You might think that the people who engage an Interior Designer are clueless about how they want their home to function and look. But, in my experience, you’d be wrong – it’s actually quite the opposite.
Let me tell you about two clients I’m currently working with. Both have different goals and both are therefore working with me as an Interior Designer in quite different ways.
My first client is building a new beach house. She’s renovated and built before and enjoys being very hands-on in the process. When she got in touch with me the building design and outside materials had already been selected. And that’s the point at which her husband lost interest! “You pick whatever you like” might sound like the ultimate fantasy goal. But it comes, for this client, with a good dose of self-doubt and sleepless nights.
My role working with her is to be her personal coach and sounding board. So far this has been working through bathrooms, kitchen and laundry selections to ensure all her tile and bathroomware choices work together beautifully. Much of this has happened at her dining table. Some of this has happened at showrooms. I’ve also created technical drawings to help her supplier calculate her tile orders.
Building works start very soon. There will probably be a natural pause in our working relationship while this happens. Then we’ll work together again when she’s ready to find the pieces of new furniture she needs to make her house a home. A good relationship with an Interior Designer is flexible and can often span off-and-on over many months or years.
She’s creating a fabulous beach house that her extended family will enjoy for decades to come. And with me by her side, she’s able to confidently make some brave choices and follow her heart.
My second client is very different. She’s re-creating her existing home after a divorce. It’s a project to bring her personality and style to the fore after years of compromise!
She knows what she wants but she doesn’t know how to get there. With her I am playing the role primarily of project manager. Living a very busy life, I’m bringing to her a curated selection of fabrics, colours and furniture options. I’m then also bringing to her home my trusted team of builders, painters, cabinet-makers and upholsterers to quote and supply their top-notch services. (It’s taken me years to gather together a trades team that I am proud to put forward to work with even the fussiest client – they are the best!)
Both of these clients are driving their projects to meet their own goals. I’m there to support, question, source, stretch, plan and bring their ideas to life. A good Interior Designer is like a trusted friend. If you’d like a friend to give you a helping hand with your home, don’t hesitate to get in touch.