Hammond Residential Real Estate
Michael Rothstein, GRI , Hammond Residential Real EstatePhone: (617) 470-3165
Email: [email protected]

Interior design tools: What the pros use

by Michael Rothstein, GRI 02/28/2022

 

Have you ever wondered what tools are used in professional interior design? While each designer has their preferences and specialties, some tools have stood the test of time. Here is a simple guide to some of the most common interior design tools:

Drawing & CAD tools

Interior designers regularly use both manual drawing tools and computer-aided-design (CAD) software. Basic drawing tools like pens, pencils, rulers, compasses, protractors and graph paper are commonly used to sketch out room layouts and design concepts. CAD software then converts the sketches into workable 3D models designers can use to flesh out ideas with their clients.

Color wheels

Color theory is essential to interior design, and a color wheel is a powerful tool to help. With a color wheel, designers can find relationships between colors and choose the most harmonious and aesthetically pleasing combinations. By illustrating how different colors fit together, color wheels make coming up with color schemes simpler for designers and their clients.

Fabric samples

Color alone won't tell you everything, which is why designers rely on fabric samples in their work. Designers typically get books of samples from different vendors and fabric makers to test and select fabrics for a room design. By consulting the samples, designers can pinpoint the exact texture, color palette and style they need for a design.

Digital cameras

Digital cameras are extremely helpful to interior designers, even more so when built right into a smartphone. With digital photography, designers can create visual records of job sites and track progress. They can also make quick references of furnishings, accessories and other details they encounter during the process.

Some CAD programs and other software can even import the photos directly to integrate into design plans. With the advent of virtual and augmented reality technology, digital cameras have become a starting point for a more advanced and immersive client experience.

About the Author
Author

Michael Rothstein, GRI

Active in residential brokerage since 1985, Michael enjoys a loyal following of past buyers and sellers. Prior to entering brokerage, he studied culinary arts and managed restaurants in the Boston area. Born and raised in Newton, Michael is very familiar with the Greater Boston area. His seven-day-a-week commitment to his profession serves his clients and customers well. His educational background includes The Johnson & Wales Culinary Institute, The Lee Institute for Real Estate, and The Tom Hopkins and Floyd Wickman Sales Training courses. 

In recognition of his completion of the prescribed courses in real estate practice and ethics, Michael has earned the distinguished GRI (Graduate, Realtor Institute) designation. He continues his long-standing membership in the National Association of Realtors and is an avid fly fisherman, musician, and outdoor enthusiast. 

Michael was awarded the International President's Circle Award for sales expertise, market knowledge, and dedication to clients for 2020 and 2021. In 2022 and 2023 he was awarded the International Presidents Elite Award, representing the Top 2% of Hammond Residential & Coldwell Banker Agents Worldwide, for demonstrating exceptional sales production, ambition and his commitment to the Real Estate Industry.