So you are ready to get a designer in to address your space and create some actionable steps to get your home, office, barn, etc. , to reflect your dream space? Here's some homework to get you started. The first thing to realize about hiring in a designer to help with your space is that every hour of their time is billable, and that both your time and theirs is valuable!
That's why we created the our Consultation Homework. By completing these questions before your scheduled consultation you can use every minute toward moving your project forward. It's time to get excited and dream up what your most perfect space would be like!
1) What is the scope of your project?
Are you looking to redesign/decorate the whole house? one room? A few finishing touches? Get very clear on what the problem is that you would like the designer to help you solve as this will help the designer determine the overall approach to creating a solution.
2) What does your dream home "feel" like?
Is it calm and relaxing, or vibrant and inspiring? Think of a few of your favorite places that evoke a shift in your mental state, how do you want to feel when you walk into your home? (This can vary from room to room, but think about in a general sweep how do you want to feel and your guests to feel in your home). Are there certain pieces in your home that make you feel great? Make a list so we can use them!
2) What does your dream home "look" like?
Is it Bright and Airy, Luxurious and Livable, Rustic Farmhouse, or Sleek Modernist? Maybe its traditional with a twist, or an eclectic blend of antiques and new finishes? Find some source images from spaces you are drawn too and bring these to your meeting! You can compile pictures of fabrics, furniture, flooring, mill-work, anything that you like. A picture is worth a thousand words and will make it much easier for your designer to understand the look you are going for and to create it if you have some images.
**(Books, Magazines, and Pinterest are a great place to start, when you book a consultation with us you will get a link to your own Pinterest board that we will review during the consultation: click the link to see some inspiration boards)
3) How much are you looking to invest in your space?
This is a very important piece to think about before you bring a designer into your home. They will be able to let you know if it is realistic to complete your project in the way you envision it based on budget. Budget can vary greatly depending on the scope (that we addressed above) as well as on your priority list (see below)! Be honest about what you are comfortable investing in your home. And talk to your designer openly, they are here to help you, and the more candid you can be about budget the better the project will end up. This will allow them to stay on budget and on time for you. Remember, when you work with a designer you are investing in top quality pieces with artisans and craftsmen standing behind them that you will enjoy for years to come!
4) What is the order of priority ? (Master, Master Bath, Living room, etc)
Is it peak priority to have all top of the line appliances? Do you feel that automatic shades in your bedroom are the end all be all in importance? Do you spend a lot of time hanging out in the viewing room at your barn? These are some things to think about when bringing a designer in to manage your project and to design a cohesive and balanced space that addresses your habits, priorities, and aesthetic. This can also impact the timeline of what areas get completed first, and the order of install. Make a clear, concise, list of your families priorities and share these with your designer so they can become their top priorities too!
5) Get excited!
There is so much that goes into pulling all of the pieces together for a beautiful finished space. And, you know that, that's why you're bringing in a professional! Our designers are here to handle the nitty gritty from start to finish so that you can enjoy your dream home, office, barn, she-shed, the possibilities are endless. And, I don't know about you, but to me that is just plain exciting! The more you can complete this prep work, the easier it is to hand the reins over to your designer and let them work their magic so that when they are done dealing with all of the hurdles that come with home renovation/redesign, you walk in the door and truly come home.
I hope this was helpful (and exciting) to begin shaping an idea of what your project will be! Thank you so much for taking the time to think about these details before your consultation, it makes a huge difference in utlizing our time and working together to bring your dreams to life. If you haven't scheduled a consultation yet, what are you waiting for? Shoot us an inquiry in the "Contact us" page, or click on over and reserve your DIY, Remote, Or Full Service Consultation today!
