So, You Signed a Contract with an Interior Designer

So, you’ve signed on the dotted line—how exciting! Partnering with an interior designer marks the beginning of a transformative journey, not just for your home, but for how you live in it. But what happens next? While the process may feel unfamiliar at first, it’s thoughtfully structured to ensure every detail is considered, every choice is intentional, and the end result feels entirely “you.” Here’s a closer look at what you can expect as we bring your vision to life.

1. Design Homework

Before any meetings or mood boards, we start with a little homework—but don’t worry, it’s the fun kind. You’ll be asked to gather inspiration, complete a lifestyle questionnaire, and share your preferences, routines, and priorities. This step gives us a deeper understanding of how you live and what you truly value in your space. It’s all about building the foundation for a design that feels both functional and personal.

2. Onsite Consultation

Next, we meet in your home to assess the space firsthand. This isn’t just about measurements (though we’ll take plenty); it’s about observing how light moves through the rooms, understanding architectural features, and having a proper conversation about your goals. We’ll discuss initial ideas, budget, and timelines while starting to envision the possibilities together.

3. Trade Day

On Trade Day, we bring in our trusted network of tradespeople—builders, joiners, electricians, and more—to evaluate the technical aspects of the space. It’s a behind-the-scenes step, but a crucial one. Everyone gets eyes on the project early, ensuring accuracy in quotes and feasibility in design. It’s how we avoid surprises later and keep things running smoothly from the outset.

4. Design Plan Creation

Now comes the creative magic. Using everything we’ve learned—from your design homework to the site visit and trade input—we will spend 4-6 weeks crafting a full design plan. This includes layouts, colour palettes, furnishings, finishes, and often a few unexpected touches that elevate the entire scheme. It’s presented to you in a beautifully curated package, ready for review and refinement.

Final Thoughts

Signing with an interior designer is more than just commissioning a service—it’s entrusting someone to interpret your vision and bring it to life with care and expertise. With a structured process and thoughtful collaboration, what may start as a daunting undertaking soon becomes an inspiring and seamless experience. If you're ready to begin your own design journey, we’d love to hear more. Book a free discovery call today, and let’s talk about how we can make your home work beautifully for you.