This is the time of year when many people like to dream about what the year will look like and what they want in many areas of their lives. One of those areas is the home.

As you look around your home, there may be one or several areas you aren’t 100% happy with, but it can feel daunting to decide where to start and what to do first.

A whole house renovation is overwhelming for most homeowners, and sometimes it’s better to start with one or two spaces. However, it can be hard to pare down your wish list.

That’s where Lisa Gilmore Design can help.

Whether we are working with a new client or just giving general advice to someone, we recommend a homeowner think through these four aspects of a design before beginning a project.

4 Things to Consider at the Beginning of a Design Project

1. Don’t worry about labels.
Sometimes, people get stuck trying to find the right label to describe their style like mid-century modern, coastal, or farmhouse. But, trying to find the perfect words can cause stress and stop a project before it begins. 

One of the best things about working with a professional design firm is we break through those barriers and labels, help you clearly define what you like, and create a style just for you. If you have a space that has been customized for your unique style, labeling it no longer matters; you just feel at home.

2. Understand your style.

Though having a label isn’t important, knowing what you like is. Looking at magazines is often especially helpful in identifying what you do and don’t like.

While sites like Pinterest, Instagram, and Houzz are also great for inspiration, sometimes they can offer too many options, and it’s easy to get overwhelmed and distracted. If you are struggling to identify what you like, go to a local store and pick up a few of the major design publications, such as Elle Decor, Traditional Home, and Architectural Digest. Dive into the pages; tear out things you like and circle specific furniture pieces or colors that catch your attention. Allow yourself to focus on the pages of the magazine and zero in on what is attractive (or not) to you!

3. Prioritize room functions.
If you want your professional or DIY design to be successful, it is critical to define how you want a room to function. 

 For example, if we are working on a guest room, but you really want it to be a playroom that a guest occasionally sleeps in, that is an important detail to share. Professional designers can create spaces that meet multiple needs and still look beautiful. But first, you must thoroughly communicate your needs.

4. Narrow down your color palette. 

Though it’s fun to dream about what furniture or lighting would look amazing in a space, it’s really better to start with a room’s color.

Color is important, but it also differs from person to person. So, what colors make you feel good? What colors make you the most comfortable?

We recommend people start by looking in their closets. Do a quick scan of your wardrobe. What is the dominant color? Often we can start there to build a design. 

Sometimes people realize they have a closet full of black and want more color in their life. That's okay too. This is simply a starting exercise to help you identify how different colors make you feel and which you are naturally attracted to.

Considering these four areas before you contact a design firm or visit a home improvement store will make your project less stressful. Knowing your budget and when you would like the project to be completed are also critical things to know before beginning.

Just like a vacation is more enjoyable if you know things like what you want to get out of the trip and what type of hotels you like to stay at – all before you book anything. The same applies to your home renovation projects.

The most successful projects are those that are well-thought-out and well-planned before the project starts. 

If you are considering a project that would benefit from professional design services, we would love to help.

To get more advice from Lisa Gilmore Design, see our projects, and find ideas for adding liveable glamour to your home, follow us on Instagram or sign up for our newsletter.