Guide to Measuring & Photographing Your Space

When it comes to starting an online interior design project with a client, measurements and photos are crucial. There’s only so much that can be done without getting these two important elements from a client. These go hand in hand with the Questionnaire about the client and project details. If you want help pulling your space together I can help you and you don’t even have to live in Tennessee to become a client. My E-design services can be catered to clients anywhere in the US.

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Measuring Your Space

Step 1 - Drawing the Floor Plan

  • Using a pencil and clean, white paper, sketch the shape / layout of the room.
  • If multiple connecting rooms are to be designed, please show how these rooms connect and measure on one sheet of paper.
  • Make sure to label each room for reference.
  • Do not worry about drawing the room perfectly or to scale – that’s what I’m here for.
  • If the direction of the sunlight in relation to your room is important, label each wall as either North, South, East, or West accordingly.

Step 2 - Overall Measurements

  • ​Using a straight and sturdy tape measure, measure the entire length of each wall, corner-to-corner and mark this on the floor plan in inches or feet/inches.

Step 3 - Walls & Openings

  • Once the entire length of each wall has been measured and recorded, measure each wall in detail.
  • Start in the corner, measure the distance to the casing of the first window and mark on the drawing.
  • Next, measure the width of the window (include casings) and mark on the drawing.
  • Measure all items on length of wall.
  • Items of importance to include: Doors, windows, built-ins, fireplaces, etc…and mark on the drawing.
  • Repeat steps for each wall in each room.
  • Include additional measurements and include elevation drawings as necessary
  • Window & Door Height(s)
  • ​Fireplace (If Applicable): Hearth Length and Width
  • Height of ceiling from lowest point to the floor – indicating if there are changes in height

Step 4 - Double Check

  • Once the measurements are complete, add up the detailed measurements on a calculator and make sure they add up to your measurement of the entire length of each wall.
  • If the number is off by more than 5”, re-measure the length of the wall and details to correct the error.

Step 5 - Noting Details

  • Notate all of the ceiling light fixtures and approximately indicate existing placement on your drawing.
  • It is also important to include information per room i.e. include where the TV Jack is located if you intend to watch television in the room.
  • Notate electrical outlets only if necessary for furniture placement
  • Notate items such as thermostats, electrical panels, air returns, etc. if necessary for wall decor/furniture placement.

Step 6

  • Scan and E-mail your drawing to Calypso Design Studio with all of the previous information included.

Photographing Your Space

Tips

  • Take photos during the day
  • Remove clutter (or at least try)
  • Start in one corner and work your way around the room
  • Take a photo from every angle (each corner and each wall) of the room
  • Try to capture part of the floor and ceiling in each photo
  • Take a photo of any furniture you want to keep in the room (Take measurements of them for placement purposes.)