On any given day as an interior designer I can be found going from job site to job site, meeting with clients, and/or working from my office on designs, so it's important for me to have all of the tools I need to perform my job effectively ready to go anywhere the job may take me. Today I thought it would be fun to share a peek inside of my design arsenal at the tools I use every day as an interior designer.
Notepad + Pen
Whether working on a job site, meeting with clients, or at my home office, one thing that I'm always sure to have with me is a notepad and pen. When at a job site, it's so important to be able to easily jot down a quick measurement, or make note of any important details or follow-up items articulated by the client or crew along the way. When meeting with clients having these items on hand allows me the ability to take note of the things that are important to them with the design - their goals, style preferences (or dislikes!), and any other important details.
Sketchbook
Similar to always having a notepad and pen on hand, I also like to keep a sketchbook with blank pages with me so that I'm able to make a sketch of the client's floor plan including all of the critical measurements and other info. This is one of the very first things I do when meeting with a client, and I use these detailed sketches throughout the duration of our project.
Measuring Tools
Accurate measurements are absolutely critical to executing a design, so I never go anywhere without measuring tools which include a tape measure and laser measure. My laser measure is one of my absolute favorite tools because it helps me very quickly measure an entire room, no matter how large. I can quite literally just point and shoot and for quick, easy, and accurate measurements, and I can even measure angles if needed! My tape measure practically never leaves my side - I use it often on site as well as for a quick reference while designing a space.
Picture Hanging Kit
The finishing details of a design such as hanging art or photographs are what really bring a design to the finish line, so I carry my own picture-hanging kit with anything I may possibly need to install decorative items or window treatments. My kit includes a drill, level, tape measure (yep, another one!), hammer + nails, screwdrivers, several sizes of wall anchors + screws, pencil + chalk for marking walls, and other favorite picture hangers. If you do a lot of decorating in your own home, you may love to have a designated kit just for this too! I love being able to just grab my box and know for certain I have everything I need to get any install job done.
Material Samples
In order to effectively help a client visualize the design, it's important for me to keep material samples such as fabric swatches, wallpaper samples, flooring and countertop samples, and paint swatches on hand. There is nothing like being able to touch and see materials in person and with other coordinating finishes and materials in the space to make sure everything works great together. My favorite tool in this area is my Sherwin Williams color fan deck, which is almost always with me because I used it so constantly!
Laptop with Design Software
Having the ability to show my clients realistic renderings of their future space helps them more fully imagine the design and brings life to what would otherwise be just a concept. Most of my designs for remodels and new construction get created directly in my design software, so having a reliable computer and a robust program that can create construction drawings, elevations, CAD details, and many other features is crucial to the way I go about designing. Days I get to sit down and design on my 3D software are some of my favorite days!
If you are interested in getting a 3D rendering of your home's potential space, reach out to me at katie@revivebydesign.com or call me at 507.360.0658. I would love to help you create your dream space!