ask yourself...

1. For whom is the space being created? How many adults and children live in your home? 2. What is your family's lifestyle? (are you quiet, casual, active, entertain frequently?) 3. What are your typical daily activities in your home? 4. How often do you entertain? 5. How long do you plan to occupy your space? 6. What rooms or spaces in your home do you want to change or add? 7. What aspects of your home do you like the way they are? Describe these. 8. Make a list of functions of each space you want to change. Take notes of storage space needed. 9. What aspects of design appeal to you, style wise? 10. Describe colors, textures, furniture, and accessories that appeal to you in spaces that you have seen. 11. Which "style" terms do you associate best with? traditional, rustic, shabby chic, eclectic, trendy, contemporary, global design, casual? 12. What are your favorite colors, that you are naturally appealed to? 13. Does your household all agree on a similar style? Describe the differences in your tastes. 14. What feeling and image do you want to project in your home for your family and for visitors? 15. When do you want to start and finish your design project? 16. Make a list of possessions, etc that you would like to keep in your new design scheme and the items that you don't like. 17. What aspects are you considering for change? wall, ceiling, trim, door, and floor treatments? rugs, main and accent furniture, lighting, window and fabric treatments? renovations or minor cosmetic work? accessories and art? 18. Have you set a realistic budget for the project?