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.