Written by Catherine Seagrave

Interior design can seem very complex, especially when you know what you want but have no idea how to achieve it. And as a potential customer of ours, it’s understandable that it seems complex. That’s why you’re asking for our help! 

But let us reassure you that we’re here to simplify the process and make it easy, friendly and enjoyable. Using our tried and tested 6 step design process, each design block naturally builds to the next, for stress free results. We have worked with hundreds of customers, following the same framework so we know it really does work - and provides you with fast and affordable interior design help.

Read on to understand more about the 6 step design process we use to get fantastic results for our customers every time!!

Step 1 - we ask lot and lots of questions

Although we have likely asked you some questions during our discovery call, the video call is when we really get the chance to find out everything about you and your home. This is a very important first step and we do ask lots and lots of questions! The more we can understand what you are struggling with and what you want for your home, the better and more personal your design will be.  Everyone is unique, and we want to uncover what is special about you and your home, and the challenges it presents. We’ll ask you how you want your home to feel, what you love about it, what you hate, who uses the room and how - children, animals, hobbies, storage needs are all fundamental to getting the design right. Chatting over video gives us the opportunity to take a look at your home and your style and discuss anything you want to keep. Or you might have a blank canvas and be starting from scratch. 

It’s during this call that we will discuss your budget. This is very important and there is no right or wrong answer - we’re not trying to catch you out. We can work with any budget large or small, but it is really important that we know the amount you are comfortable spending and this conversation needs to happen early on in the design process. If you feel you don’t know how much things cost it might be worthwhile noting down the pieces of furniture you need in the room and putting a figure next to each. Buying everything for a room at the same time does mean that the sums can add up surprisingly fast, but we are skilled at knowing where to spend and where to save to get the look you want. By giving a budget it allows us to choose the right furniture, paint, flooring, accessories and lighting for you, first time. You really don’t have to have a huge budget to work with us, but you do need to have worked out a budget.

Once we have asked all the questions we can think of, we write the information we have gathered in a brief. This will detail your style, your wishes, aspirations and challenges, and it details every single item you would like us to find for you.

Are you overwhelmed by the amount of decisions you need to make? We can help with our affordable interior packages - click here.

Step 2 - we narrow down your style

This is the fun bit! We have a library of images of different styles (and the internet!) and we start to show you different ideas. Sometimes an image really is better than a thousand words! We want to know what you are drawn to and what you dislike. It’s best if you are very honest and respond instinctively - don’t overthink it. Don’t try to imagine how the look will work in your home, or whether the sofa will fit. That’s our job. What we want to know most is how the images make you feel - and it doesn’t have to make much sense! We have years of experience interpreting customers feedback and figuring out their style. But the more you can tell us, and invest in thinking about this process, the better and more personal your design will be. We’re good, but we’re not mind readers!!

Step 3 - nailing the layout

Then we get to work on your design. But before we choose a single item we always start with the floorplan and layout. It is essential to know the flow in the room, how you will move around it, where the light is, and what will physically fit in the space. We consider everything you need the room to do practically and how this can be achieved. We consider the placement of the TV, how the sofa and chairs can be arranged to be sociable, where a breakfast bar should go, where you can maximise your storage space. We work out the maximum size a sofa can be, or whether a superking bed is realistic on paper, before we even start to look for real items.

Step 4 - we find the big pieces of furniture

Finally we start to look at different retailers and make decisions about the key pieces of furniture and lighting options! This is no longer a guessing game as we know exactly the size, shape, colour, style, and practicalities we are looking for in each item. Oh, and we know how much it needs to cost too. Armed with this information we can make decisions quickly and know the best retailers to look at for your home.

Ready to get started on your project? Click here for our friendly expert help!

Step 5 - we bring it to life with accessories

This step is important to achieve a finished and complete look. Skip this stage and your room will always look a bit soulless and cold. This is the stage where we weave our magic to elevate the room from the practical and pleasant to the wow! It’s the cushions, rug, art work, shelf and coffee table styling that achieve that Pinterest worthy look. And this is not about our personal style, this is about achieving your desired look - whether that’s pared back and minimal or quirky and unusual! It’s about you, and making you feel comfortable and relaxed in your home.

Have a chat with us and find out how we can help you. Book a discovery call with us today!

Step 6 - we make it personal 

The final stage is showcasing the things that make your home ‘home’. We can help with gallery wall layouts of family photos, and placement of important artwork. We can showcase important collections and add as many plants (real or fake!) as you like. It’s all about the final flourish to say ‘this is mine’!

This explains our whole design process. It’s a proven method that works, builds trust and ensures your home is transformed as easily and affordably as possible.

Our designs are sent to you in a Design Dossier, with moodboards, visualisations, shopping lists and styling notes - all ready for you to take action and make the changes knowing that the hard work has been done for you!

If you’d like to work with us, book a free Discovery Call and see how we can help you today.

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