How to Use the Dwell Well Checklist Inside Notion
GUIDE | The Dwell Well Checklist
Your Interior Design Project — Organized, simplified and actually fun to manage
Whether you're new to Notion or just want to stay focused and organized, this guide will walk you through how to make the most of the Dwell Well Checklist and keep your interior design project running smoothly.
Design projects can feel overwhelming, but when you pair thoughtful planning with a flexible tool like Notion, you’re more likely to enjoy the process and the end result. Lets review how you can make the most of your new interior design best-friend:
Why Notion?
Notion is a powerful, flexible (and free!) digital workspace that brings everything into one place. It’s not a static PDF or Excel spreadsheet (yuck). It’s an intuitive, organized notes & planning tool that’s going to be your new favorite browser bookmark.
No more paper piles. No more “where did I save that?” chaos.
The Dwell Well Checklist turns Notion into your interior design HQ — and with just a few clicks, you can leverage a comprehensive interior design dashboard, organized by room, packed with strategic insights and information to make timeless design decisions.
You can make the most out of your investment by leveraging the full value of Notion, too:
Map out your full project timeline
Log selections and quotes
Track progress across every category
Reuse the system for future projects
Get started by duplicating the template into your workspace
Click the “Duplicate” button in the upper right corner of the page. This will copy the full checklist into your own Notion account, so you can edit and personalize it freely. If you don’t have a Notion account yet, you’ll be prompted to create one — it’s free and only takes a minute.
How To Use Each Section
The checklist is organized by each selection item you will need for your new construction or remodel project including:
General Planning
Exterior Selection Items
Cabinetry + Appliances
Plumbing + Lighting
Countertops + Tile
Paint and much more!
Each section contains specific, strategic tasks based on real-world design experience. Think of it like a roadmap to help you avoid change orders, decision fatigue, and expensive missteps.
You can check items off as you go or add notes, links, or uploads directly to any task (product links, quotes, inspo images, etc.).
At the top of each ‘task’ bucket you’ll see a space for comments — Use this to tag “@” collaborators like contractors and family members.
Power Tips to Customize Your Checklist
Add Deadlines
Click into any task and assign a due date to help stay on track with contractor timelines, order windows, or install dates.
Use Status Tags
You can mark tasks as "In Progress", "Waiting on Quote", "Complete", etc. to get a real-time view of your momentum.
Upload Quotes, Docs, and Photos
Notion lets you attach files or embed links right into each checklist item — perfect for keeping selections and sourcing info organized.
Duplicate for Future Projects
Doing another space soon? Just duplicate your completed checklist and rename it — the structure stays intact, and you won’t be starting from scratch.
Need a Hand?
We created this checklist because we believe a well-planned and informed home project = a more joyful one. It’s the same framework we use at River Birch to guide our design clients through major renovations — now adapted to help you do it yourself.
If you ever feel stuck or want more design support, we’re here.
From digital consults to full-service interior design, River Birch Design Co. offers thoughtful, approachable guidance to help you love where you live.
More Than a List
The Dwell Well Checklist is more than just a list — it’s a system.
With Notion as your home base, you can confidently keep your project moving, make better decisions, and enjoy the process more (yes, even when you’re comparing faucet finishes).
Ready to dive in? Open the template in Notion, make it your own, and start making progress today.