What’s In My Interior Design Bag? The Tools Every Interior Designer Needs
Hey Roomies!
Okay… let’s talk about something fun today.
Because every time I meet with a client, I walk in carrying what basically looks like a designer survival kit
And while people sometimes think interior design is just picking pretty pillows and saying “let’s paint it beige” (absolutely not), there’s actually a lot that goes into creating a space that feels intentional, functional, and truly personal.
So in today’s video, I’m sharing exactly what I bring with me to client meetings and why these little tools make such a big difference during the interior design process.
Watch the full video here: https://youtu.be/t2K6tY5iDxA?si=55ejs2_cnGvXms1p
Inspiration Photos… Without Copying Someone Else’s Home
Let’s start with the thing almost every client brings to a consultation:
Pinterest screenshots. Saved Instagram posts. Inspiration folders.
And listen… I love inspiration photos. They help me understand:
the mood you’re drawn to
textures you love
colors you gravitate toward
and the overall feeling you want in your home
But here’s the important part:
Inspiration should inspire you—not turn your home into a copy-and-paste version of someone else’s life.
At Rooms By Roma Interior Design, my goal is always to take inspiration and turn it into something personal, elevated, and unique to you.
Because your home should tell your story—not Pinterest’s.
Why a Designer’s Toolkit Actually Matters
Now let’s get into the fun little design bag essentials.
When I walk into a client consultation, I usually have:
tape measures
paint decks
blue tape
notebooks
layout tools
samples
and all kinds of little things that help us visualize the space properly
And yes… there is a reason for every single one.
A tape measure makes sure furniture actually fits the room (because guessing is not a strategy 😭).
Blue tape helps visualize placement and spacing before anything gets installed.
Paint decks help compare undertones, lighting, and finishes in the actual environment—not just online.
Because the little details?
They matter more than people realize.
Why I Still Love a Notebook
Now this might sound old-school… but I still love bringing a notebook to meetings.
There’s something more personal about physically writing things down while talking to a client.
It slows the process down in a good way.
It allows me to:
really listen
capture details
sketch ideas
and connect more intentionally during the consultation
And honestly? In a world where everything is digital, I think people still appreciate that human connection.
Design Software Matters More Than You Think
Now after the notes, measurements, and conversations comes the technical side.
And roomies… proper interior design software matters.
Because creating a beautiful room isn’t just about choosing pretty furniture. It’s about making sure:
the scale works
the layout flows
pathways make sense
and everything fits your actual space properly
Good design should feel effortless when you walk into a room.
But behind the scenes?
There’s a lot of planning happening to make it feel that way.
Interior Design Is About More Than Decor
At the end of the day, being an interior designer is really about helping people create homes that support their life.
Homes that feel:
✨ functional
✨ peaceful
✨ beautiful
✨ intentional
✨ and uniquely theirs
And sometimes, it’s the smallest tools and smallest details that help bring that vision together.
Final Thoughts, Roomies
If you’ve ever wondered what goes into a professional interior design consultation, I hope this gave you a little peek behind the curtain.
Because great design isn’t random.
It’s thoughtful. Strategic. Personal.
And whether I’m pulling out a tape measure, flipping through paint decks, or sketching ideas in a notebook, every step is helping create a home that truly works for the people living inside it.
Watch the full video here: https://youtu.be/t2K6tY5iDxA?si=55ejs2_cnGvXms1p
As always, roomies
Thank you for being here.
I look forward to creating with you
