Arm yourself with this room planning toolkit and discover hidden paths to your creativity

Follow this step by step decorating plan and develop a home that is uniquely yours

1 small notebook you can fit into your purse for writing room planning ideas as they come to you

If the notebook is large enough, tape an envelope on the back inside corner for holding and pictures, samples, etc. as you collect them. You can later transfer them to your larger book at home.

A digital camera is great to take along on shopping expeditions

As much as we think we will remember the exact furniture arrangement we loved so much, or the color that made us feel so at home, it's not going to happen. Two months from now, that perfect arrangement is totally removed from our brains, never to return. This is one reason to make use of the room planning tools we discuss below.

The more photos you can take of home decorating ideas that excite you, color schemes that make you feel good, or accessories and room planning ideas that inspire you, the closer you can get to your ideal decorating goal.

If you don't like taking notes, a small tape recorder is ideal for recording inspiration as it comes to you.

You're laughing! I can hear you! I can't tell you how many inspired ideas I've received while sleeping, only to have it totally escape me in the morning. Well it doesn't happen any more, because now I wake up, record it, and go back to sleep. Some of my most commented upon room planning and decorating ideas have come from this method.

Always carry a small tape measure when you are shopping.

You will also need measuring tools when you are building your floor plan along with grid paper.

Last, but certainly not in the order of importance, don't forget your ever present, trusty cellphone.

You will find this to be of great use in your room planning toolbox. If you have a photo phone, you will be able to take pictures and send them to yourself. You can also call your answering machine and leave a message about a great idea that just hit you, or a marvelous product you spotted and want to make a note of what store you were in.

Exercise - Make the best use of your room decorating toolkit

To make life easier and to help you stay organized and use these hints, keep everything you are currently working on in one carrying case. Create a large full size notebook divided into sections for each room you plan to decorate. I like to have a clear zippered envelope in each section to hold paint chips, fabric samples, photos, magazine pictures, etc. If you can't find these clear inserts, 3 hole punch a ziploc freezer bag and reinforce the holes.

Pictures, fabric samples, measurements and floor plan of the room you are working on, along with the shopping tools listed above will be much more helpful to you when you shop if you have it with you, instead of stashed on the top shelf of your bedroom closet.

Keep it handy in the hall closet by the door and you will be much more likely to grab it on your way out. You never know when you will see that perfect fabric or the end table you're sure is just the right height for your sofa (Yeah, right. NOT!). This will save you many return shopping trips and costly mistakes. Believe me, I know, I've been there!