Interior Design Brief Checklist
An interior design brief explains what the space needs to do, what must remain and how choices will be judged. A few annotated references and a room schedule are more useful than an unlabelled image collection.
Start with the daily frustrations
Describe each room through the people and activities using it. Where do bags accumulate? Which desk catches glare? Where do guests sit? What needs privacy or acoustic separation? Choose the problems that matter most so layout options can be assessed against them.
Then record what already works. Retained furniture, familiar routines and serviceable finishes can be valuable inputs. Add dimensions and photographs for items you want to keep, including art, equipment or collections that need display or storage. Give the designer a realistic picture of the contents as well as the empty room.
What to put in the first brief
Identify activities that share a space and activities that need separation.
State how you would reduce scope if several preferences compete.
Mark dimensions, services and constraints that require a survey.
Name the quality you want: lighting, colour, storage, texture or furniture arrangement. Note elements you do not want copied.
Identify whether the next step is concept review, contractor pricing, procurement or construction coordination.
Set a practical review process
Include comfort or accessibility needs specific to the users. Describe the task that needs to be easier so the designer can check it in the proposed layout.
- 01
Name decision-makers
Agree who approves layout, products and expenditure. Consolidate feedback so the designer receives one clear instruction for each review.
- 02
Review function first
Test furniture sizes, movement, storage and fixed constraints before developing the detailed palette. Record the approved option and unresolved questions.
- 03
Approve with evidence
Use samples for finishes, verified measurements for fixed pieces and technical input for construction interfaces. Put each approved choice into the drawing or product schedule.
Two examples of a useful brief
These sample briefs describe tasks and constraints that a designer can test in a plan. Replace the details with your own priorities rather than copying the wording.
Review options against storage access, the retained sofa dimensions and the route with seats occupied.
Review options against privacy, furniture movement, technology connections and visitor circulation before developing finishes.