This post is a hybrid of Do It Yourself and Behind the Scenes topics. Anyone who is a DIY fan and/or interested in the inner-workings of interior designers.....this post is for you!

I just had a lovely conversation with a reader from New Jersey (psst...she contacted me because she loved this post). She, like so many others, she is at standstill with their house (she has a Mr. Wonderful of her own, as well as two wee ones). She knows what they like, she likes to and is able to do it herself....it just hasn't come together yet.

Often times, like this dear reader, homeowners inherit architectural elements that need to be changed to suit their tastes before they can move on to implement their ideal home, make purchases and "bring it all together" (think perfect cabinets in a less than desirable stain, a sturdy staircase in the wrong style, or counter tops in an undesirable material or color). When this happens, the project quickly becomes more involved- it shifts from a decorating project to a full on design project that requires gaining bids, hiring contractors,  sequencing, and making tough decisions about durability, style and the credibility of those to be hired. We chatted for a bit and I told her my best advice: Break it Down and Keep it Organized.

What do I mean by "break it down"? I mean- make a plan (as best you can....if you get stuck- you can always call a pro!). Measure your rooms, take inventory of what you wish to keep, measure items you wish to keep and start listing out everything you need to complete your project. Break it down to the bare elements. You will go nowhere, and probably waste a lot of money and time, if you don't know where you are going and what you need. You need a plan.

That's how we designers do it- we plan. We don't go around and spend frivolously. We have A LOT of things to keep organized, we have A LOT of things to buy for our clients and we have A LOT of responsibility to our clients. Not to mention, we need to be really efficient because clients pay a premium for our time and talent. Do like we do- break it down and make a plan. A good plan is like a road map- you will know what needs to get done and you will finish your project once you know what it takes to get from Point A (existing condition) to Point B (completed house).

Now comes the "keep it organized" part. This is not an option. It must be done. Once you set yourself up, keeping your project organized is a cinch. You need to make a binder. This topic has come up twice in my life the last three days (once with my dear New Jersey reader, once with a fellow ASID member)- its a sign that I should shed the light for everyone reading. This is what interior designers actually do to organize their projects (you are getting a sneak peek into actual practice here!). And, if you are doing your own project- you will need to keep a binder, as well.

What is "A Binder"? Simply put- its a folder with all your project info. Want to drive a designer mad? Take away one of their client binders and watch them get ready to throw themselves off a cliff. That's how essential "the binder" is to each and every project. We really can't do anything without it. Its used as a reference and "home base" for every project. If binders were to get lost, stolen, burned in a fire or ruined in any other natural disaster- a designer would be screwed. Binders are also referenced after the project has been "dead filed"- they are important for the present and the future. (See my shelf to the right: large projects get the big binders, smaller projects or new porject starts get small ones, and current consulting projects get manilla folders,  which are placed in the mag file)

I specialize in larger projects- whole houses or at least 3+ rooms, so I usually start my projects in a 2" black binder. It usually moves up to a 3" binder by projects mid-point. Its just a simple, durable black binder. I label the outside spine with the "Sidemark", (our shorthand is "S/M"). A sidemark is the project name and is referenced on all project documents, PO's, computer files, etc. I looks like this: "S/M Smith". If you are keeping your own binder, there is no need for a S/M, but I would label it "Smith Residence" for easy shelf reference.

What's inside? I use pocketed divider tabs. Each tab is then labeled (each room gets a section, as well as "estimates", "correspondence", etc). A designer's label tabs will differ from a do-it-yourselfers tabs. Just use common sense. Think of what you need to keep organized and give a divider section to each area you are working on (Living Room, Kitchen, Basement, etc.). You can add tabs as you need them. The key is to have one tab for each room, and a tab for quotes and estimates.

Keeping it organized: Once you have the system in place, you have to use it. Measure your spaces, take your inventory, take photos of items you are keeping- gather the essential information for each room. File each item in its appropriate divider section. File as you get or create information- don't let it pile up or float around. Just maintain the system and everything will be at your fingertips when you need it. Also, keeping everything together allows you to grab n' go, too. Take your binder on shopping trips and have it present at meetings. Reference and use the information.

When you get further in your project and you start to gather small odd and ends such as tiles (if you have a large tile or piece or stone, break the tile and keep a small piece or ask your fabricator/installer to make you a small stone sample), paint swatches, fabric swatches, etc.- place them in a durable bag. I keep one binder and one bag for each project. These items come with me to site meetings, design centers, shopping trips, and they sit near my desk for reference at all times.

If you are doing your own project, and you follow these guidelines- you will get a lot more accomplished, you will use your time wisely and efficiently and you'll complete your project faster. You will also make less purchasing mistakes because you can reference concrete information, rather than trying to guess or estimate or go off of memory. You will have that wall measurement for a piece of art you are interested in, you will have your sofa upholstery fabric swatch to reference when shopping for throw pillows, you will have your paint and tile samples to reference when selecting your counter tops, etc.

For all of you brave homeowners who are design savvy &  have the time, energy, and resources to attempt a design project on your own- good luck to you! I hope this helps!

Typically, I am not a DIY enthusiast. I have my reasons, and I feel they are very sound. I'm not a huge fan of encouraging DIY because:

1. I am unsure of another person's ability for craftsmanship and detail. I don't want to tell someone they can easily do something on their own to have it blow up in their face and then blame me for telling them it would be easy. "Easy" is relative.

2. I am usually not a fan of the look of a DIY project, even when its executed well. Often times, DIY walks the "crafty" line; however, this can be avoided by picking and choosing which DIY projects should be attempted.

3. Sometimes, some things are better left to the pro who does that one thing over and over and over. They know how to get the job done in less time, with less wasted materials and they may even know of some ways to improve upon the process after years of doing that one thing. A pro has little to no learning curve.

That being said....I recommend *certain* DIY projects to *certain* people. If you have great (not good, but great) eye for detail, you know how to use basic power tools, you know how measure and level, you know how to follow instructions and improvise soundly, you know what I'm talking about when I say something is "crafty" (in order to tell the difference, you must know what you are comparing something to), and you are willing to do some basic research and buy the proper materials required...then I think you are okay to tackle a DIY project.

Also, note that there are different levels of DIY. There is easy and there is advanced. Learn to evaluate your skill level before starting a project.

With that "disclaimer" statement, I realize that a lot of people interested in interior design are very creative. A lot of you are hands-on and have a certain eye and aptitude, if not for design itself- then at least for what "looks good". If this sounds like you- I give you my full support in attempting DIY projects.

As a designer, I do DIY projects all the time. My home is my laboratory. I make something to see a mock-up or just to try something new. I'm less nervous about the outcome than the average person because I know pretty much anything can be fixed and I also know that if it doesn't work out- I can toss it and I am happy knowing I tried it on me first, rather than a client's project. These things range from picture arrangements, to moulding details, framing ideas, refinishing applications, trimming out a lamp shade...usually pretty small details. Occasionally I will venture into the land of sewing something up (maybe an idea I would like to hash out before I hire a workroom to do it, or to make use of an amazing upholstery remnant or something. My past as a fashion designer greatly aids my ability in doing this), or a small upholstered piece- such as a headboard or reupholstering a dining room chair seat. Nothing too crazy (in other words- I hire the tile guy when I want to switch out my back splash. Even I,as fearless as I am, know my limits!).

It would be hypricitical and sorta snotty of me to say that everyone should avoid DIY. So, I am partially making a case for it (if you qualify) because DIY can be pretty fun, not to mention fulfilling. There is something about knowing you made something with your hands that's pretty dang cool. And, its even better when someone compliments your DIY and you can say you made it...it must be what Martha Stewart feels like on a regular basis.

I am going to start trying to add some good DIY projects to {Maison Classique}. Keep your eye out! (Or, subscribe- its easier!). Everything will have directions, photos, a tools and supply list and pointers. I think this could be a fun regular feature- please contribute if you have a great DIY project, I would love to hear from you and feature your savvy skills on {Maison Classique}!

(Photo from Nationaal Archief's Flickr)