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Have fun learning how to design your space while being kind to the environment! |
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| Say It with Style | If Only I Could Have | Everyone Walks Between Me and TV | What a Deal | Would It Be Wood? | Finish It with Fabric | Stash My Stuff | Taking Care of Things | Why Clean? |
| Finishing the Look | Showcasing Your Favorites | Lights On | A Little Privacy, Please | Ideas for Accessories |
Success Indicator: You will be able to draft a floor plan for your room.
Life Skills Practiced: Critical Thinking, problem-solving, and planning/organization
Project Skills Practiced: Planning a room arrangement, and measuring and recording results
Helper's Guide to Section 2: The Distinctive Touch
Activity 1: Make a Floor Plan
Design plan the layout of your room using electronic tools PlanningWiz (web based) or Auotdesk Homestyler (web based). If you want to go in depth, you can try out Google SketchUp (desktop based). These sites require registration and an account to save plans or access these tools. Kids, ask your parents before registering. Do not give out any personal information.
One of the many resources for Google Sketchup is the Google Sketchup 3D Warehouse. This resource contains many 3D models of furniture and accessories developed by the members of the Google Sketchup Community. Should you choose to use these models, be sure to document who created the models. If you use these models as part of a competition or a personal business, be sure to contact the Google Sketchup Community member who created the model to acquire permission to use it.
Don't have a computer that can make your plan? Printable templates are coming soon!
Activity 2: Go Surf
Find a Room planner at Basset Furniture. This sites require registration and an account to save plans or access these tools. Kids, ask your parents before registering. Do not give out any personal information.
Note: The University of Nebraska does not endorse any products or services sold at these sites.
Activity 3: Evaluate Your Floor Plan
Evaluate Your Floor Plan Worksheet (617 KB PDF)
Apply: The Next Step
Contact an interior designer or furnishings and flooring business. Ask to meet with the owner or manager. Find out the qualifications to work in the business. Interior designers may be licensed by American Society of Interior Designers and have had four to five years of college. Other designers may have different training or hands-on experience. Go visit Careers in Interior Design as well as the US Bureau of Labor Statistics to find out more about the many careers in interior design and the education needed.