Room Design Project Planning

If you’ve been keeping up with our intro series to interior design, you know that we’ve already laid the groundwork for implementing your grand design vision in your space. We unpacked the foundational elements included in a successful space (the interplay of space, shape, form, line, light, color, pattern, and texture) and even explored the vast landscape of popular design styles. Now? It’s time to put it all “on paper”, and start planning exactly how your design will come to life. 

This post will walk you through the essential components of creating a detailed room design plan. We’ll even share a few example design plans we’ve developed to help inspire your own project. Whether you’re a seasoned DIY enthusiast or just beginning your design journey, this guide will help you get your ideas organized so you can set your next project up for success. 

Why You Need a Room Design Project Plan 

Ever started a home project with enthusiasm, only to find yourself adrift in a sea of mismatched items, unsure how they’re going to fit together? That’s a common frustration, and one that can quickly drain your budget and motivation. A room design plan acts as your shield against unnecessary purchases, frustrating redesigns, and the feeling of being utterly lost in the process. 

Additionally, a well-defined plan will help you optimize functionality and flow within your space. Think about furniture placement; do you desire an open and airy concept or a more intimate and cozy feel? Where will the primary pathways be, and how can you tailor them for ease of movement? Proper planning ensures that every element (your furniture, lighting, accessories, and, of course, your flooring) works in harmony, creating a space that’s both beautiful and practical. 

Perhaps the most compelling reason to create a design plan, however, is the power of visualization. Before committing to any major changes in your space, it helps if you can see the finished room in your mind’s eye. Knowing everything that will go into your redesigned space will reduce anxiety and builds confidence in your project, while also allowing you to identify potential issues with your initial ideas. 

In short, a room design plan is your blueprint for success. You’ll transform your abstract ideas into actionable steps, ensuring your space becomes the beautiful, well-functioning sanctuary that you envisioned. 

Key Components of Your Plan 

Creating a design plan will require some careful thought to ensure everything functions beautifully and cohesively. It goes well beyond simply wish-listing furniture and curios to dot your space; it’s about understanding your space deeply, considering all the elements you plan as one, and anticipating potential issues before they arise. Each component of your plan serves a specific purpose: 

1. Defining Your Style Goals/Conceptualization 

Without a clear directive, your style choices could become a scattergun of aesthetics, leaving you with a space that feels more like a collage than an emphatic design statement. Define your path from the start, however, and every element becomes a deliberate step toward a clear destination. 

Naming Your Mood

Let’s say you’ve got the design style you want to emulate picked out already (well within the realm of possibility if you’ve read our previous blogs or taken our style quiz). In doing so, you put a label on the feeling you want your space to evoke, and it’s that feeling that should help guide the decisions you’re going to make about what’s included in and excluded from your ideal space. 

What atmosphere do you want to evoke? Serene sanctuary? Bold statement? Casual lounge? Elegant retreat? These emotions will shape both aesthetic choices and the functionality of your design. For instance, a home office designed for focus might require sound-absorbing materials, while a playful children’s room could call for soft, tactile textures. First, articulate your desired mood in a short statement, then you’ll be able to set the tone and craft your space with intention. 

Curating Inspiration

A mood board is a good way to start bringing together all that inspires you. Think beyond pretty pictures of perfect spaces, though, as this needs to be a tactile map of your preferences. In addition to the spaces that captivate you, pin textures, patterns, and colors that resonate, and don’t forget to consider how those elements will interact. In a coastal kitchen, for example, note how the floor’s cool white tones might complement a nautical palette, or how warm wood-look vinyl could add depth to a space bathed in sunlight. 

Keywords for Cohesion

Once you’ve gathered your visual inspirations, distill them into 3-5 keywords that capture your vibe and functional needs. Words like “cozy,” “minimalist,” or “bright” will act as your filter when selecting products, ensuring every piece aligns with your overarching vision. For instance, a “Classic” style might lean toward timeless wood tones, while a “Modern” aesthetic could favor sleek, durable surfaces. Let these words be your compass, guiding you to the options you seek. 

Find Your Base in Flooring

It is impossible for us to overstate how important your flooring choice will be. This is the BASE for your design, and everything you place on top of it should be supported by it. A “Sophisticated” living room, for instance, might call for polished hardwood, while a “Practical” family room demands durability and ease of cleaning (think kid/pet-proof and waterproof options). Think about how your flooring will enhance the elements of your design, then choose accordingly. 

Functionality is a Design Language

Every room has a purpose, and your style goals should mirror that. A bedroom’s primary role is rest, so the colors you select might be calming neutrals or soft, soothing hues. An open-plan kitchen-dining area, however, needs resilience (materials that can handle spills, foot traffic, and the occasional bit of horseplay). By linking your style to the room’s function, you create a space where form and function dance in perfect sync. 

2. Measurements and Layout 

Your design vision, no matter how vivid, will have to conform to the physical realities of your space, and this is where measurements and layout will come into play. Without a precise understanding of your space’s dimensions, you risk costly missteps, like discovering too late that your dream sofa won’t fit through a narrow doorway or that your carefully chosen lighting fixture won’t hang properly. Take care to capture all the figures you need, however, and you’ll be a step further on the path to creating a space that feels intentional, functional, and alive. 

Precision Starts with Measurement

Start by measuring the room’s length, height, and width (and consider a laser measuring tool for increased accuracy). The numbers you record will help form the foundation of all that follows: deciding where to place furniture, how much light to bring in, and even how the room will feel in terms of scale. A low ceiling, for instance, might require smaller, more subdued lighting fixtures, while a high ceiling can accommodate bold, statement pieces that enhance the sense of space. 

Sketching the Blueprint

With measurements in hand, it’s time to create a floor plan. You can use digital tools (like RoomSketcher or Planner 5D) to create your drawings, or opt for the simplicity of graph paper if you prefer an analog approach. While you’re plotting the space, think strategically about how architectural features will either enhance or complicate your layout. 

Planning for Traffic Flow

As you’re sketching your space, imagine it at different times and different settings: the quiet of morning, the bustle of a family gathering, or the chaos of a dinner party. A good layout ensures that movement flows in multiple scenarios, with clear pathways between key areas. Don’t just rely on imagination, though; observe your existing traffic flows. Where do people naturally walk? Which pathways are high-traffic zones? Recording how people move through your space presently will help you more easily plan how to alter those patterns for minimum friction and maximum ease. 

3. Selecting Your Color Palette 

Your color choices will hold immense sway over how your space is perceived, as it influences mood, perception of scale, and even how we interact with the environment. A soft, neutral palette can evoke calm and serenity, while a bold, vibrant scheme might ignite energy and creativity. But how do you translate this emotional language into a cohesive color palette? Just like painting a pretty picture, you’ll need to start with the broad strokes and add your details in layers. 

Start With Primary Colors

Your primary color(s) are the backbone of your design, dominating the visual landscape through large-scale elements like your flooring, walls, and upholstery. These hues set the emotional tone of the space and you should be thinking about them in terms of aesthetics and intention. Do you want your base colors to evoke warmth? Sophistication? Tranquility? Ensure your choices align with the room’s purpose and your overarching style goals, and keep in mind that your flooring choice is going to play a significant role here. 

Continue With Secondary Colors

Secondary colors act as the supporting cast (enriching your primary palette without overshadowing it). These hues should appear in smaller doses on trim, cabinetry, secondary furniture, accents, etc. This is another area where flooring can offer layers of nuance: color variations, character markings, and textures can introduce secondary notes without committing to a completely different color story. 

Add Accent Colors Last

Accent colors are the the final stroke to bring your space to life. These bold, intentional choices (which you may use on throw pillows, artwork, rugs, or other secondary design pieces) add depth and character, preventing the room from feeling flat or monotonous. A touch of vibrant red here, a splash of deep emerald there, and you can direct eyeballs while and adding drama. 

4. Furniture Selection 

Furniture will shape the identity of your space through scale, form, and function. It serves an essential, practical purpose while simultaneously operating as a primary visual anchor. Without thoughtful furniture selection, even the most meticulously planned layout and color palette can fall flat, so it will do you well to choose with intention. 

Needs Assessment

The first step in furniture selection is to ask: What does this room need? Every space has a unique role and it’s best to prioritize functionality by listing essential pieces based on the room’s purpose. A bedroom requires a surface for sleeping, cozy seating, and storage for personal items. Meanwhile, a workspace demands ample overhead lighting and desks that promote productivity. 

Style Matching

Furniture is also a reflection of your design vision. Once your style goals are defined (as outlined earlier), select pieces that complement your style and do not detract from it. That sofa with the plush green upholstery might not be the right choice in your Minimalist sitting room, but what about your Mid-Century Modern lounge? Consider your style, then use your furniture choices create a cohesive narrative. 

Scale & Shape

No matter how beautiful a piece of furniture is, it must fit the space. That gargantuan easy chair you’ve been looking at might dominate a small or oddly shaped space, and conversely, overly small furniture can feel disconnected in expansive rooms. Strive for balance, and remember to simultaneously consider the interplay of shapes and lines within your space. Will you accentuate the sharp angles of that room with similarly shaped furniture, or strive for counterbalance with curved, organic elements that soften the edges? In the end, you want to ensure you’re using scale and shape to fill your space appropriately and further define its character. 

5. Lighting 

Lighting is a necessity if you want to navigate your space comfortably, but it’s also much more. It defines textures, accentuates architectural details, and sets the emotional tone of a room. Beyond mere illumination, lighting shapes how we experience color, depth, and movement, making it a pivotal element in crafting a cohesive and inviting atmosphere. 

Mapping Light to Your Space

As with color, layering can help you optimize lighting within your space. Begin by deciding upon your general ambient lighting, which sets the foundational tone of a room. This could be ceiling-mounted fixtures, recessed lighting, or a combination of both. 

Next, introduce task lighting to address specific needs (this might be a reading lamp casting focused light over a bookshelf, or under-cabinet lights illuminating a kitchen counter. A tumbled stone vinyl plank rug topper, for instance, can protect an existing flooring investment while adding depth and texture.

Finally, add accent lighting to highlight architectural features, art, or flooring. A statement chandelier might draw the eye upward, while wall sconces or picture lights can subtly emphasize textures in wood or stone. 

Don’t Forget About Your Flooring

Simply put, your lighting plan has to account for your flooring. A highly reflective floor will act as a mirror, bouncing light across the space differently than a matte or deply-hued floor might. Do you want your design to amplify or absorb reflections? The interplay between your lighting choices and your flooring choices will define the sensory experience, so as you’re writing things down and sketching them out, pay careful attention to this detail. 

6. Decor & Accessories 

Decor and accessories will be the final strokes of your design masterpiece. These are the elements that complete a space’s transformation from purely functional to a reflection of personality, culture, and creativity. These are the pieces you can shift, swap, or refresh most frequently, allowing you to experiment with color, texture, and mood without committing to permanent changes. At the same time, they act as the invisible threads that tie a room together, weaving together the color palette, furniture, and flooring to create a cohesive aesthetic. Your decor and accessories can take on many forms, and while we can’t cover all the possibilities here, we can lay out a few ideas to get you started.