Add these final items to your decorating file and you'll be ready to go at a moment's notice.
Phone List
Have a handy list of phone numbers for your carpet man, plumber, painter, upholsterer, or contractor. Keep the list in your Decorating File for easy reference.Scissors and Tape
When you find the perfect paint chips, you might want to tape them together with fabrics you've chosen. Also put together fabric samples and carpet tufts.Envelopes or Zip-Lock Bags
You never know when you might find some small piece of information, color, or pattern that could get lost if put in the bottom of a tote. Have a few plain #10 envelopes or zip-lock plastic bags in your Decorating File.Post-It Notes
Simple post-it notes are great for marking pages that you don't want to lose in a book or magazine. Or use them to mark possible choices in a wallpaper book. If you're looking at paint chips, block off shades that you don't want, using a post-it note.Color Board
Once you've made all your choices, put together a color board. Use a piece of mat board, foam core, or cardboard, cut to fit into your Decorating File. Paint the board in the color of your chosen wall paint or just leave it white. Attach all fabrics, trims, inspiration photos, and drawings to the board. You can have the mat board cut to fit into a standard or legal size file folder. When you've completed your project, put the color board away in a filing cabinet for reference.
You'll find that it's fun to put together a Decorating File for your decorating projects. It's a useful tool to keep you organized.