Creating a Successful Relationship with Your Interior Designer

Like any successful relationship, communication and honesty are key. Your designer is only as good as the information you give. So, lay a solid foundation and build a strong relationship.

Navigating a sea of paint samples can be as overwhelming as it is tiresome. Hire a pro and paint that room once.

Prepare. 

In the time leading up to your initial consultation, be thinking about your space and how you use it. 

What do you like and dislike about your space? 

What are your priorities with the space? 

How much wear and tear will this space receive? 

Be honest about your budget. 

Your designer isn’t going to judge you if your budget is small, and she’s not going to recklessly spend money if it’s large. So many people say “It doesn’t matter” or “The less the better...” But you aren’t helping yourself or your designer by being unprepared. If you ask me what my rate is, I won’t say, “It doesn’t matter.” 

Having a budget to work with allows your designer to make informed decisions about selections the first time. All designers want to stretch your budget to maximize its potential. Trust me: We are just as excited as you are when we find a great item at a great price. We are people too, with budgets and expenses. We get it!

Make a wish list. 

We went over the importance of planning in the previous article —link here.

Design is not just about picking out pretty stuff (although there is that). It’s about utilizing a space in a way that is functional and beautiful. 

Start saving images.

Even if you don’t see exactly what you like, it gives your designer a direction. I always tell clients, “There are a million things I could do with this space, but only one is going to be best for you.”

The more information you can provide for your designer, the faster she will be able to hone in on you, which saves you money, and saves both of us time. If you give very little information, there is very little chance of a designer having success in the initial stages. 

Now that you’ve given your designer your wish list, a budget, and some inspo pics, she has what she needs to start developing your space.

Try to be patient. 

Don’t overthink it. Her creative juices are flowing as she fleshes out a first draft.

Keep in mind that a first draft is just that: a first draft. Nothing is set in stone. This is where communication comes into play. Tell her what you love about the plan and what you aren’t sure of. Ask questions. Again, this is a relationship. 

Quick story: During my final year of design school, I was recruited by a local design firm. I was part of a team working on selecting finishes for a client with a very tight budget and high expectations. It was tricky, for sure. We painstakingly put together a pitch email filled with plumbing fixtures that were a good blend of style and quality (and that fell squarely within her limited budget).

She emailed back, “Hate them.”

–And that was it. 

I laughed. I’m laughing now thinking about it. I was a little stunned, but mostly amused by her brutal candor.

You aren’t helping anyone by keeping your feelings locked up. Designers are used to hearing criticism. Believe me. Between art school and design school, I’ve heard my fair share. It’s a normal part of the process. In the end it will save time and money and result in a more tailored space. 

In the end, it is in every designer’s best interest to create a space that you love. Your love of a space is what fuels our business. It’s why we are hyper-focussed on you. It’s why we do all of this.