my home design book

This is an easy project that I’ve been meaning to do for quite some time.  When I’m out running errands I typically stumble across things that I want to purchase for my home.  For instance when I head into Target for just toilet paper, I somehow find myself wandering through the home decor aisles.  (Am I the only one that does this?)  Very often I’ll see things like say a pillow or a duvet or maybe a cool side table, and I’ll wonder to myself how said item will work with my wall color or how the pattern will play with the curtains that are already in the space.  I also keep a running list of items I’m on the hunt for, but that list is in my head and doesn’t typically include measurements – which are kind of important when you’re thinking of purchasing a piece of furniture – especially if it’s on deep clearance and you won’t be able to return or exchange it if it doesn’t work in your space.

So I finally got around to making a “my home” design book, and it took all of maybe 30 minutes.  Why didn’t I do this sooner?!  It’s already been a game changer and has even helped me clean up all the empty paint cans in my garage – bonus!

I got to work using a leather bound notebook that is about the size of my hand and easily fits in my handbag.  I used some heavy white card stock to make paint chips of the wall colors I have in each room.  I used my Zink hAppy smart app printer to create divider tabs for each room, but you could easily buy a set of tabs at any office supply store.

home design book

home design book

In the very front I made a paper pocket using scrapbook paper and patterned tape (that was also printed with my hAppy printer, but you could also use washi tape).  I’m always picking up paint chips that I like for future projects, and now they won’t be hanging around the bottom of my handbag!

home design book

For each of my paint chips I wrote down the brand of paint, the formula and the finish.  No more hanging on to empty cans of paint around here!

home design book

home design notebook

Now I can declutter my brain since all of my lists and measurements have been jotted down on paper!

home design notebook

I can even add inspiration images for rooms I’ve yet to start decorating.

home design notebook

In the back I made another paper pocket for coupons!

home design notebook

I’m so thrilled to finally have all this stuff in one handy-to-stuff-in-my-handbag place!  Have you made yourself a home design notebook? If so, snap a picture and show us by tagging it #TheChic on instagram or twitter!

home design book