What makes a good design brief?

Use this guide if you want to know what to include in your brief, or if Oona's suggestions feel broad or misaligned with your room.

A “brief” is simply the context Oona uses to make ideas practical. It does not need to be perfect before you begin.

The five things that matter most

• The room itself: a clear photo is best; otherwise describe layout, dimensions, windows, and what is already there.
• What must stay: list pieces or features that cannot change (sofa, floors, built-ins, paint rules).
• Hard limits: renter-safe only, no drilling, pet-friendly materials, accessibility needs, budget ceiling, timeline.
• Style direction: 1–3 directions, plus 1–2 inspiration images or links and a short “avoid” list.
• Your goal: what should improve first, and what kind of help you want (plan, layout, shopping, one corner).

What makes a brief less useful

• Too vague: “make it nicer” is hard to act on without a goal and a constraint.
• Missing constraints: if you rent or cannot replace a key piece, say it upfront.
• Conflicting directions: if you want two different styles, name the tradeoff so Oona can help you pick.

You can refine as you go

Start with what you know. If Oona makes an assumption you do not want, restate the constraint plainly (“The sofa stays. Do not replace it.”) and continue from there.