Ask Erin: SIX QUESTIONS TO ASK WHEN STYLING ANYTHING

by ERIN SHARPLIN LOVE | erinlove@panachebyerin.com

When I begin any styling or designing project, I find that I typically ask myself six questions. These six questions lead me down a path of discovery that will guide me toward the perfect plan for each project. Whether I am styling a room, a home, a business, or even your wardrobe, these six questions work with any situation. Furthermore, these questions will make the process much more enjoyable and stress free. You see, it all starts with a plan. Every good styling project must start with a plan.

So, what are these questions? Well, I have a feeling you will recognize them from your English classes. The questions are “Who? What? When? Where? and Why?” Answer these questions, and everything will fall into place almost effortlessly.

WHO – Ask for whom you are designing the space. Is it a four-year-old who enjoys putting legos together on a hard surface while watching “Puppy Dog Pals?” Or is it a stay-at-home mom who needs a functional kitchen but doesn’t enjoy cooking? In other words, who is your REAL family? This is the time to get specific and honest with your answers. Once you have answered this question, then you can begin the project.
WHAT – What will you need in the space to make it work for you and your family? For instance, will you need plenty of counter space and storage in the kitchen so you can entertain effortlessly, or do you need a smaller kitchen that will perform the basics and get you in and out of there quickly? Or, you may still love to entertain, but you simply don’t want to do it in the kitchen. What exactly then will you be doing in the space? Do small children need to prepare their own lunches each morning? I suggest that you sit down and write down the answers to what you will need and what you want to do in the space.
WHEN – When will you be completing the project? And when do you use the space the most? For instance, maybe your living room is used primarily during the evening. Thus, the time of day plays an important role in determining paint color, lighting choices, and many more things that may go into the design of the space.
WHERE –Now, by this point you already know where you will be working, so you should determine where you will shop. I always get inspiration online and from magazines before completing a project. I like to lay out a design board so I can get a visual. It is so much easier to know what I need so I will know where to go for décor pieces. Another good “where” question is where will the money come from.
WHY – Why do you want to complete the project? Are you trying to sell? Do you simply want an update? The answers to these questions may be very different from each other, so it is important to consider your why when designing or styling an area.
HOW – So, you have worked out the who, what, when, where and why of the project. Now you need to know how you are going to make it happen. For instance, you will need to plan a budget, interview designers, contractors, or you will need to set aside the time to do it yourself. In the end, you can ask yourself how does this space feel?

Using the Who, What, When, Where, Why and How method will give you a road map to decorating your space in a way that will work perfectly for you and your family. It is my tried and true method, and I am so happy to share it with you!