How many home shows do you follow on TV? HGTV, DIY Channel, streaming services- all offer intimate insight into home renovations. What you don’t see is the arduous process designers go through to get to those WOW moments. It’s not chance that brings those happy tears and leaps of joy, it’s a designers job to find out their clients true wants and needs. A good designer spends time with their clients getting to know them and their lifestyle. A thorough interview process leads interior designers to specific inspiration for their clients.

Designers want to know your true feelings about a space before they begin a design or renovation. They may ask:

1. What do you LOVE about your space as it is now?
2. What do you NOT love about your space?
3. Is there anything in the space that must stay, that you collect and want displayed or has deep sentimental meaning?

Answer honestly! These are earmarks for your new design to come to life.

After a designer asks about the space itself, they are then going to want to know tiny details about the use of the space and who uses it.

4. What do you normally do in this room?

5. Who uses this room? How old are they? What’s their personality?

6. Is the space used for hobbies or specific activities?

7. Are they any special needs for this area?

8. What are your goals for this space?

And then…. We get to the fun stuff! Design has to work for you but also be aesthetically pleasing. This is what most people things designers ONLY ASK:

9. What colors do you prefer?

10. Is there any color or design style you dislike?

11. What is your preferred design style?

12. Do you like pattern or certain combinations of color?

13. In words, how do you want the space to feel? Do you want it to create a mood?

14. Do you have a flooring preference?

15. What type of art do you enjoy?

16. Do you have any images that you have saved that you like or inspire you?

Interiors designers also want to have a great working relationship with their clients. Questions about how you relate in business may also be part of the interview process.

17. Have you worked with a designer before? If so, did you enjoy the process?

18. Who will be the main decision maker throughout the process?

19. How involved do you want to be in the process?

20. What is the priority list for this project?

And yes, we will have to inquire about money…

21. What is your budget?

22. What is your expected timeframe?

23. What is most important to you? Remaining within the budget or the final design result?

24. What are your expectations of a designer?

25. How can I best serve you?

The interview process may seem to some like a designer is getting too personal, but the information gained by getting to know you will make the best result in your new design. Your space will feel like ‘home’. Your space will bring you joy. Interior designers use their skills to make your space the space you have dreamed of.

Stylishly yours,

The Chelsee Sowder Design Team

‍

‍

‍

‍