The journey of creating your dream home has three main phases: Phase 1 is preparation (home-work and selecting your team), Phase 2 is designing, and Phase 3 is building. Use this guide as the tool to help you complete Phase 1.

Precision should be the foundation of every project, and the first step in the home design process is to do your research into both your external inspirations and your internal values, desires and needs.

Set Up a Recording System

Start collecting and keeping your ideas. If you enter a building and you like the way the light falls, make a note. If you visit a friend's home and it has a great indoor/outdoor space, grab a measuring tape and make a note. Gather all these notes in one place — a notebook, voice memos, or a digital folder.

If you're using Pinterest, set up your board with the rooms you want in your home. Try not to overdo it — no more than ten images per room by the time you show it to your designer and builder.

Set a Regular Date Night

Long before you involve an architect or builder, you and your loved ones should be on the same page about what you want and why. Schedule dedicated time to plan your dream home properly — rushed conversations tend to end in miscommunication.

If you find it hard to put what you like into words, try starting with what you don't like. This limits you to the things you do want, bringing you closer to the end result.

Clarify Your Priorities

Your priorities are the basis of the decisions you make. It's vital to clarify and articulate them so you can brief your design and construction team effectively. This can save a lot of wasted time, money and frustration.

The Full Immersion Experience

There's no better way to fuel your creative thinking than to experience an inspiring home in person. Go splurge on an incredible Airbnb for a couple of nights for the full immersion experience. Get inspired. You can repeat this step a few times if you must!