Picture of Binder Pockets from above furled out

Old fashioned organization for today's interior design project

Photo of furled out binder tabs from top

You're at work, your contractor is at your house, and your architect is at his office. How do you keep everyone on the same page?

My answer: manage your interior design project in the cloud. Everyone on your team can access plans, discussions, and to-do lists from their desktop, tablet, or smartphone.

But

But, you will need a place to make notes about your project and tuck away written information. I'm talking about 15-page appliance brochures, paint swatches, and hand-written notes. Sure, a lot of this information is available online, but it's not the same. Just one example: online photos of paint switches rarely match physical ones.

So, I recommend you get yourself an old-fashioned binder and that you keep it with you - in your car, laptop bag, or backpack.

Here's what to include in your interior design project binder

A two-inch three-ring binder. Make it heavy-duty.
Five Plastic Tabbed Dividers, one for each Project Phase. Again, heavy-duty. Unsure what the phases of an interior design project are? Find them here.
Five Plastic Pockets, to store brochures and printouts, one for each Project Phase.

That's it; a list of three inexpensive and easy-to-find items, and you're ready to get started. So, what are you waiting for?

Photo by Iwona Castiello d'Antonio

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About the author

She didn't know it, but Jackie Lopey's days as an advertising executive were numbered when she bought and renovated a 1950's bungalow. She soon went back to school and started her own design studio. Jackie is an award-winning, California certified interior designer and the founder of Wide Canvas.

As a California Certified Interior Designer, Jackie Lopey is qualified to plan, design, and document nonstructural, non-seismic interior work—including space planning, finish and fixture specifications, and interior construction documents suitable for permit submittal by clients and their licensed design professionals—within existing buildings in the state. Her services include programming client needs, developing code‑aware layouts, preparing detailed interior drawings and specifications for licensed contractors, and guiding the installation of finishes and furnishings.

In Nevada, Wide Canvas provides design consulting focused on selections and visualizations, helping you choose cabinetry, surfaces, fixtures, furnishings, and finishes that fit your style and budget. The team develops clear concept layouts, mood boards, and 3D views to communicate design intent, and then collaborates with licensed design and construction professionals so they can translate those ideas into compliant plans and a successful build.