does anyone create a sort of scrapbook of ideas and things that you would like to use or incorporate in the room...pictures of mirrors, lighting, handles, faucets etc...that kinda stuff...i'm thinking that with what i would like to do in the ensuite that i should start something like that...just put it in a folder or something...keep everything in one place...
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(to the inspiration folder that is - lol) is the "as built" file/binder/notepad - where you can note final paint colours (a chip from the paint store is great), keep small fabric/carpet samples, critical dimensions of furniture or room features if any
so as you redo a room it's easy to get new items that match what you've done so far (or what's in the next room if they need to be compatible)
can keep it handy in the trunk of the car if you frequently check out what's available at Winners/Homesense and other places that always have new items
That is what I did when we were building I had an accordian type folder that I kept all the pictures and info on items of interest. When we were shopping I took it with me and when the salesman gave me things it went right in the folder. It came in real handy when my builder called me about different things I had it right with me and I could tell what the item was suppose to look like.
anyone who looks through my mags will wonder what has happened to the pages as i tend to RIP pages out whenever I see something i like. i keep them in an accordian type file where i can label the tabs bathroom, kitchen, lighting etc. this way when i move to a project i have many references already on hand. it keeps me focused when shopping as well!!
lots and lots of pictures and a whole library for referencing ideas. One of my favourite designers is Kelly Hoppen - great work and philosophy behind her ideas. Sometimes a daydream moment allows for a creative process. Dream away!
can be used as a visual reminder for you but I think it is even more useful as a communication tool when discussing a project with your partner/hubby or even suppliers/contractors/sales "associates"...
much easier to point at a picture than trying to describe something you see in your head (amazing how two people can interpret the exact same sentence to mean two different things, based on their individual previous experiences)...
also, if it's a magazine clipping of a room or a vignette, a small note detailing what it is you liked can be useful down the road (i.e. you really like the taps on a vanity but hate the wall colour - if you show the pic to someone else they may really love the wall colour - hours of "reprogramming" then required if you don't get them right away with a "see those taps? never mind the colour but see those lovely taps? lol)
I keep magazines with inspirational pics together on a shelf. When I'm contemplating starting a project, I flip through my mags for inspiration. I don't make a scrap book though, I just have a mental picture of what I want the end result to look like. :D
when we bought the ho8se, I started a binder, just a regular school binder, and cut out faucets that I wanted and pasted it into the "bathroom" page, and where they were, and how much they were etc. Then I lugged this (and a small piece of flooring) every time I left the house ! It paid off in the end, because we are very happy with all the choices we made . . . and when a bargain came our way, we were ready and able to jump on it !
upholstered corkboard in front of my desk with pictures of inspirational vignettes and colour schemes fabrics etc.. that I MUST include in SOME project.. whenever/wherever it may be! If I put it in a folder I would never remember where I put the folder.. I would lose it in a pile. I love looking at my pictures...