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Designing Your Dreams: How we Know Your Style, Even When You Don't

November 2, 2023

A successful project for me is not just about making a space look good; it's about making it feel right, like an extension of you. Your homes say a lot about you…to your guests and yourself. If you feel drained of energy or slightly annoyed when you walk in the door, it's time for a change!


So grab a coffee, and let's talk about one of my favorite parts of the design process.... how I translate your personality into your totally custom home design.


Uncovering Your Style:

Your home should be your autobiography. It should speak your language, tell your story and set the tone for how you see yourself. And that's not just about the paint colors on the wall and patterns on your pillows. Like the words of your book, every detail in your space should be supporting your message.


Figuring out your design dialect is one of my absolute favorite parts of any design project. I'll typically bring fabrics, colors, and design elements to a conceptual meeting to see which ones you gravitate towards. It's always helpful to hear about a design that you already love; maybe it is your favorite hotel lobby, a dramatic floral display you snapped a few pics of at an event, or it could be something as detailed as the tailoring on your favorite blazer. I like to include broad questions too, especially if there is more than 1 client and need to strike a balance in the design. Are you understated or theatrical? Do you speak in monotone or high-contrast? Does a bright colorful space stress you or lift you?


Determining the Gap:

Alright, so now that we've established your design language, it's time to measure the gap between your dream space and your current one. This step is all about figuring out what it takes to turn your project dreams into reality. We'll cover everything from bids from contractors, project timelines, construction details, furnishings, and decor. It's in both our best interests to set a realistic investment target so your final design realizes all the objectives on your list.


Emotional Investment

Any design project where there is a high-level of custom detailing or construction will be taxing, even if you are not living on-site. Even seemingly simple design project have many details and moving parts. The kickoff, conceptual and detailed design portion of the project are full of excitement. In comparison, the procurement or construction portion can feel abysmal. It is imperative to be prepared for the stress that a project inevitably brings.


We'll also talk about a different kind of emotional investment: How connected are you to your project? How involved do you want to be in decisions? We need to determine how large a role you want to play in the project. I find it's best to be as upfront with you as possible about what you'll need to consider so we can plan the best course of action. When we can begin a project from a place of understanding and relationship, I know I will confidently deliver a space that feels personal, that you are proud of, and that far exceeds your expectations


Conclusion

In the world of design, it's not just about aesthetics; it's about creating a space that feels like home, a space that reflects you. It's about uncovering your design language, measuring the gap between your dreams and reality, and being emotionally invested in the process.


We're here to help you tell your story, the story of your home. So, if you're ready to make your space scream "YOU!" while navigating the path between dream and reality, let's get started. It's your space, your style, and your story - and we're excited to help you unveil it.