Start here by searching the Inspiration section of this site as well as our online partners such as HOUZZ.com and Pinterest.com for images that reflect the colors and styles you would like to live with. Magazine swipes, books on decorating or things you love can inspire your design choices. Consider the mood you would like to create in every room of your home, perhaps casual and comfortable for your family room or relaxing and soothing for your bedroom.
Save to your Calico Wish List, pin on a board or build an online collage of your inspirational images. Or you can bring them to your closest Calico retail store. Your inspiration will help you visualize the room you want to create. Paint chips and samples of wallpaper you have or love can be helpful as well. Use the following How to Get Started Worksheet to keep your ideas and needs organized.
Consider the activities you will pursue in each room. Obvious suggestions are blackout linings for bedroom window treatments to insure a good night’s sleep. High performance fabrics that resist stains are perfect for dining chairs and family rooms as well as for a nursery.
For estimating purposes, we'll need a rough idea of the window dimensions, number of windows and ceiling height--plus any features we need to work around, such as bookcases, shelving, radiators and French doors. An approximate room size will help us with questions of scale and proportion.
Photographing furniture you may want to replace or reupholster as well as existing windows or window treatments will help establish how much fabric is required and the best way to treat the space.