Working with an Interior Designer – first stages

The idea of writing this post came as a result of the conversations I had with friends and acquaintances. For many is not so clear what working with an interior designer can bring or not. Without being complicated, designing a space is an elaborate process that goes beyond choosing the wallpaper color or the shape of a cushion. 

When you decide you had enough of the ordinary aspects in your living room, it’s the perfect time to discuss it with a professional.

Do not wonder if one of the first things the designer does is take measurements and photos of the space. And this will happen even before discussing anything about your preferences in styles, colors, etc.

The ideal situation is when the designer can visit you and take the measurements personally. When the distance between you and the designer is too long, then the designer can provide precise indications of how to measure the space using virtual ways of communication. There are measurements to be taken, a certain order, and certain aspects not to be omitted.

This first assessment provides major information about the space, location, access ways, windows, lights, heating system, electricity system, special features existent there, status quo of the place, etc. All this information is gathered by the designer into a so-called “survey plan”, a hand-drawn plan, which becomes the basis for further discussions.

The second phase, “client brief” is where the designer wants to get to know you better. A lovely and casual conversation between you and the designer will bring out your preferences, likes, dislikes, styles, and wishes regarding that specific space and what are your expectations from this collaboration. Of course, there will be details related to the ownership and functionality of the place, how many people are using it, activities are done within the room, and the budget you can allocate. 

One of my favorite questions to ask my clients is how would she/him like to feel in that space. As my niche is designing residential spaces, I like my clients to feel at home when they enter their houses. 

For me, a home is a place where you can be relaxed and at peace, fill your batteries with energy, do your favorite activities, be with your kind of people, and renew and recharge for each new day of your life. That is why very important for me to understand how you, my dear friend and client recharge your batteries and what it means for you to be yourself. I would like to know from you what brings you joy and what makes you feel alive. 

Which object from your house has a powerful or emotional significance for you and what is the story behind it? Would you like this object to become a focal point in the story we will create for your space? Because yes, we want your house to tell a story, your story, who you are when you are at your best.

The designer collects all this information and conveys your dreams and wishes into an exquisite concept board. And this will be the starting point of a future article continuing our journey into collaboration with an interior designer. 

Until the next time we meet in our journal, stay creative and live like the most talented artist!

Yours, Madra