Designing interiors that my clients love takes care, creativity, collaboration, and patience. To celebrate the upcoming season of love, I wanted to share some of the steps I take to design with heart for my clients.
Step 1: The first date
At the start of each project, I have my clients fill out a design questionnaire. Interior design is very personal. Everyone has unique preferences based on their life experiences. I get to know all about the experiences and preferences of my clients through my questionnaire, where I ask questions like…
- What was your most memorable vacation?
- Where is your hometown? Do you have any great memories there?
- Do you have any family heirlooms that are important to you?
Designing a space that feels authentic requires a real relationship between a client and designer. Learning these personal details from my clients allows me to understand who they are beyond the surface level. It takes courage and vulnerability to allow a designer into your home to create something that you or your family will live with for years to come. I honor this vulnerability by building a strong foundation of trust between me and my client right at the beginning.
Step 2: Red and green flags
My design questionnaire also includes interior design samples. At the beginning of each project, I lead my clients through these sample spaces to learn what they like and dislike about the design choices. In addition to understanding who my clients are as people, learning these design preferences helps me make sure I’m on the right track.
Step 3: Let’s make sure we’re on the same page
The more I get to know my clients, the more inspired I become. After I learn about their likes and dislikes, I organize my inspiration into a moodboard. Once I feel like I have a strong path forward, I check in with my clients to make sure the potential colors, furniture, art and accessories are things that they really love. Once we get the client’s stamp of approval, I put together some 3D renderings to show them how the design will come together in their space.
Step 4: Loving the little things
Once the construction is done and the wallpaper is hung, I get started on my favorite part of the design process—the styling. Styling is all about the details. This is where all the little nuggets I learn about my clients come together. Remember your grandfather’s antique camera that was collecting dust in your attic? It’s the perfect centerpiece on your new built-in. How about all of that sports memorabilia that you’ve collected over the years? It looks great in a glass box on the desk of your new office.
Growing up, my family made an effort to keep our culture alive by showcasing heirlooms and special objects throughout our home. As an adult, I keep the tradition alive by displaying things that reflect mine and my husband’s heritage.
We hold onto things because they mean something to us. Too often, however, people don’t showcase the things they love because they’re embarrassed or unsure if it’s the right design choice. With a little help, One of a Kind Interior Design can help you give the things you love the platform they deserve. This is the part of the design process that has the most heart because it takes a space from beautiful to truly one-of-a-kind.
Step 5: Happily ever after
At the end of our design project, we want each of our clients to have the space of their dreams. To make those dreams come true, we pride ourselves on designing with heart. It’s a part of our fabric at One of a Kind Interior Design and it makes each of our projects as unique and memorable as you, our clients.
To learn more about how we can help you design with heart, schedule a discovery call today.
