Sit down, take a breath, and ask yourself... What do I really want?
Congratulations! You've just made the first and most important step to creating a space you love. Believe it or not, so many of my clients haven't considered this question... But like all specialists in their field, interior designers need to understand what outcome you are wanting to achieve to serve you best. It's up to you to provide your project's direction. By taking a little time now to think through your 'must haves', and 'would really likes' you are way ahead of so many others who are embarking on a similar journey.
Tip one for your first meeting with your interior designer.
Determine your scope of work.
There will always be a little movement around establishing your scope of work. This is okay and completely normal. If you know up front what areas you would like to change and set a realistic budget, it becomes so much easier to convey this information to your designer. Some helpful questions to ask yourself are:
What do we want to do in this space; entertain, retreat from the busy hustle and bustle of life?
What style do I like; minimalist, contemporary, eclectic, modern?
Look through some magazines, make a scrapbook, or if Pinterest is your thing, create a dream board.
Are you are a keen traveller? A lock-and-leave home could be a consideration.
What automated security and smart home features would you like to incorporate in your property whilst renovating?
Tip two for your first meeting with your interior designer.
Provide some direction.
You're in charge! And yes you do need to provide some direction. What outcome are you are wanting to achieve? Without knowing the parameters of your own project its difficult for me to see where I fit into your grand plan.
When I step into your home and you ask me how I can fix it, make it work better and be beautiful it puts us both in an awkward situation. Producing great ideas and solutions on the spot is not a sound way to pull together a successful interior design. Thoughtful consideration and careful planning make for the best end results.
Tip three for your first meeting with your interior designer.
Remain flexible.
Trust the creative process... It's a journey. Ideas and solutions will evolve during the conceptual design of your project. Embrace the unknown.
There is a fine balancing act between the level of a designer's creative input and client's willingness to explore the new. This relationship is one founded on trust. Try not to get to hung up on every little detail of your project. Remain flexible, open to new ideas you may not understand, and remain focused on the end game.
Allow your designer some creative breathing space. This clears a place for the creative magic to happen. Trust in the Gods of gorgeous spaces!
There will, with every project be stumbling blocks along the way; a chosen bench top surface you fell in love with may be a discontinued line or shipping delays mean it's no longer a viable option to fit within your timeline. However from my experience these obstacles can be opportunities to discover a better product or solution.
So there we have it…. Take action, make a wish list, collect some images of rooms you love, find a designer you feel comfortable with and trust, and together you will create a beautiful home.
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Image | Dulux Colours of New Zealand 2020