Design Your Own Urban Oasis: Decorating Tips From Designer Vern Yip

+ Enlarge Photo

– Shrink Photo

Plan Makes Perfect

The first step in any good interior design process? Establishing a space plan, says Vern. “It’s not the sexiest part of the design but it’s the most important part,” he says. “It gives you function in the space, and function is so important.” The designer suggests that once a homeowner determines how many furnishings and decorative items a room will comfortably accommodate, he or she should go shopping — with measuring tape in hand. Before making purchases, dimensions should be inserted into the space plan to assure that items will fit.