4 Steps: Prep For Your Consultation Like A Pro

An interior design consultation can be intimidating because it’s uncharted territory, I know. Your space isn’t the condition you’d like it to be, a stranger is coming in to take a look, your head is swimming with questions to ask and things to remember to mention! I know how it can be overwhelming because I’ve been there too. But rest assured you’ve taken a very important first step, so congratulations!

There are a number of things you can do to prepare for your Interior Decorating consultation.

1. Plan our time

Clear your schedule for two hours of time. While most projects will only require one hour, depending on the size of the home and scope of work initially discussed, it may take longer. It’s important to have all homeowners or decision-makers present at this time.

Most consultations can be broken up into five sections. No matter what designer you’re working with, these five aspects will likely be covered in some form.
They are:

• Introductions: General pleasantries, getting to know you better, introductions, information about who we are including credentials, about our business and ourselves, etc.

• Contact: Gathering general information such as project address, best ways to contact you, appointment availability, etc.

• Project: Scope of work to be complete, rooms to incorporate, what purpose each room will serve, how it will be used, people who use the space and style of those rooms, etc.

• Design: Your vision, specifics of design style, formality, favorable colors, colors not to be used, preference of patterns, where to source from, furniture staying/purchasing, etc.

• Space: Walking through the space, point things out of notice, taking pictures and depending on size, measurements of the space, etc.

2. Make notes

Having all decision makers on the same page is an integral part of the design process. Before your consultation, we recommend you discuss the following points between all parties for review during the consult.

• What are your goals of the space(s)? How do you want each room to function, look, feel?

• What do you like about the space as it currently is? What do you dislike?

• What areas are your priorities within the project? Where do want to spend the most time, attention, money?

• What is your all-in budget?

Be honest with your designer about what you want, and what you can invest in your project. Trust, communication and shared vision are all equally important in this dynamic. During the initial consultation, both parties should clarify their expectations for the project to ensure as smooth a process as possible. The relationship between a client and designer is a very personal one, and it's important both parties agree it is a right fit. Once we understand the scope, goals, and priorities we can talk to you about how your budget and investment dollars will fit into your project.

If you don’t have a full furnishing or remodeling project under your belt yet, it is likely it is going to cost more than you are estimating. We can help you estimate more accurately based on your priorities. I don’t want to write something that scares you, but I want to be honest about the process. Most people furnish a room over the course of several years without a design professional. Perhaps you purchased your sofa and chairs together, but then each piece afterwards came in separately. You purchased lamps, you found occasional tables, you purchased an area rug, you found artwork while traveling, and you pick up accessories over the years. Interior designers specify and order all at once and it creates a more impactful result. The trouble with implementing a room over a long period of time is that there was no initial plan. When finished, and it may have taken years, it never feels pulled together. A designer’s eyes focused your space will ensure it gets finished and that all pieces and parts are selected because they strengthen one another. It also ensures pieces aren’t purchased and later purged because they didn’t work in the space.

If you find yourself skeptical about what I said about room costs, try this exercise: Add up the cost of each piece in even a modest room in your home. Look at every piece in the room and jot down what you paid for it. Don’t forget the cost of throw blankets, baskets, pillows, pillow inserts, artwork, frames, lighting, plants, and accessories. If you reupholstered a piece, total the fabric and the labor of the workroom. Total the cost of your window treatments (even in the case of blinds and shutters.) It will likely surprise you what you really spent.

3. The Design & Construction process

What questions to you have about construction that we can answer for you? Feel free to make a list of questions to have ready. Some clients find this comforting so they don’t forget to discuss important talking points.

We find that we are best utilized when we can make an impact in a room from start to finish. Doing a little design work here and a little there in several rooms, while it may mean spending the same money as finishing one room, doesn’t generally give the best perceived value for the design investment. Once we visit your home we can coach you on any phasing recommendations we might have that align with your goals.

If your Design project is an addition, renovation or new build and you’ve already begun the process, bring a copy of your floor plans, as well as your Contractor or Architects contact information.

4. Get Inspired

If you do nothing else, do this! Pinterest is your interior designers best friend, I promise you. Create a separate board and pin away! Go on Houzz and save some pictures! Tear through magazines and put sticky notes everywere! You know how they say a picture is worth a thousand words? Well that applies in the design world too.

As designers, we’re trained to see the commonalities amongst several pictures. I can see 5 pictures or 500 and know what finish of wood you like, color palettes, design style, window treatments, patterns, subtly or boldness, your personality and so much more! Searching through images will show you, as a homeowner, what you like and what you don’t like if you’re struggling or uncertain of your design style. Your interior designer will thank you for doing this.

Thats it!

Following these three simple steps will help you feel prepared for your Interior Design Consult, run smoothly (but on time!) and help your interior designer with your design going forward.