Deciding to have a consultation with a professional is the first step into making your personal space what you have been envisioning. Whether you called me to update your living room, renovate a bathroom, re-work your furniture or all of the above it is important that you as the client are prepared for the meeting.
An initial consultation is not to gain all the answers to your interior design dilemmas but it is rather to get an idea of how the space can be improved and to decide if working with me or another interior designer is a right fit for you. That being said, you can gain a lot more out of your consultation if you follow these steps.
Know the Areas of Focus
I have had a lot of people point out every little detail they do not like about their house when I initially visit. Although important, it is really beneficial to have a big picture of the project. Know the main priorities and then we can focus on those little details that have been bothering you.
Be Prepared to Answer Some Questions
Part of my job is understanding your lifestyle and creating or renovating a space to accommodate you. You might have a simple and quiet life or you may have 4 kids and 3 dogs that like to roll around on your furniture. Regardless, I need to know these things so that I can pick out a lovely sparkling white sofa or find a performance fabric that works for you, the kids and the dogs!
Budget
We have to talk about money! You have to have a clear idea of budget. That means before the consultation you and your partner must have this talk. It might be useful to do a little research prior to the meeting to gain a concept of the overall budget and how much things cost right now. Prices have greatly increased since your last renovation so don’t be surprised! Money can be awkward to talk about but I highly encourage you to have at least part of that talk in private with your partner prior to the consultation.
Timeline
Rome wasn’t built in a day! Renovations, new builds, custom furniture etc take time. Especially today with our current world supply chain issues, and in-stock items can be difficult to find. Know that the size and scale of your project will also dictate the timeline. Having a realistic timeline makes the project less stressful. Plus if items come in ahead of schedule it will be a lovely surprise!
Taste & Inspiration
It is important for me to know your likes and dislikes. People are often sensitive to certain colours, textures and patterns. It is important to express these concerns to me during this time. Also I LOVE when clients have pictures or Pinterest images of things they like or don’t like. This is really helpful! So pin your inspiration images! Also if you are a modern type or person and your partner is all traditional your tastes will be different. Prior to the consultation (the same time you talk about the budget) talk about taste and how you would like to compromise to find a happy medium.
An initial home consultation is about 1 hour. So it is important to keep this in mind. I love to chat but we have to keep things moving. We have a lot to do in 1 hour! So keep these tips in mind and be sure to have a little meeting with your household prior to the consultation to ensure everyone is on the same page. By following these tips I promise you will get the most out of your consultation and hopefully we can work together to bring out the beauty in your space!
Can’t wait to see you!
Morgan Gracey
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