Renovations can be all-consuming, whether they’re large or small. One of the best recommendations is to plan and be realistic about what can be accomplished before you rush out to buy paint, tile, or a sledgehammer. Take some time to evaluate your space and plan your changes. Decide what you want the space to be and how it will function.

There are no hard and fast rules for where to begin and what to look at, but the Room Function Checklist is a good place to start. Once you’ve decided what you want, collect color chips, material samples, and photos of rooms you like. Also, take accurate measurements of each room to see if the project is small enough for you to take on or requires help from a certified designer.

Keep in mind that you don’t need to renovate your home all at once. It’s more about deciding which changes will deliver the biggest impact and bring you the most joy versus which ones can wait. Shoot for the moon and put your vision on paper. From there, divide the changes into projects that can be tackled in a day, a week, or a month, and those that will require a long-term plan.

Looking at the big-picture version of your project will keep you on track, regardless of when you tackle each area. It also ensures you’ll keep a natural flow throughout your entire home.

Inspiration can be found anywhere and everywhere. Think about places where you’ve felt comfortable and at ease. It might be a friend’s house, a hotel, or even a restaurant. What elements of the space created that sense of peace? Was it the aroma of home cooking, the color on the walls, the level of light, the comfort of the furnishings, or the view through the window? Think about how you can incorporate those elements into your design while still creating a space that’s uniquely yours.

Kerrie L. Kelly, FASID, is an award-winning interior designer, author, product developer, and multimedia consultant helping brands reach the interior design community. To contact her, visit kerriekelly.com or call 916-919-3023.