Make the most of working with an interior designer
So, you’ve signed on the dotted line and hired an interior designer – congratulations! You’ll be working closely together for the duration of your project, and you want to make the most of the experience. If you’re wondering how, we have some tips for a smooth process that we’ve established in our years as a Main Line and Philadelphia interior design firm.
Be prepared
If you’ve already met with your interior designer and discussed the broad strokes, you can hit the ground running. Photos are great, either saved online (think Pinterest or Houzz) or printed out. Magazine pages work too, and you should feel free to make notes for both yourself and your designer. For instance, having a picture of a sofa with “not our style but really like the color” gives a context to what you like and what you don’t.
Pinterest idea board for kitchen renovation
Plan your budget
Another key element in preparation: budget. At this point, you should have already had a discussion with your designer on budget. It is so important to set budget parameters ahead of time, and be transparent when you talk financials with your interior designer. Often times, people are hesitant to disclose their budget. We know that the topic can feel awkward, but not discussing money makes it difficult for us to develop a design that our clients will not only love but be able to afford. We want to work with to you achieve your dream space, and knowing budget ahead of time helps us to present options that fit both your vision and your checkbook. In that vein, we strive for transparency on our end from the beginning because we want the experience to be positive, relaxed, and fun!
Establish communication
This is so important, because open communication makes everything run much more smoothly. You’ll have questions and feedback for your interior designer, and need to make decisions throughout the duration. With that in mind, decide the best means of communication to keep you both on the same page. Establish things that work well for your decision making process. Do you like a lot of options, or would you rather choose from a thoughtfully selected few? You may want to go to the showroom with the designer, but some clients prefer having us bring samples to them as a matter of time or convenience. Are you okay with selection questions being emailed over to you for feedback? Setting these expectations goes a long way to ensuring a wonderful design experience!
Custom bathroom concept board – Glenna Stone Interior Design
Ask your interior designer about the timeline
Our contracts outline the number of meetings we will have and what’s covered in each meeting so everyone knows at a high level what we are covering. We like to establish this from the beginning with our interior design clients for a couple of reasons. Most importantly, you know what to expect as we move through the phases of the design process. Also, it allows for a more collaborative experience because you can prepare for our next consultation or showroom visit. The best projects are when clients aren’t incredibly rushed. It allows for the design process to unfold, for our clients to fine tune what they want, and for us to select the best options all while educating our clients on the products, materials, and options.
Trust the process
During the design process, there will be times when you need to take a leap of faith and turn over control of a part of your home or your business. As an interior designer we completely understand that, and we appreciate your trust! Our goal is to give you a space that you truly love every time you enter, whether that’s a kitchen, bedroom, or office. We take that responsibility very seriously, which is why we combine our experience, vendor relationships, and industry knowledge to make it an enjoyable process for you.
Philadelphia interior design client meeting – Glenna Stone Interior Design
Header image: Design presentation by Philadelphia interior design firm Glenna Stone Interior design
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Glenna Stone Interior Design is an award-winning Philadelphia interior design firm serving Philadelphia, the Main Line, and surrounding cities. Utilizing her background and training in interior design, architecture, and engineering, Glenna specializes in creating interiors for residential and commercial design settings. We invite you to visit our website, view our portfolio, and catch up on the latest interior design concepts on our blog!
