NARROWING THE FIELD...In a World of Multiple Choice.

When you start thinking about remodeling or building a home, the first thing you usually do is start looking around at products available, to get ideas of what you want. Right? Suddenly, you are overwhelmed at the choices in every category, and come home more confused than ever. On point so far? Now where do you go from here? Sure, you can call in a designer at this point, but you have to be able to communicate your ideas of what you are thinking.

Make a list A good starting point is to write down a general list of what you like and don't like...colors, finishes, styles, patterns, etc. It's okay if there is a variety of things that don't go together on your 'like' list. A designer will be able to sort thru and discern the best combinations, even adding things you didn't think of, once a sense of your taste emerges. Cutting out pictures from magazines or marking books can help. Narrowing down the field can also be based on actually what will work in your space, with what you already have, or your budget. Tackle majors first The first decisions should be the major ones, the things that will stand out in your design or carry the primary functions within the space you are creating. Quality should be based on usage and importance of function, so concentrate on getting this right. If the seating furniture will get the most use in a family room, make sure the fabric and structure is sturdy as well as stylish. If you have to, skimp on the tables and lamps. You will find that once the major elements are chosen, they will help dictate the decisions that follow, based on what works with them.

Step back But, then you often paint yourself into a corner, trying to find that last piece that works with all the others. Step back a bit. It's possible and often desirable to widen the options without matching exactly, or inserting a unexpected element to give a finishing touch to your design.

JST