Your dream room awaits.

Knowing What You Want

Clear communication with your architect, designer, and/or contractor is the best way to ensure you get what you want (and are paying for). Pictures can be invaluable when it comes to conveying your intent.

Start collecting visual images that embody aspects of what you want your kitchen or bathroom to look like. Keep a notebook or folder for ideas you like and photos that show your favorite design and product possibilities.

It doesn't hurt to have some photos of rooms you dislike as well; just be sure they're clearly marked that way before your designer looks at your notes.

Attend open houses and take notes; visit showrooms and pick up manufacturers' brochures. Then you'll have plenty of concrete examples to help you communicate your ideas and preferences to your contractor, designer, or both.

From the information you compile, develop three lists:

• On one, write down all the features you definitely want to include.
• On the second, note any features you know you don't want.
• Finally, compile a wish list of items to be included if the space in your home and bathroom and your budget allow.
• It's a good idea to add up a rough budget, too, before you start interviewing professionals. Do plenty of browsing in hardware stores, home centers, and bathroom-furnishings shops to see what things cost.
• Don't knock things off your initial wish list just because of money. You can always pare down your wish list later to fit the budget; the time to dream is in the beginning.