Select most limited items first

DEAR GAIL: We want to redecorate our master bedroom and don't know where to start. Do we buy things as we see them or is there a specific order? -- Agnes

DEAR AGNES: It's always best to start with a plan that includes what you're going to keep, what you're going to buy and how much you've budgeted.

After you figure out what piece you're going to keep, take a picture of it and write the measurements of the piece right on the picture. Even though you may have had this piece for years, it's always best to have it with you when shopping. Sometimes we forget the exact color and details, plus it will help your salesperson find the other pieces for you.

Make a list of what you want to buy. How much are you willing to spend on each piece? Assign that number to each item. Is the total within your budget? If not, make adjustments. I'd start by bringing down your accessory, plant and lighting numbers first.

Next, measure the room, both your floor space as well as your walls. Remember to mark where the doors and windows are, as well as how high the windows are above the floor. Furniture always looks smaller in a 20,000-square-foot showroom than your 200-square-foot bedroom.

So what order do you buy them it? If you plan on doing the whole room at one time, it's best to coordinate every piece together before purchasing them. This will ensure that you'll have the right sizes, colors, theme and stay with your budget. But if you plan on redecorating your bedroom over a couple of months, here's a general order in which you should purchase your items.

Start with your most expensive items and those where you have a more limited number of selections. Of course, every item can be custom made, but is that in your budget?

Mattress: Select your mattress before getting bedding and furniture. Are you considering going from a queen-size to a king? There are two sizes of king: Eastern king and California king. Also consider whether you want a high pillowtop or something lower so you don't need a step stool to get in and out of bed. Everyone has different preferences.

Furniture: Furniture is your biggest investment and the functional pieces in your room. There is a lot to select from, but it is more limited than the other items you'll be purchasing. Before going shopping, mark on your floor plan where you'd like each item and the largest size it can be. By notating the largest piece you can accommodate, you know that you can always go smaller. I know it sounds like common sense, but it's amazing how many people buy pieces that are too big.

If you're using a TV armoire, know the size of your TV. Do you want to have upholstery pieces? You'll want to select this fabric before your bedding and window treatments. Again you're a bit more limited if you just select from the fabrics that the manufacturers offer. Some will allow you to use your own fabric on the piece and, of course, you can have it reupholstered, but again, be sure this in your budget.

Bedding, paint and wallpaper: Select bedding before paint but wallpaper before bedding and paint. You're unlimited on paint colors, but not on wallpaper and bedding choices. Wallpaper is more of an investment and not something you'll quickly change out.

Window treatments: Choose window treatments after bedding because your bed is the focal point in the room and is a bit more limited. If you can't find anything in the store, you can have simple drapery panels made to coordinate with your bedding that won't break your budget. Custom bedding is a whole lot more expensive.

Artwork: Artwork is one of those items that can really come at different times depending on how important it is to you and how much you plan on spending. If you're pieces will be investments, then purchase them before your bedding and wallpaper as they will most likely set the color and theme in your room. Paint always comes after artwork as it acts as a backdrop to the artwork and should not overwhelm it. If you're looking at inexpensive pieces, I would select wallpaper, bedding, artwork and then paint.

Area rugs: This is another of those tricky items to place in your purchasing order. How much of it are you going to see? Do you have wood floors and just want to be able to step on it when getting out of bed? Or is your room very large where it will be a focal point? Are you going to place it under your upholstery pieces? How much do you want to spend? If you're going to see a lot of the rug and place it with your seating area, I'd start with the area rug. Just make sure it will be large enough. If you plan on spending a lot on it, I'd start with the area rug before any of the other fabric items. If it's just going to be functional for under your bed, purchase it after your fabric items.

Accessories, lamps and plants: Save these for last. They are your least expensive purchases and ones you'll most likely change out over time.

There are many factors that can change the order you purchase your pieces, but this will give you a general order.

Gail Mayhugh, owner of GMJ Interiors, is a professional interior designer and author of a book on the subject. Questions may be sent by e-mail to: gail@gmjinteriors.com. Or, mail to: 7380 S. Eastern Ave., No. 124-272, Las Vegas, NV 89123. Her Web address is: www.GMJinteriors.com.