TOOLS NEEDED FOR EFFECTIVE DESIGN 

BINDER: used to hold notes, sketches, magazine picture, fabric swatch samples, and floor plans.

CAMERA: take detailed photos of each room from various angles.  Also bring your digital along as you shop before buying any major pieces.

MEASURING TAPE: carry one in your briefcase, satchel, or purse at all times.  This makes it easier to figure out if a the width, length, or height of a piece will fit through doors, hallways, or wallspace.

NOTEBOOK: record room measurements, ideas, basic information, and prices from other sources that carry the same lines and items.

SKETCH PAD: allows the consumer to draw out rough ideas of what they wish to achieve in a room.

CRITIQUING YOUR SPACE

Are you satisfied with your window placement?  Is the view attractive?  Do the windows let in enough natural light?  Do they need to be camouflaged with blinds or draperies due to sunlight or view?  Would window treatments balance the room's dimensions, add needed height, or become a focal point?

Do you like the shape of your room?  Would design tricks correct poor dimensions or create the illusion of better proportions?

Does your room have enough wall space?  Consider ways to solve the problem through the use of furniture placement (defining the area by a rug) or using mirrors to enhance and expand a room's dimensions.

Does the room flow with those areas that adjoin thus making a common theme and creating a flow?  This can be easily achieved through the use of color.  Decide on your style and preference of hues and carry these throughout the house, reversing the dominant with the accent for maximum effect.

STANDARDIZED FURNITURE MEASUREMENTS

Armoire: 56wx26dx89h

Chair/lounge:41w x 36d x 37 h

chair/club: 24w x 25d x 46h

chair/wing: 32w x 31d x 45h

coffee table: 48w x 34d x 17h

end table: 23w x 27d x 23h

tv unit: 92w x 23d x 54h

sofa/cont: 80w x 36d x 36h

sofa/trad: 80w x 33d x 36h

dining/chair: 23w x 24d x 40h

china cabinet: 61w x 17d x 50h

dining table: 70w x 44d x 30h

bed/queen: 73w x 93d x 89h

triple dresser: 68w x 18d x 35h

nightstand: 26w x 17d x 25h

bookcase: 34w x 16d x 78h

desk: 78w x 42d x 30h

chair/office: 23w x 30d x 38H