How to Present Remodeling Ideas to a Designer

One of the most enjoyable phases of any remodeling or construction project happens before you set foot in a design studio. It’s the creative process of discovery, of finding what inspires you, of collecting images, narrowing down, and prioritizing what matters most. By doing this, when you meet with specialists in design and architecture, you’ll provide the tools they need to execute your vision to your satisfaction.

Build a Portfolio of Images Online:

Houzz.com is an amazing repository of over 1,500,000 beautiful and inspiring images of homes, inside and out. Start by creating an “Ideabook” for your upcoming project. Search by room, and then by related subcategories. Add each image you like to your Ideabook. You can even enter notes to remind yourself if you chose the image for a particular detail.

Pinterest is another great source of inspiration and images. Search by key words, find an image you like, then “Pin it” to your board. You’ll be guided by Pinterest to other boards with the same picture. That will often lead you to similar images, and as your collection builds, cohesive design themes will emerge. Pinterest links with Facebook, so you can easily share images with friends or your designer.

HGTV.com keeps getting better. Check under “Rooms” in the navigation bar. You’ll find not only images, but videos, guides, articles and more to inspire and inform your next project. You’ll learn about practical design considerations here as well.

Take Your Own Photos:

You’ll be surprised how many quality photos you can accumulate with your own camera. There’s nothing like being present in a home to see the impact of design in 3-D and to experience the functionality of each element. Note the features you may want and snap away. You can start by visiting model homes around the Metroplex and friends in our local area.

Create a Digital Photo Binder: Try applications like Google’s Picasa, Apple’s iPhoto, or set up a free account with Flickr. Each has innovative methods for collecting, organizing, and sharing your photos.

Don’t worry; they’re all easy to figure out and fun to use.

Create a Real Photo Binder:

You’ll want a keepsake to remind you of how your dream came to be. So why not get pictures developed and put them in a physical binder? You can clip magazine images to go along with the ones you’ve taken. Many of our customers even draw their own sketches.

Just as your home will be a reflection of your personal preferences, so will the way you present remodeling ideas to your designer. No matter which methods you choose, the more you enjoy the process, the more likely you are to love the final outcome.

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