After walking away with TheGrandPlan package, some of our clients need more thorough instructions on what to do next.
This guide is specifically for those who want to fully immerse themselves in DIY interior design. From our first meeting, we encourage clients to look critically at their space and detach emotionally from the layouts they’ve used for years. This is the most beneficial approach because it keeps you on the same page as the designer. Because the designer has no emotional attachment to the space, it’s easier for them to completely rethink it—even if that means changing existing DIY investments like a kids' play area, seating or makeshift storage.
The core purpose of TheGrandPlan is to determine the functionality of your space, including optimal routes, dimensions, distances, and heights.
From here, you have three options:
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Apply your own design using software or AI (Canva, Gemini, ChatGPT, etc.), then take that design to a contractor or furniture store.
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Bring the space planning package to a furniture contractor. Since you already have the dimensions and basic storage layout, it will be much easier for them to propose designs and finalise the project.
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Continue working with us. We can forward your plan to our interior design office to handle the entire project, from design to installation and warranty.
This article focuses on the first two options. Now that your layout doubts are cleared up, here are your next steps.
1. Test the Sizes in Real Life
The next best thing you can do is experience the sizes in your actual space. Grab a roll of masking tape. Mark comfortable heights on the walls for horizontal surfaces like tables, desks, and shelves. Then, tape the outlines of floor-standing furniture—sofas, cabinets, tables, and chairs—directly onto the floor. If also can place empty boxes or baskets to imitate the real furniture volumes.
2. Finalise Storage Distribution
During our first visit, we review your possessions and arrange storage spaces accordingly. However, because our service time is concentrated, you might later remember extra items or decide you want to rearrange things.
This is why we provide the original CAD drawings, which you can easily edit or import into most design software. You can also print the PDF and use tracing paper to make manual adjustments. For ultimate precision, you can even measure the exact volume your items take up to know exactly how much space you need. Consider whether you plan to buy more of these items or downsize. Take your time, consult your family, and make your final decisions about dimensions. Keep in mind that you can usually make further adjustments later when consulting the furniture manufacturer or seller.
3. Apply Materials and Colours
Once your personalised storage layouts are set, you reach the most exciting part for the majority of our clients: choosing materials and applying visual design. You have endless inspiration available through Pinterest, Instagram, magazines, and AI tools.
Use the classic 60-30-10 rule for your materials:
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60% for the primary material that creates the background.
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30% for a secondary accent material, usually of a certain colour.
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10% for accessories like handles and lighting.
You can visualise these choices using graphic software or AI (which is why we provide bare furniture 3D flyovers). Many AI tools allow you to upload a screenshot of a room and apply specific materials to different items. If you don't need hyper-realistic renders and are working with a limited budget, this is more than enough to understand the design concept, materials, and overall cost.
4. Test Physical Swatches
When a contractor gives you material samples like wood, tile, or wall paint, always bring them into your apartment to view them under your actual lighting. If you plan to change your lights, install the new lighting before reviewing the samples. When combining materials, aim for them to look like "sisters and cousins, not twins"—they should coordinate beautifully without needing to match exactly.
5. Source and Purchase Furniture
To save money, consider buying preloved furniture. Even if an item is slightly scuffed, DIY repair kits can easily fix it. Because you already have precise measurements from TheGrandPlan, you can shop confidently without fear of making a dimensional mistake. Your allowance might be 5cm to 10cm depending on the space, though in tight passageways, there may be zero allowance at all.
Whether you buy pre-owned items, visit IKEA, or shop at other furniture stores, don't hesitate to ask store staff for a second opinion on the layout. They might have specific space-saving solutions in stock, like rotating corner storage, expandable tables, or clever lighting options. You have already secured the best layout, but you can always elevate it with these extra features.
6. Working with a Contractor
If you choose to hire a custom furniture contractor or joinery, expect them to provide:
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Technical drawings: These will be more detailed than TheGrandPlan files because they are adapted for the contractor's internal production standards.
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A proposed design: This is subject to availability, as some joineries do not have in-house interior designers.
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Material catalogs: Keep global supply chain constraints in mind, as material availability and pricing can fluctuate.
Once the contractor submits their technical drawings for approval, repeat the masking tape exercise. Mark the widths and heights of the new furniture on the wall, including internal storage elements. Check if you can comfortably reach the hanging rods and ensure that cabinet doors won't bump into each other when opened. Once you are fully confident, sign off for production.
Remember: No matter how precisely we plan your storage now, you will likely want to adjust things in the future. Request adjustable shelves, or start by installing only the major pieces (like wardrobes and cupboards) and buy the remaining furniture pieces after you’ve lived in the space for a while.
7. Production and Installation
After you sign off on the drawings, the contractor will usually send production updates. You can visit the warehouse to verify everything is going as planned and adjust minor details like hinges or handles. Keep in mind that furniture looks much different in a large warehouse than it will in your home. As long as it matches the dimensions we planned and you checked, it will fit perfectly.
Finally, installation day arrives. Double-check that everything is installed safely. Once finished, you will have a tailored-to-size space built to support your daily activities and help you become the best version of yourself.
Timeline Expectations: From our experience, an average 100m² apartment takes a DIY client 6 to 9 months to make over. Hiring a full-service interior design company is faster (around 3 to 4 months, mostly for production). However, if your goal is to stay on budget or you simply prefer the pride of executing your own design, taking a bit longer is completely normal.