By Guest Author Amy Wolff, C.I.D.

When you are starting a new design project, the first thing you must do is assess the bones of your space.  The bones of a room are the shape and details that are a part of its structure.  Unless you are remodeling, there are limits on what you can do with the shape and architectural interests of a room.  The best thing to do is to enhance the positive elements, and downplay the negative elements.

The bones include the ceiling, all walls, archways and shapes of doorways, doors, built-ins, fireplaces, moldings and baseboards, and unusual elements such as stonework or tongue and groove walls.

We must also consider the function of the room to determine which features should be embellished, accented, hidden, or played down.  Many homeowners find this easier to do with the help of a professional.

The very best way to begin a good diagnosis of a room is to remove most of the furnishings.  Of course, it is often not feasible to remove the furnishings from your room – but sometimes just removing the accumulated accessories and then rearranging as you bring them back into the room helps.  Don’t be afraid to seek the help of an interior decorator who can see things with a “fresh eye,” ask the right questions regarding how you want to use the room, and even provide a project plan that will enhance the function, feel and look of the room.

If you are starting a new design project for a room, and you are not planning to remodel the space, you will have a better result if you remember this: The bones are there to stay, and you must design or decorate with the bones in mind first.