Our time is so valuable to us. With no time to waste, why do so many of us shop for home furnishings when we are totally unprepared? If we don’t want to waste our time, why don’t we do our homework prior to visiting the store? If you want to be prepared and make the most of your valuable time, follow this small “homework” assignment that will make your shopping experience more efficient and productive. 1. Create a look book – cut out pictures from decorating magazines of rooms that you like. This will help you explain to your design associate exactly the look that you want to create. 2. Make a sketch – roughly draw your current room. You don’t have to be a designer to do this. Draw the walls, doors, windows and other architectural elements that will come into play when placing furniture. Also, include existing furniture so your design associate will understand the current configuration of your room. Check out www.decorium.com to use our simple room planner. 3. Bring measurements – take as precise measurements as you can. Your design associate will help you select items that not only fit in the spaces you have available but will show you how to have the right scale and proportion in your room. Would you think of shopping for appliances without measuring the space? So many customers don’t even think that size could be an issue. I guarantee that if you invest a little bit of time doing these three things, you will have half of the decorating process done for your room. All that’s left to do is select the new items (that’s the fun part)! Decorium is happy to offer free in-store design service. If you are adding one piece to a room, or furnishing your entire home, we have the experts to help you.