What Is It Really Like to Work with an Interior Designer?
Does this sound familiar? You’ve seen stunning, professionally designed interiors when flipping through Architectural Digest, browsing House Beautiful, or scrolling the ‘Gram. You and the huz are planning to renovate, and you know you’d love a designer’s touch to make it perfect.
But what about all that stuff in the middle? Do you know what it takes to get from the space you have now to the one you want? And how does a designer guide you on this journey to “Best Home on the Block?”
If you’re nodding your head and saying, “I have no idea, Susie. What does a designer actually do during my project?” — well, this post is for you, my friend.
Today, I’m sharing 7 exciting aspects of working with an interior designer, along with the project phases that go with each. By the end, you’ll be fluent in interior design… and dying to get a designer on your team!
Come take a peek…
1. One-of-a-Kind Design Vision
One of the biggest benefits of working with an interior designer is getting a truly personal home. Every design we create is an expression of our client’s goals, style, and lifestyle. Think of it like a bespoke suit, it’s inspired by you, designed to fit you, and made with care to last.
Stage in the Process: Consultation + Design Discovery
This is precisely why we start every project with a 2-hour Consultation. To create a home that feels stylish and personal, we have to get to know you, your home, and hear your big, beautiful goals. Of course, within your desired budget. :)
After your Consultation and retainer, we have what we call a Design Discovery. I start with a moodboard to set the tone. I want to be sure I have the vibe right before picking anything out. So many people have very different definitions for design terms (like “modern”), so it’s best to go over images to determine what we’re after.
You’ll have a chance to weigh in on the vision, I’ll revise it if needed, and we’ll officially have the design vision for your whole project!
2. Optimized Comfort & Flow for an Elevated Space
Of course, when we’re listening to your goals, we’ll also talk about your lifestyle. Kids or no kids? Do you love to host evening soirées and brunches? Is there a sommelier in the house with a built-in wine fridge on their list of must-haves? You get the idea. ;)
We’ll make sure to create natural flow from room to room, for those future guests and for your daily routine. We’ll also make sure to incorporate features that truly do make your life easier. Storage, amenities, whatever you need to simplify yet elevate your home so you can focus on living your awesome life.
Stage in the Process: Trade Day
Again, we will absorb all of this great information during our 2-hour Consultation. After our Design Discovery phase, we’ll schedule a Trade Day, when our team and our trades will come to your home to take measurements and notes on the structure of your home.
This will help us with the next phase (Design & Documentation), when we create the overall floor plan of the space (if we’re moving any walls around), and each room’s space plan (planning which materials and furnishings will go where).
Mostly modern with a touch of glam (& Even better at night!)
3. Showroom Access for Even Better Options
Speaking of drastic impact to your space, I have to mention our vast resources — designer-only showrooms and vendors! Compared to retail, they offer higher quality options, greater variety and customization, and more unique designs.
For most clients, we usually strike a balance between retail, showroom options, and even a custom item or two. It all depends on your budget and the quality/longevity you want in various pieces. It’s all about the save vs. splurge. ;)
Stage in the Process: Design, Documentation & Presentation
After our Trade Day, we’ll have the Design & Documentation phase going on behind-the-scenes in our studio. You won’t see much happening just yet, but this is when I put together the floor plan and the furniture selections.
This part takes time, up to 5 weeks, as we...
Turn our sketches into official drawing and floor plans
Make exact selections for materials, finishes, and furnishings
Get price and lead time quotes from vendors on all selections
Line up the trades we’ll need to carry out any cosmetic or structural changes
We’ll then present everything to you on Presentation Day to get your feedback and revise, let you touch fabric samples and materials, approve quotes, and give us the final thumbs up to make your design reality. Exciting!!!
4. Custom Items Designed by Yours Truly
In addition to a whole home or room designed just for you, we can also custom-design single items for our clients. If we can’t find the rug we’re looking for to bring your whole space together, we can’t design it and commission it. If you need a daybed in particular dimensions, a sofa in a particular shape, or drapery in a stain-proof fabric, even art commissions — it can all be done!
This creates a one-of-a-kind space that functions perfectly for you. Plus, these items are usually high-quality and likely to endure long into the future, potentially becoming heirlooms with care and upkeep! Not required if we work together, of course, but definitely a perk. ;)
Stage in the Process: Design Presentation
During the Presentation described above, I’ll also share the option to custom-design any pieces that I think would make a drastic impact to your space, including quotes and lead times.
Modern Bohemian kitchen with custom features and plenty of charm.
5. Top-Notch project management for true peace of mind
This is the step that most people don’t realize we do… a whole lot of heavy lifting behind the scenes! When I say project management, I don’t mean clicking the “buy” button on orders and waiting for items to arrive. I mean full-scale project management, with….
purchase orders
coordinating trades
communicating with vendors (literally hours and hours of phone calls, you have no idea!)
receiving deliveries and doing quality inspections
spotting problems before they start
trouble-shooting issues so you don’t have to (like finding mold!)
and of course, monitoring your timeline and budget every step of the way
Wow, who knew we could do all that?! (I can hardly believe it myself some days. LOL.)
The upside for you is that you don’t have to leave work (or your home office) to talk to trades or receive deliveries. It means you don’t have to put out fires and be the middle-man between contractors. It means total peace of mind that your project is being done properly—the first time!
The final home you get to live in is clearly the BEST part of working with an interior designer, but I would argue that our project management prowess is easily a close second. No gray hairs needed here, thanks. ;)
Stage in the Process: Project Management Phase
All of the above takes place during our Project Management phase, which begins as soon as you have approved our Design Presentation and submitted the retainer for goods and services.
We’ll immediately start placing orders and assessing lead times. We’ll also start construction and renovation, if it is included in your project’s scope. We’ll also coordinate deliveries for a final Installation Period (coming up next).
6. Easy installation & Professional Styling
We’re almost there… we just need to add the final layer. Styling! I love the Styling part of a project, and we are very good at it. I used to work in the art world, so I love to help clients find art and share my resources from that experience. Accessories really make a place feel like home, so it’s important to leave room in the budget for the pillows, vases, and greenery.
Pro Tip: I love faux greenery — there are so many great fake plants out there now. Basically anyone can be a plant parent, even if you’re not good at it! We take pride in the finishing touches, down to the tissue holder and candle. These details are important and we like to be hands-on with this part. It makes a huge difference!
Stage in the Process: Installation & Styling
This step happens on the final Installation Day, which is technically that same as your Reveal Day… you just haven’t come home for the reveal yet!
You’ve seen Reveal Days on TV, but what are they really like in real life? First of all, if you were to walk in there while we’re actually putting everything together, it will look like sh** has hit the fan! Haha. For real, though. We usually ask our clients to flee the premises (spa day, perhaps??) while we work our magic. Cardboard, packing materials, tools, and people are everywhere!
Don’t worry, there’s a method to the madness. ;)
We will assemble and install everything just how we originally designed it. The final layer is Styling with accessories and decor. Styling is the icing on the cake (and my superpower, if I do say so myself), and it will transform your house into a home.
7. Your Magical, Champagne-Popping Reveal Day!
This is the part that really IS like what you see on TV… you get to come home and fall in love with your fabulous new space! There may or may not be happy tears, laughter, Champagne (or your bev of choice), and visions of what the rest of your life is going to feel like.
In short, it’s incredible, and I LOVE LOVE LOVE seeing our clients’ dreams come to life!
Stage in the Process: Reveal Day!
Okay, I basically spoiler’ed the process above, but here’s what I didn’t mention: we’ll walk through the home with you and create a punch list of any deficiencies that need to be addressed. Our goal is to solve them as quickly and thoroughly as possible, so that you have zero left to do in your space—you just get to enjoy it.
Once deficiencies have been resolved, we have a final Project Closure meeting and present you with a Thank You and your Project Binder. This will include everything you need to know about your home, from paint colors and manufacturer names to care instructions for furnishings.
And that’s it! Your home is ready to elevate and support the lifestyle you want most. Enjoy!!
Eager to start your own adventure? Let’s get to know each other & chat about your project. Book a call with me here.
xoxo,
Susie