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!

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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!

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