Interior designers transform a room from nonfunctioning, disorganized and uninspired, or out-of-date to usable, organized and stylishly modern. To accomplish this process, they go through a series of steps from concept to completion and use a variety of tools to do so.

Measuring and Sketching Tools

On a job site, designers use retractable metal tape measures, graph or plain paper on a clipboard, pencils and colored pens, and rulers for sketching and mapping out the room size and shape, existing structures and furniture.

Research and Ideas

A designer uses research aids, such as design books, magazines or a personal collection of clippings for inspiration and style information. They use corkboard and thumbtacks or pushpins for hanging ideas and sketches, and foam core board, colored paper and labels for creating transportable mood boards.

Material Resources

Interior designers keep a collection of material samples on hand. A painter's wheel, paint chips, Pantone Guide, fabric swatches, furniture books, flooring, tile and countertop samples are used to specify site requirements.

Drawing Tools

Many designers use standard, hand-drawn tools to take designs from sketches to finished work. Graph paper, vellum, tracing paper, triangles, architect's scale, shape templates, pencils and sharpener, eraser and shield, drawing table, t-square, swing-arm table lamp, drafting tape, adjustable curve guide or French curves, drafting compass, scissors and matte knife are standard tools.

Software

A computer with installed computer-assisted drawing programs, such as AutoCAD or Sketchup Pro, is a virtual necessity for any modern designer's office. These are used to do sketches and plans as well as present ideas and plans in progress to clients.

Additional Essential Tools

A camera is a valuable tool for an interior designer to use for documenting "before" and "after" spaces, and for capturing inspiration while on the go. A color copier and scanners are also useful presentation aids and tools in the design process.

Source:

"Interior Design"; John F. Pile; 2007

Interiordezine

Dezinaré