Weekend Design Project

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CREATE A ROOM LAYOUT

“In drawing, nothing is better than the first attempt."

- Pablo Picasso

You do not need to be great at sketching or visualizing to create a room layout. As you will see in the slideshow below, I have provided my own quick sketches with strange perspectives and blown out wacky walls and I have a design degree. When I have an idea for a space I have to get it out immediately, odd room perspective and all. I know that the accurate details and measurements will get worked out. I just need that time to flesh out the big vision before I get technical. Developing the ability to sketch out an idea or space plan will help you communicate your ideas to contractors, designers and retail associates so you can remain in control of your vision and your budget.

3 STEPS TO SKETCHING A ROOM LAYOUT

  1. Choose a room in your home. Think about how you want to use this space. Write these ideas down and create a list of equipment, furniture, storage and fixtures you will need for this space. For example, if you want to turn a spare bedroom into a home gym, your list would look something like this; a stationary bike, treadmill, weight bench, weights and storage rack for weights, a yoga mat, a foam roller, mirrors, a water cooler or mini fridge…just to name a few necessary items.

    • On paper, draw the basic shape of the room and make note of closets, alcoves, doors and windows locations.

  2. Measure the space. Length x Width = Area (area is the square footage). Next, measure the wall height and distance from the floor to the bottom of any window. This is helpful for deciding the equipment or furniture space plan. Measure any alcoves and closets the same way. Think of the whole room and all of its usable space. Now that you have the dimensions together, you will have a better idea of what will fit and the possible placement for equipment. This is where the details start to take shape and items get nixed from the wish list.

    • On the paper where you sketched the basic room shape, draw circles, rectangles and squares closely resembling the shapes of the equipment or furniture. Create more whole room layouts to see what may work best for you. This part can be frustrating and fun at the same time. It’s time to get accurate equipment or furniture measurements to see where each item will fit best in the room. This is where your superior problem solving skills come in. TIP: Use painter’s or masking tape on the floor to outline the exact dimensions of the equipment or furniture. This will look a bit like a crime scene, but it’s a great way to see how your space will function before committing to any big purchases.

  3. Sourcing equipment or furniture, creating a budget, and the finished space plan.

    • Thrift stores, store and gym closing sales, craigslist, trade with family or friends, Overstock, World Market, Article, All Modern, (Marshalls, TJ Max, Home Sense, Home Goods)…

    • Pick an amount you’re comfortable spending on your new room. Consider the extras like paint and accessories like a basket for yoga mats or plants in addition to the decided equipment or furniture. With a room makeover you have more control over the budget and can keep it simple versus a more intense renovation having plumbing or electrical conflicts eat at your budget.

    • Tadaa, you’re ready for scheduling deliveries and setting up your new space. Don’t forget the remove the tape from the floor.

    Conclusion: When in doubt, sketch it out. There are no limits to what you can dream or sketch. Be free and have fun. Who knows, you may find a new stress relieving hobby in sketching. If you lose focus and need design assistance, I'm here for you.

Glittered Popcorn Ceiling & Textured Walls 1990-2020

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This is a story about a selfless mother and her determined designer daughter.

Home Improvements can be achieved with small budgets. Sometimes just refreshing a space adds the necessary value a home needs.

Picture it, USA, the 1990’s, glittered popcorn ceilings being blasted upon ceilings across America while mint green textured walls followed closely behind. Fast forward to 2005 when a selfless woman and her less than handy husband purchased a house in need of cosmetic updates. Fast forward 4x to the spring/summer of 2020 when the world had a bit of extra time on their hands to attempt home improvement projects. Cue the selfless woman’s daughter (that’s me) and her obsession for all things design to take it upon herself to forcefully tackle her mother’s neglected room. To the selfless woman, I say your “someday” came, lady and you more than deserved it. As for the task I willingly took on, I have to hand it to you (Glittered Popcorn Ceiling & Green Textured Walls), you put up a good fight, challenged my patience and had me doubting my abilities. I’m not gonna lie, there were tears and bloodshed. In the end, I believe I’m a better person and a better designer for this experience. Do I want to do it again? Pause for hesitation—only if I absolutely have no other option. I would do it all over again for my mom. She loves her new room and is in the long process of getting her final pieces of furniture. Follow up afters to come.

I’d like to take a moment to thank the YouTube home improvement experts from far and wide, I couldn’t have done it without you guys. You have all inspired me to keep going and helped me out with tips and tricks along the way.

This project took me close to two months to complete starting in late May with the carpet, bed frame and mattress being delivered in August.