Essential Requirements for an Interior Design Project

Essential Requirements for an Interior Design Project

If you are planning to order an interior design concept project, one of the most common questions is:

What source material does an interior designer need?

Good preparation helps avoid misunderstandings, speeds up the workflow, and allows the designer to create a more accurate and realistic solution.

The most important materials are:

• photos of the existing space
• a floor plan with measurements
• information about technical limitations
• inspiration images or preferred style references

The more detailed and clear the initial information is, the more precisely the concept design can reflect your actual needs and the existing space.

1. Photos of the Existing Space

Photos give the interior designer a quick understanding of the room, natural light, proportions, and the current situation.

It is helpful to include:

• wide shots of the entire room
• photos of all walls
• window and door locations
• existing furniture you want to keep
• technical details (radiators, sockets, pipes, sloped ceilings, etc.)
• problematic areas you would like solved

How to Take the Photos?
It is best to photograph the rooms in a logical movement sequence.

For example:

• start from the hallway and continue toward the living room
• take photos from different corners while moving clockwise
• in bedrooms, first take a photo from the doorway and then from other corners
• photograph the bathroom, shower room, and WC separately
• if you want design ideas for a balcony or terrace, include photos of those areas as well

When taking photos:

• stand as close to the corner of the room as possible to capture more space
• use your phone horizontally (landscape orientation)
• use a wide-angle lens if available
• in tight spaces, vertical photos are also acceptable
• take photos roughly at chest height or slightly lower

It is usually better to send more photos rather than too few.

Photos taken with a smartphone are completely sufficient — the most important thing is that the space is clearly visible.

2. Floor Plan with Measurements

A floor plan is one of the most important materials for creating an interior design concept.

It helps evaluate furniture placement, circulation paths, and room proportions.

The best option is an existing architectural or construction drawing, but a hand-drawn sketch is also acceptable if necessary.

The plan should include:

• room dimensions
• wall lengths
• window and door locations
• window heights
• ceiling height
• sloped ceilings or niches
• existing utility connections

For kitchens and bathrooms, if the plan does not already show them, it is especially important to mark:

• water and drainage connections
• ventilation
• socket locations
• appliance connections

3. Existing Items You Want to Keep

If you have furniture or interior elements that must remain, it is important to mention them immediately.

For example:

• sofa
• dining table
• bed
• artwork
• antique furniture
• rugs
• lighting fixtures

It is useful to include:

• measurements
• photos
• information about materials or colors

This helps the new design fit naturally and thoughtfully into the existing interior.

4. Inspiration and Style Preferences

An interior designer cannot read your mind — inspiration materials help communicate the desired mood and style much more clearly.

Good inspiration examples include:

• interior photos you like (for example from Pinterest)
• color palettes
• material samples

It is also useful to describe:

• the feeling you want the space to create
• what you would like to avoid
• whether you prefer a minimalist, cozy, modern, or classic style

Often, just a few reference images and a short description are enough.

5. Budget and Scope of Work

The quality and practicality of the concept design also depend heavily on having a realistic understanding of the budget and project goals.

Useful information includes:

• whether you want a small refresh or a complete renovation
• the planned budget
• whether the space will be renovated structurally or only furnished
• whether you would also like photorealistic 3D visualizations

This helps create solutions that are both practical and achievable within your possibilities.

A concept project may also include photorealistic 3D visualizations that help you see the complete visual concept before construction or renovation begins.

Summary

The materials needed for an interior design concept do not need to be complicated or professionally prepared.

The most important things are:

• clear photos of the existing space
• a floor plan with measurements
• information about items that will remain
• inspiration and style preferences
• a clear understanding of the desired result

The better the initial information, the more accurately the interior designer can create a solution that fits your space, needs, and budget.

Note: Whenever possible, I can also visit the property in person to inspect the rooms and take the necessary photos myself. This provides a better understanding of the space, proportions, and natural lighting.

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