I can't tell you how often I hear the following sentiment from people: "I really want to redecorate my [fill in the blank] room, but I just have no idea how to get started! It feels so overwhelming!" And I get it--I used to feel the same way. 

But over the years I have developed a really simple system for designing a room you love. With these simple 5 simple steps I PROMISE you can overcome even the worst design paralysis.

STEP 1: Answer some basic questions.

Begin by taking a look at the architecture of the room you plan to tackle. Use the questionnaire below to write down everything you like and dislike about the room. Make a note of it no matter how "small" the detail is. 

© 2017 Tasha Agruso � KALEIDOSCOPE LIVING

Decide what issues you can address within your budget and write them down. For example, if you feel the room lacks architectural detail, you may want to add crown molding or beef up your baseboards with some additional molding and paint. If you don't like the color of your natural woodwork, paint it!

For those issues that can't be changed, such as the position of the fireplace, think of ways that you can downplay that particular issue as you design the space. For example, if you don't like your fireplace, you will want to design the space in a way that draws your eye AWAY from the fireplace, not toward it.

STEP 2: Gather inspiration.

This is the fun part! It’s time to spend some time gathering inspiration for your project. By gathering inspiration, you can learn a lot about your own style and the mood/tone you want in your room.

My two favorite sites to gather inspiration from are Houzz and Pinterest. I recommend browsing both sites. As you are gathering inspiration, don’t edit yourself! If you love it, add it to your ideabook on Houzz or a Pinterest board.

After you have a good collection of pins and images in your idea book, go back through them and delete those images that aren’t your absolute favorites.

Your goal is to be left with about 5 room images. Then study what your inspiration photos have in common. You should see common themes emerge. For example, if you have 4 photos that include blue velvet sofas, you should probably include a blue velvet sofa in your design plan :)

Answering the questions below should help you understand what your inspiration photos are trying to tell you.

© 2017 Tasha Agruso � KALEIDOSCOPE LIVING

STEP 3: Declutter your room.

There is no point in designing around things you do not like or use. It will just leave you feeling frustrated. If you do not take the time to declutter, you will not really get to enjoy the impact of a new design.

STEP 4: Decide on your “crucial element.”

Find the one thing that makes your heart go pitter patter and make that the jumping off point of the room. I recommend deciding on a rug, wallpaper, curtains, a piece of art or an upholstered piece of furniture for this step.

Then you should actually purchase it! You don’t want to design your room around something that you later learn is no longer available (ask me how I know).

I designed our entire dining room around fabric that I found for the curtains. I designed my entire home office around an art print that I fell in love with. I designed our outdoor space around a rug. Just find something that you cannot live without and go with it.

Many people make the mistake of picking paint colors first, but it is much, much easier to choose a paint color based on a “crucial element” than it is to find elements that compliment a paint color you slapped up on your walls. Promise.

STEP 5: Let your “crucial element” guide the rest of your decisions.

For example, use your “crucial element” to help you decide on what color you want to paint your room. Or use a pattern in your element to help choose other patterns that you will use on pillows or on window treatments.

© 2017 Tasha Agruso � KALEIDOSCOPE LIVING

Once you have completed all 5 of these steps, you should have completely overcome your design paralysis and be well on your way to designing a space you absolutely love!

If you want guidance through the rest of the design process, including space planning, choosing paint colors, learning how to mix patterns and colors, and so much more, check out my popular product, Designer in a Binder. It's my complete design system that will give you everything you need to create a home you love for a fraction of the price of just 1 hour with an interior designer. CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE.

© 2017 Tasha Agruso � KALEIDOSCOPE LIVING