What’s in the Bag?
Get the inside scoop on daily essentials for a designer on the go!
Remember Mary Poppins and her magic bag? I sometimes feel like her American cousin.
Running around each day between client meetings, site visits, sourcing trips, vendor appointments, installations, and who knows what else (whew)! Only instead of a lamp and a full-length mirror — though not all that far off for some projects — I’m reaching for my trusty tools of the trade, PLUS some go-to essentials that keep me running like a well-oiled interior design machine.
Want to know which tools and supplies it takes for me to get the job done right? It varies slightly depending on what I’ve got scheduled, but here’s a quick sneak peek at what might be inside my bag(s) on any given day:
What’s in the Bag: Client Meetings + Site Visits
Face mask
A more recent, but necessary addition.Tape measure
Perhaps the most important tool a designer can carry.Laser distance measurer
For measuring those gorgeous high ceilings, or especially hard-to-reach distances.Notebook with grid paper + pens/pencils
During Design Orientations, I use these to quickly map out each space and capture its dimensions. Also great for capturing meeting notes and client feedback.
iPad for taking photos + quick sketching/planning apps
Sometimes you just gotta sketch it to show what you mean! Design on the fly isn’t my favorite way to work, but it does help keep things moving along at times.
Paint fan deck
We all know it’s crucial to see those colors IN the space, with the exact lighting!Fabric and or wallcovering memo
See above.Wood, tile, + metal samples if needed
See above x2. These items can often be heavy to tote around, so I save these for the end of the day if possible!Painter’s tape
When creating a punch list for my tradespeople, I like to use this to call out areas that need some attention. Can’t miss that blue! Also helpful to mock up furniture layout or fixture placement.
Business cards
You never know who you might cross paths with.
What’s in the Bag: Installation Days
Box cutter
When scissors won’t cut it (see what I did there?).Scissors
I’m not going to make the same joke twice in a row, don’t worry.Cleaning products
Nothing can ruin a reveal like a smudgy mirror, picture frame, etc.Felt furniture/floor protectors
This is why we CAN have nice things! Also makes fine-tuning heavy furniture placement a whole lot easier.Paint + stain touch-up kits
An absolute must for custom kitchen cabinets and other millwork.Portable steamer
Essential for achieving that “photo-ready” look.Various tools (drill, hammer, level, pliers, nails, anchors + screws)
Painter's tape
See a trend? Super helpful for hanging art and mirrors.Shoe covers
Much safer than going barefoot, and won’t ruin that nice new rug!
What’s in the Bag: Everyday Essentials
Lip balm
I talk a lot throughout the day, and this just keeps my lips feeling refreshed.
Snacks
Energy bars or fresh fruit if I’m feeling like an adult. Applesauce pouch if not.
Gum or mints
Did I mention I do a lot of talking throughout the day? First impressions matter!
Cell phone charger
My battery takes a beating between browsing vendor sites, looking up product specs, phone calls with contractors, Google maps, and posting to IG (when I remember).
Water bottle
So important to stay hydrated!
Sunglasses
Equal parts fashion and function.
Hand sanitizer
I didn’t always carry this on me until Covid, and now it’s become more of a habit.
Earbuds
Mostly for when I need to take an important call in a loud environment (job site). But also in case I want to squeeze in some tunes or a podcast while I’m waiting for something/someone.
Watch
Don’t want to keep my clients waiting!
Well, that’s pretty much the laundry list.
Organization is obviously key when juggling so many different items throughout the week. Admittedly, my shoulders are sometimes sore after a long day, but I wouldn’t trade this crazy/busy/fun life for anything!
What are the “Tools of the Trade" you always carry throughout your week?
Leave a comment below and let us know!