How many times have you bumped into something while you were shopping and were not quite sure the size or color was right? Probably about as many times as I used to before I made up my purse-sized decorating journal.
My purse-sized decorating journal is one of my biggest time savers. Many of us maintain idea files at home, or even large decorating file books when we are doing projects. I love cutting out pictures and sticking them in books. But who in heck wants to carry around a huge book?
Enter the Big Lots or Dollar Store photo book. I paid a whopping $1.00 for mine. I made sure it had a flexible cover so it would fit more easily in my purse. The book measures about 5 x 6.
In it I keep samples of paint colors and fabric from every room in my house. I even have a sample of my flooring in the kitchen (lower left), which I refer to as "dirt colored." After having a floor that showed every little spot, it's fun to have a floor that looks clean even if I've tracked in half the garden.
While painting I use a piece of textured wallpaper to have a larger sample of the paint, but I also carry the store paint chip because it has the formula on the back. Even if the paint color is discontinued, any store can still make it for you if you have the formula.
Outside house colors under consideration...
Most importantly - I have measurements. Windows, doors, and anything else I may need dimensions for while I'm out and about.
Ten Measurements You May Need
- Windows
- Tablecloths
- Bathroom Rug
- Area Rugs
- Places you may hang pictures
- Room dimensions
- Ceiling heights (if you have vaulted or otherwise different ceiling heights)
- Chair sizes
- Lamp heights plus shade size
- Areas you are considering for a new piece of furniture
4 comments:
great idea! I thought about doing something similar several years ago and it ended up one of those things I never got around to. I ran across the bag with all the paint chips, etc., not long ago.
I do the same thing!! I started with an album just like yours but with all the needs of our 20 year old "new" home - I've had to go to a full size album. I keep it in the car so it's not too much trouble to pop out to get it if I find something.
What a great idea, Adrienne. You are amazing. Sincerely, Susan
oh you'd HATE shopping with me!! I'm an eyeballer!
and it's not memory either.
it just either "looks right" or it doesn't. I can't say "that shade of yellow on the pillow is too orange for the bedspread" I just say "not right" and grab the one that's "right".
and when I get home...I'm almost always right!!
don't ask me how.
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