How to work with a Professional Design Consultant

 

If you are feeling overwhelmed, don't worry.  Allow your Designer to help you through the design process.  Remember, you cannot give your Designer too much information about your home.  Every little item that is important to you is important to a good Home Plan.  Empowering your designer with information about your home allows them to be successful at meeting your needs as well as your expectations.

 

*   Decide on a price range.  Be realistic about what your needs are and how much it costs for the items you are interested in.  For example, if your Family Room needs all new upholstery (for 6 people to enjoy the space), carpeting, an entertainment center, and new tile for the fireplace yo will already know that your price range can be in the area of $10,000, depending on how expensive your tastes are.

 

*  Define who will be using the space and in what capacity the space will be used

 

*  What is your time frame for the project to be completed?  If you are going to be ordering a large quantity of custom products, plan ahead to allow 4 - 8 weeks.

 

*  Go through magazines ahead of time and compile a file of things you like.  For example, wall colors, furniture styles, window treatments, area rugs, etc.  If you only like one element in a magazine photo, circle that element only and write your notes on the page.

 

*  Discuss with your partner what their needs and expectations are.  If they have real opinions about the changes you will be making, they need to be included during the entire process.  This means from the initial consultation with the Designer, the presentation of your home plan and the purchasing decisions.

 

*  Decide ahead of time what things you would like to do yourself and what things you would like the Designer to do.  Do you want to do all of your own painting?  Do you want to make your own slipcovers for the upholstery pieces? 

 

*  Be ready to handle the truth.  No Designer should come in with a sweep of their arm and demand "this all needs to go!"  If they do, move along to the next Designer on the list.  You are hiring a Designer because you have reached an impasse.  You need a Professional to help guide you towards making wise Design decisions.  Sometimes all of the things we own just don't work with each other.  You may need to find a new home for a certain piece or move it to a different room.  Don't be offended.  Keep an open mind.

 

*  Stay flexible.  Decide beforehand where you are willing to compromise and where you are not.  If you have a open line of conjunction this will not be a problem.

 

*  Minimize changes to your plan.  Each part of the design is like a puzzle piece.  If you remove one piece, it n o longer fits together.  Changes or special requests that are made after the project is already under way will add time and expenses to your project.  Time is money.

 

*  Stop shopping!  Purchases made without the Designer's knowledge or advise can create costly mistakes.  No sale is a good sale unless the item is suited to the Home Plan. 

 

*  Communicate and maintain records.  The key to a successful project is good communication.  Always ask questions if you have them.  Your Designer will want to be sure you are informed and happy with everything.  Asking questions can give you peace of mind. 

 

*  First and foremost - have FUN!  Your home is the place you spend more hours than anywhere else.  Treat it accordingly!