Our Interior Design PROCESS
How We Transform Your Space
Getting Started
Working Together
The process of designing a space is as much of an art as the interiors we create for our clients. Although each project is unique in scope, they generally follow the same creative process.
Our responsibility (read – our passion) within the design process is to create a design with your preferences and style front of mind, using our combined decades of talent and experience. We will push your limits, and may even propose a design element or piece of furniture that you do not understand or have a hard time visualizing; this is a normal part of the process and while this can feel a little scary, we encourage you to trust the process and trust us.
A Shared Vison
The Design
We work closely with you to understand both your vision and how you want to use your space. We will walk your home with you so we can experience it in person, and will gain an understanding of how you use the space and your dream for its future. We’ll also take this time to collect detailed measurements, review your design homework, and review any questions you may have as we begin the process.
The initial design generally takes 2-3 weeks to complete. Next, we present floor plans, mood boards, and samples showcasing your design. If edits are desired, we’ll refine the design as requested. This is where we fine tune the details!
Our Design Process is As Much of an Art as the Interiors We Create
Bringing it all togther
The Execution
Once approved, your items are ordered and tracked. Once these initial orders have been placed, we’ll begin to select secondary elements such as pillows, art, and window treatments. Your furnishings will remain in storage while we work to manage the execution of necessary contract work (electrical, painting, etc.).
Most projects will require contractor work such as painting, hanging wallpaper, new light fixtures, and other renovation work. We have relationships with various contractors and we are frequently interviewing new ones so that we have a full list of go-to experts to call on, or we are happy to work with any contractor you select instead.
THE FINISH LINE
Once all the work is completed, your order is delivered and your space is styled. Your newly envisioned home is now transformed and ready to show off!
MORE ABOUT OUR PROCESS
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you figure out what design style I have?
We start the design process with an in-depth dive into who you are from a visual perspective. We’ll ask you to get some design magazines and go through each one and opine on the spaces within. If you’ve got a pinterest account, that’s also a great supplement. We’re not looking for carbon copies of your space, but rather aspirational spaces that excite you. Perhaps it’s a lipstick ad with a lovely shade of pink, or a room in Versailles! Whatever inspires you will be fuel for the creative process! Once we can flip through and opine as if we are you, we’ll be able to tailor our research and design to your taste.
Can you work with some of my existing pieces?
Yes! We work with clients’ existing pieces all the time. We will however make recommendations on where these pieces could go in your home if they don’t fit into the overall new aesthetic of the space that we’re working on, or make recommendations like reupholstery or refinishing to make the pieces suit the new look!
Do you have a showroom where I can see pieces?
Our office, located in the heart of the U Street Corridor in Washington D.C., is absolutely packed with fabrics, wallpaper samples, wood finishes, and other design goodies to help us create a bespoke design just for you. When we don’t have just what we need, we order it for you! We also have a few pieces from some top manufacturers so you can see the quality of items. Because the world of bespoke furnishings is so fast, it’s impossible to show everything (or even close!) on our floor. We take multiple buying trips each year to visit our manufacturers’ showrooms around the country to “butt test” and kick tires so that we’re well versed in the quality and construction of the pieces that we source for you.
Do you collaborate with contractors and tradespeople?
As part of the interior design process, we will recommend new paint colors, wallcoverings, light fixtures, and depending on the project, light to major renovations. Naturally, we need to pull in various contractors and tradespeople to execute the work. We have a rolodex of contractors that we have worked with in the past and trust that we can bid the work out to. If you have a preferred contractor to work with though, we are happy to interface with them to execute!
What sets your design services apart?
Every interior designer’s process is as unique as they and their clients are! We believe that our lifestyle-centric approach to our projects sets us apart from the rest. We take a deep look into how you use your entire home, not just the space we’re working on. We want to take a look inside your closets to see if you’re overflowing with shoes, and the inside of your pantry to discover that it’s stacked sky high with serving dishes! We’ll ask personal questions like how do you like to cuddle, or where you eat dinner (really really – we eat it on the couch too!). This will help us tailor our recommendations not only for beauty, but for practicality. We are real people, and we know that design for real life ultimately has much more longevity.
Can I get involved in the decision-making process?
The world of furniture and interior design is infinite! Our goal from the jump is to understand who you are, and ultimately what works for you and your lifestyle. We’ll narrow down that infinite selection of furnishings into a mix-and-match selection that gives you agency in the pieces that ultimately find their way into your home. You are always in the driver’s seat regarding purchases, and it’s our job to advocate for the design and ensure that the end result is both beautiful and functional.
Transform your home to put the way you live and the way it looks in harmony.
Start your journey towards creating your dream living space with our exceptional furniture collection that combines modern sophistication and comfort to elevate your home.