The design process
A guide to the design process
Every client is unique. Not just their lifestyle and what they want, but also the way they wish to work with an interior designer.
Your project might be an extensive top-to-bottom refurb. Or you may want to make a number of changes to your home, but on a room-by-room basis. Perhaps you just want to try me out on something small before anything major.
There is no one-size-fits-all.
But behind the scenes, I follow the same steps for each project, large or small. It starts with the brief, then the design, then quotation, procurement, and finally installation. The time it takes from start to finish will depend on your requirements and circumstances.
Initial meeting
It is more beneficial for our first meeting to be in your home. We get to meet one another and chat about your requirements and what budget you have in mind.
Don’t worry if your house is messy, or old fashioned. I am not judgemental; I won’t look down my nose at your home. In fact, seeing your house in its ‘everyday’ condition, will be far more helpful. I can see where you might need help, say, in terms of storage.
I will go through your likes and dislikes, so some preparation from you beforehand – magazine cuttings or a Pinterest board – will be useful to help convey your thoughts and maximise the time we have together.
We can look at items of furniture and furnishings you wish to keep. Also any pieces that can be given a ‘new life’ by moving them to other rooms, or modifying something to fit the new scheme. For example, reupholstering sofas and armchairs, or painting furniture.
I will probably take some rough measurements of windows and room sizes.
Your brief might be quite loose or it could be very specific. Some people struggle with ideas, but don’t worry if this is you. Meeting you in your home will give me clues as to your taste and lifestyle. Over time I will get a sense of what you like, and by showing you examples and asking some questions.
The goal is to work with you to create an eventual look that reflects your personality and style.
Concept design
This exciting stage of the journey is when you start to see the vision of how your home, or room, can be transformed.
I will create a series of digital mood boards to help convey some ideas. These will include photos, colour palettes and style suggestions for each room. I will also present you with layouts showing how each room might be furnished.
It is about setting the scene and giving you some options to think about. I will provide the information and advice needed so you can make confident, informed decisions, with an overall goal in mind.
I am not a pushy sales person, so I will leave you to mull everything over in your own time.
Site survey
To be able to price up your project I will need to take some detailed measurements. That could just be windows if you’re just wanting new curtains. Or a full site survey if you’re making major changes.
I might bring a couple of trades along – an architect, or builder – depending on the level of work that your project will entail.
If CAD drawings are required, then I will arrange for these to be done. If you already have architect plans, then we can work from them instead.
Detailed design
Once you’ve settled on the look and feel, the next stage is to turn it into a formal design proposal. To do this, you will need to make decisions on specific products, materials, colours and finishes.
Should you wish, it is an opportunity for you to rethink elements of the original concept design.
I will prepare your design scheme and present it to you in person. Where applicable, this will include samples of fabrics, paints & wallpapers, flooring, as well as images of furniture and finishing touches such as lighting, cushions & artwork.
In the case of a major refurb, I will organise detailed technical drawings and instructions for the relevant trades.
Tender stage
This will follow one of two paths.
I can either bring in all the necessary trades, contractors and craftsmen to put the design into effect, and provide a full cost breakdown.
Or you might prefer to hire your own contractors, particularly if you have companies you have used before. If this is the case, then I will provide the necessary specifications and schedules for them to price up for you.
Project management
Whether your own contractors are doing the work, or ones I bring in, I will be closely involved throughout the works phase. I will make frequent visits to your property, and I will always be available to answer questions and queries, check drawings and specifications, resolve issues and generally keep an eye on things.
If you live on the mainland, then I can have virtual calls with you, and send videos of the progress. It would be useful if you are able to make occasional site visits too, to make sure you are happy with the progress.
Installation and styling
It’s likely that your interior design will incorporate some specialist items, products or finishes. This will typically be the decorative elements like furniture, soft furnishings, wallcoverings and accessories.
I can arrange all of this for you, so you can be confident they’re exactly right for your home, and bring in trusted experts to ensure they’re fitted correctly, and to the required standard.