Interior Decorating 101
Lesson 2: Preparation is the Key to Success!
Making a Floorplan
You'll find your project really begins to take shape in your mind if you start with an accurate floorplan, by measuring the dimensions of the space and determining the most desirable layout.
All you'll need for your drawings is a straightedge, T-square, drawing pencil, .25-inch grid paper and a 25-foot tape measure. Several good software packages allow you to scan your floorplan or convert your drawings into a floor plan, such as Sierra Home Architect or Total 3D Home Suite 4.0. It is not necessary to use these types of software, however. The paper version has worked for thousands of years!
If you wish, copy your drawings at any copy center—most can make enlargements up to 24" x 36" for black and white on standard 20# bond, or 11" x 17" for color copies. For added durability, copy centers can laminate your finished drawings or mount them on posterboard.
Some homeowners are fortunate to have the blueprints of their house, either from the contractor who built it, or from their City Planning Department. You might find them stashed away in the attic, or perhaps you can contact the previous owners for them. Blueprints will show you the structural details, the electrical and plumbing layouts, and overall dimensions.
If you don't have blueprints, it's not difficult to make your own. This is an instance when it's much better to have two people working together! To be accurate, measure each wall in two different ways:
- Take separate measurements: measure the sections of wall space between doors, windows, fireplace or other fixtures, plus each opening (windows, doors, etc.), recording each measurement and its location separately. Then add everything up for one total number.
- Take one overall measurement: measure the wall, from corner to corner, and record the number.
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