budget (yes you have to think about this ;), limit your options to 2-3 – no more. This will make your decision much easier. There will always be something that you have an immediate reaction to – good or bad. This will help you limit your choices & eventually make the final choice.
Following these simple tips will help make tackling design for your next project so much easier. You can do it! Don’t get stuck – push through & get it done. You will be so glad you conquered it.
Don’t forget to share your amazing projects…I love to see what all of you are doing.
You make it sound so doable! 🙂 But it all makes sense. My biggest issue has always been budget. My tastes are always WAY above my budget – without fail, I can walk into a tile store or appliance store and something will catch my eye and I’ll fall in love – and it will invariabley be THE most expensive choice in the store! Haha This makes other choices seem so much like settling that I have a hard time deciding on my 2nd choice! 🙂
I guess you have to account for a few “splurge” items?? Can’t wait to see your new home develop!
Julie it is doable. I totally understand the budget problem I have it too ;). It is all about balance – splurge on the LOVE IT things or CAN”T LIVE WITHOUT things and then go less expensive on the others.