1.) Your budget:
A designer will help you understand what makes a realistic budget. We guide clients to select which changes are of the highest priority. And, the right designer will use your budget to find the best pieces to bring your vision to life.
But be honest, if you have no budget, let them know if you want expensive things. If you have a lower budget, share this information.
Decide if you want to spend a little on a lot or a lot on a little.
If you expect to spend $1000 on a sofa, let us know because we want to make sure we do our best to find items within your comfort zone.
2.) The spaces limitations:
Just like no two clients are the same, no two spaces are the same. It’s super important to realize what a space is capable of, and, what it is not.
If your living room has exposed concrete walls with wrought iron details throughout, it may be tough to make the space feel traditional.
3.) Colour & Pattern - What you love.. or what you hate:
These two elements of design can be scary for a lot of people, to others it comes naturally. When we’re discussing your colour palette or the pattern choices for your room, even if you don’t know exactly what you want, try telling us what you don’t want.
A designer will be able to deduct options from what they plan to show you based on this until they can narrow down exactly what you do want!
4.) How you and your family use the space:
Try to figure out what types of pieces you want in the space. This is best done by thinking about how you use the room.
Perhaps, your living room is also the family room. Maybe someone works or study's in there as well. Are there toys to consider? Do they work on a laptop? Do they hand write notes?
Tell us as much as you can!
While these details may seem minor, it helps your designer determine how to fill the room with pieces that will suit each need.
5.) Durability:
Know how your space is used and who it’s used by. If you have kids or pets, a white rug may not be the most suitable option for common rooms like the family room.
Different fabrics, materials and finishes hold up differently throughout wear & tear.
Letting us know of common accidents, where people commonly eat and other details like this, helps us guide you to items that will perform well with your lifestyle.
6.) Find inspirational photos that you can show your designer:
Telling someone that you like modern spaces could create a very different image in their mind than what you have in yours. It doesn’t mean that either image is wrong, they are just different.
If you want your designer to really nail the look you’re dreaming of, it’s important to help them see your vision. Magazine cut outs, Pinterest boards, Instagram posts, and any other resources that you’ve found (or continue to find throughout the process) will help guide your designer.
7.) Try to focus on one space at a time:
People tend to jump from one space to another space while they are bursting with ideas or see something they like. Try and save all your ideas, website url's, pictures, etc. for other rooms until you start working on that room.
Keeping a note in your phone can be super helpful for this!
If your thinking about a bed, nightstands and dresser, then see a sofa, end tables and coffee table and start jumping back and forth, it will make it harder for you to visualize each space.
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