The 4 Steps I Use to Design Every Room
When I start a new project with a client, the first thing I do is listen. Every space tells a story, but before we get to the pretty stuff, I need to understand the person behind it — their vibe, lifestyle, and what they want to feel when they walk in.
And if you’re redesigning your own space? Stop! and make sure you incorporate these steps to make sure every room has a solid foundation before anything gets ordered, painted, or pinned.
Step 1: Analyze the Space and the Lifestyle
Before anything else, I analyze the needs of the space, the way it’s used, and the overall goal. Lifestyle plays a huge role in design decisions — it dictates fabrics, silhouettes, and even color palettes.
Ask yourself:
-
Do you like to entertain? Then prioritize a large sofa and plenty of seating.
-
Have kids or pets? Durable fabrics and hidden storage will be your best friends.
The goal here is to make sure your design fits your real life — not just the one you saw on Pinterest.
Step 2: Plan Your Budget and Timeline
Budget is everything. It determines quality, functionality, and how fast things can actually get done.
Be honest about where you are in the process:
-
Did you just move in and desperately need a sofa or bed?
-
Or are you in a place where you can knock everything out at once?
Your budget and timeline work hand in hand — knowing both upfront makes every decision smoother down the line.
Step 3: Define Your Color Palette and Concept
This is where your vision starts to take shape. A clear concept and color palette will keep you focused and prevent distractions.
It’s easy to fall in love with random beautiful pieces, but if they don’t align with your overall plan, they’ll throw everything off. Stay anchored to your concept — that’s your design compass.
Step 4: Keep the Momentum
The excitement of designing a room can feel like a high — but it’s easy to lose steam halfway through.
Most people stop mid-project because they skipped one of the earlier steps or lost sight of the big picture. Stay intentional, trust your plan, and keep going. That’s how you end up with a space that not only looks good but feels like you.
In short: design is more than picking pretty things — it’s a process. When you plan with purpose and follow through