How to Prepare for Your Most Productive Interior Design Consultation
Get excited! We are about to make your design dreams come true! I have an incredible team that can execute your design from start to finish. The design consultation takes you one step closer to making your design dreams come true and THAT is something to get EXCITED about!
My consultations provide value to my clients, save them money and help avoid frustration. Each consultation typically includes some or all of the following, depending on your individual project needs: two hours of intensive and custom ideas, getting to know your needs through questions and answers, a walk through of your home discussing each rooms function, the existing furniture pieces and new furniture recommendations. As well as guidance on color balance, layout, scale and appropriateness of items, suggestions on paint colors, estimated budget range for your project, and cabinetry, countertop, hardware & tile ideas.
The design consultation is a working appointment where I provide you with valuable information, tips, advice, resources, and a solid direction for your design project. Check out my top tips to make the most of our time together:
1. Prepare Goals in Advance
Knowing your goals for the space is the most important first step in achieving your design dreams. It's best to discuss how much time, energy and money you think you'd like to invest into the project so that I can determine which design service would be best for you.
2. Come with a Budget
Gather all parties involved in the design project (spouse/partner, roommate, family, children, etc.) and have a conversation about your level of investment for this project BEFORE I arrive. If you don't know 100%, that's okay.
3. Look at Daily Habits with Fresh Eyes
Help me define the vision for your space by being conscious of your daily habits. Write down a list of activities you do during the day. This will help me better understand your needs for your home. There are so many daily things we overlook simply because they've faded to the background of life!
4. Prepare for Judgment-Free Transparency
Have you ever found yourself wondering...
"What if my interior designer thinks my house is ugly, beyond all hope?"
"What if my interior designer doesn't listen to what I want or stay within my budget?"
Put those fears to rest and move forward with confidence - because I'm about to bust some design myths: The current state of your home doesn't bother me. When we first meet, I'm more focused on you than on your current design! I can assure you that you'll get the best results from full transparency.
5. Have All Necessary Pieces Present
Color decisions are some of the most anxiety-producing dilemmas in any interior design project, which is why I like to face these situations head-on. My team is skilled and color-certified to help you make unregrettable choices for every wall, window treatment, ceiling, fabric, and flooring hue in your home. Color plays a huge role in how we feel, to the point where "color psychology" has become a legitimate field of study. In fact, it isn't merely the color itself that our brains interpret as mood-invoking, but also the shade, pattern and depth of that color. Collect paint swatches you're considering and we will review them at your consult as well as any furniture pieces or fabrics you would like to incorporate in the design.
6. Know Your Aesthetic Preferences
I create a design around you, not in spite of you. Interior design is as much about psychology and ergonomics as it is about creating beauty. And as we all know, everyone defines beauty differently. Have a rough idea of your aesthetic preferences before we meet and I will help you refine it at your consult! If you have Pinterest or Houzz ideabooks, have them ready as well.
7. Establish a Decision-Making Process
How do I make my space both pretty and practical? It seems like it can be one or the other.
For me, I think first about what this room NEEDS to be able to do. If its a living room, it needs to house some toys for my kids, the sofa for my husband to lounge on, and it needs to be the place we gather with friends and family to either chat over cocktails or watch the big game on TV. That is now what I base everything around. So, I may knock out two birds with one stone and get storage cubes to put toys in when they're not being used, but they can also double as seating when we have our guests over. It's all about mixing and making things multi-use. But, when you do pull the trigger and buy something, don't spend your money if it doesn't fit the bill for both "pretty" and practical. Have a process for decision making in advance of our meeting. It's also helpful to have all decision makers present. Decisiveness is critical to an efficient strategy session!
Thank you for following along with my tips for how to best prepare for your design consultation. I am thrilled to help you achieve your design dreams and design the home that helps you live your life to the absolute fullest!
Haven't scheduled your design consultation yet? There's no time like the present! Reach out to me and I'd be delighted to help.
Cheers!
Michelle