As a professional home designer working with Ellegant Home Design for a number of years, I’ve always told clients that the key to achieving desirable results lies in your ability to incorporate unique and surprising elements into an overall theme. To get that “wow factor” when the project comes to a close, you need to produce a scene that surprises and delights, which means aiming for the opposite of plain and ordinary. When you enter a room that has been enhanced by a design agency, you expect to see something special, and all of that appeal starts with the shopping list.
Before any labor begins, there’s the critical step of buying the components required for the job. Since these items will be needed to bring your design concepts to life, and since you’ll need to know what you’re buying in order to stay within a budget, building the shopping list should be seen as a fundamental beginning step in any project. To see examples of items you might want to include in a home design shopping list, you can visit our online store or stop by our physical flooring store at 1002 W. Dundee Rd., Arlington Heights, Illinois (1-847-749-1098).
Aside from that, here are four tips you can use to compile an impressive shopping list based on a proven formula:
1. Compare Exotic and Uncommon Flooring Types
Did you know that the first thing most people notice when they enter a room is the floor? Renovating or remodeling any room without bringing the flooring up to par is a rare mistake. Granted, you could go the modest route by choosing from standard tiles, hardwood floor, or laminate/vinyl flooring. However, if the goal is to create a truly impressive environment, try visiting a local flooring store to make a close up comparison of some of the more exotic and uncommon options such as bamboo flooring, mosaic tiles, cork flooring and carpet tiles.
2. Consider Countertop and Cabinet Options
Aside from the flooring, many flooring stores also sell kitchen countertops and cabinets, which are arguably the next most aesthetically apparent features of a home’s interior. There’s an abundance of variety to choose from in this department, with some of the more notable countertop materials and types including:
- Granite
- Marble
- Quartz
- Laminate
- Concrete
- Glass
- Tile
- Reclaimed wood
- Stainless steel
- Porcelain
- Lava
The above list of countertop types should send you in the right direction towards selecting or customizing a set that will suit your design needs and preferences. When it comes to comparing cabinetry, the first thing you’ll want to do is choose a material. The most common kinds of cabinet wood include:
- Alder
- Beech
- Birch
- Cherry
- Hickory
- Maple
- Oak
- Pine
Since most cabinet sets can be painted and/or decorated to accommodate virtually any theme, the most important factors to consider are the size, configuration, and quality grade of the cabinets. Most stores sell cabinets in complete sets, while some are willing to build and install custom configurations. Thus, the best way to really know what you want, is to visit a flooring store in order to conduct a close up comparison that will let you experience the true look and feel of the materials in-person.
3. Look for Appliances and Components that Enhance Functionality
There’s no sense in installing top-notch flooring, cabinets, and countertops, only to leave the old appliances. Some key appliances and components that you might want to add to your home design shopping list include:
- Plumbing components – sinks, faucets, toilets, showerheads, etc.
- Cooking appliances – ovens, stoves, and microwaves
- Kitchen conveniences – island bars, bins and dispensers, utensil collections, dish displays, etc.
- Lighting – motion sensor or clap-activated lighting, nightlights, chandeliers, etc.
- Shelves and storage – built-in shelves or hidden storage areas
- Heating and air – energy-efficient heating and air conditioning systems
For a balanced renovation, it’s always a good idea to replace any outdated or unsightly appliances with newer models that are more appealing and functional.
4. Discuss Tools and Equipment with a Flooring Store Specialist
Now that you have a basic guide to help you start compiling a comprehensive shopping list for your upcoming project, the next step is to thoroughly research each of the installation processes required to bring your design into fruition. DIY home improvement sites and forums are a great source of knowledge in this regard.
Bonus Tip – Use a Notetaking Tool!
In closing, the best bonus tip we can give you is: Always have a note-taking utility handy! Whether it be a small notepad or an app like Evernote on your smartphone, you need a way to jot down ideas and shopping list items as they pop up. Doing this will save you a great deal of time and hassle by minimizing the amount of backtracking you’ll have to do.