How Designers Plan a Room (And How You Can Too)

How Designers Plan a Room (And How You Can Too)

Designers follow three phases: Plan, Design, Create. Each phase builds real tools — notes, visuals, and lists — that turn into your Room Design Booklet. That booklet keeps everything clear and consistent as your space comes together.

Plan

Start with what matters most. List your priorities, decide what stays or goes, and sketch a simple layout to see where things fit. Your layout sets the size for every item you’ll buy later, so planning first prevents mistakes and wasted money. The deliverable for this phase is your Details & Requirements Page — a document that outlines your goals, must-haves, and layout notes.

Design

Now figure out how you want it to look and feel. Gather inspiration images or quick sketches, then pick a color palette with three to five colors that match your vibe. Next, create one to three Product Boards — each showing furniture, finishes, and accessories that fit a different look or mood. Seeing your ideas side by side helps you make confident choices and avoid second-guessing. The deliverables for this phase are your Color Palette and Product Boards.

Create

This is where your ideas become real. Choose your favorite Product Board and start sourcing items. Use your layout plan to arrange everything, and make adjustments as you go - that’s part of the process. The deliverables for this phase are your Purchase List and Setup Notes, so you can track what you buy and how it all fits together.

Booklet

This allows you to create a final Room Design Booklet that includes your Details & Requirements Page, Layout Plan, Color Palette, Product Boards, Purchase List, and Setup Notes. It’s your personal design roadmap - helping you make faster decisions, stay on budget, and actually finish your space with confidence.

If you like this process but want it done for you, Just Decorate offers the same method as a service. We’ll create your Room Design Book with visuals, item lists, and setup instructions so you can decorate with clarity and confidence.