I’ve been in the design business for over 20 years and the most common thing that comes up with clients is their lack of confidence with decorating and the feeling of being overwhelmed. Design can be quite easy if approached correctly. We all have an innate ability to decorate because we all know what we like and don’t like. The issue that most people face comes with starting and editing.

I recently started working with a new client and before I even had a chance to get her design plan together she had already started grabbing random samples, numerous cabinet brochures, appliances, and picking sinks for her upcoming kitchen remodel. This is mistake number one. Many clients I see jump the gun and don’t honor the process. This client was no different. She had hired me to put together a kitchen layout, that she planned to work towards in about six months. But like most clients, the excitement took over and she started running all over town like an ecstatic three-year-old going to Disneyland looking for kitchen “stuff”. The problem with this method is that nothing correlates with one another, and these mistakes cost you money. The design process is meant to create cohesive flow and she was creating a hodgepodge of items that on their own were awesome, but together made no sense.

Here are just a few things that the client selected. (shown above) On their own these items are lovely and beautiful, but together they just don’t make sense. The colors and styles are all over the spectrum and the question should be what do they relate to?… At this point nothing. Designer to the rescue!

How to start a design project with confidence

In order to gain confidence in your decorating decisions, you need a plan. This client explained to me a few key things that are missing in her selections above. She wanted a down-home farmhouse feel. A kitchen that felt like a comfortable country home where everyone felt welcome – but without an overly country feel. She also loved to bake and wanted a baking station with all her beloved baking goods and appliances. So when putting a plan together ask yourself:

• What is the style going to be?
• What colors do you prefer?
• Do the undertones and textures work harmoniously?
• Are the styles congruent?

Do not leave the house until you know the answers to these questions. Otherwise, you’ll be running all over town grabbing every brochure and product you can get your hands on throwing away valuable time and money.

Remodeling is fun. You get to choose things that you want and you can build a space around your specific needs and desires. But do it wrong and the results will be less than fun and filled with regret…not something you want when you just spent thousands of dollars of your hard-earned money.  Even if you are an astute DIYer if you feel there is trouble in the waters ahead, bring in a consultant to show you the way. A few hundred dollars invested in the beginning can help save you thousands in the long run and a long line of regret. Take advantage of the available resources in your area. Designers, lighting specialists, cabinet designers, color experts, plumbing, finishes…and the list goes on. You will be happier in the end when the finished product is exactly what you envisioned and then some! Here’s where we landed with her overall concept, a lovely cohesive design that checked all of her boxes:

Need help with your next decorating project? Want your home to be stylish and bring you ultimate happiness?  Call my office today to book a phone consultation or ZOOM call that will change the way you live and think about your home. Contact me @ [email protected]