Every interior designer or design practice has their own way of approaching a new design project. From my own experience, a unique, seamless, effective and unique approach to design has taken many years to develop and it is something that I am very proud of.
For today’s blog post, I wanted to share a little about our unique approach to design here at Marylou Sobel Interior Design. I believe that it may help you in establishing how the overall design process works, as well as the relationship you develop with your designer, along with the client’s role during the project.
Interior Design by Marylou Sobel Interior Design
How it starts…
The first step in the process would be to really get to know my clients. I want to know about their lifestyle, how they use their home and how they would like to use their home once the project has concluded. I also really want to know about any favourite family heirlooms, artwork or furniture pieces that they would love to hold on to.
The journey of working with clients is very personal as you are very exposed to their lives, so, a mutual respect, trust and a similar style of communicating, understanding what the client wants, is very important to establish at the beginning of a project.
The nitty gritty…
During the next phase of the project, perhaps one of the most important details is discussed- the client’s budget. The budget won’t necessarily dramatically change the outcome of the finished product, however, it will begin to determine many decisions that are made leading up to the final touches.
At this stage of the project, it is very important to establish open and honest communication. Expectations on timeline, installation, delivery lead times etc. are usually all discussed around this time, just so that our clients are aware and any expectations can be addressed moving forward.
Bringing together visuals…
After our initial meetings and some groundwork has been laid, I like to request some visuals from the client in order to move forward with the design process. Any images that they can share from books, magazines and Pinterest will help find the aesthetic for the project, taking into account their personal style preferences- what they do and do not like.
We may also look at colour, prints and pattern preferences at this stage, this is because what the clients don’t like, is just as important as what they do like. Knowing and understanding these desires and personal tastes from the beginning is going to ensure a much better result.
Presenting the design concepts…
I present mood boards showing design concepts to get first impressions of the process. This is a very exciting phase of the project, as its amazing to see the clients reaction when they see their ideas begin to come to life. Feedback is also very important at this stage because it will further shape the concepts and allow us to move further forward.
It begins to come to life…
This stage is then followed by a full presentation showing plans, working drawings, finishes, fabrics, furniture and lighting. We take clients to showrooms, workrooms, and suppliers so that they are fully involved in the selecting process. I discourage what I call “shopping” without me as it leads to disappointment- most of our clients in the past haven’t been tempted to do this, as we have really begun to show our understanding of their vision and dreams and they leave their trust in us to source the perfect pieces just for them. I give support throughout taking away the stress of design and decorating for clients, so the need for our clients to head out shopping is taken away, allowing them to get on with everything else in their lives stress-free.
Design by Marylou Sobel Interior Design
Finalising the details…
Now that a lot of the hard work and big decisions have been ticked off the list, it is time for us to get busy at the office in ordering and processing the finishes, furniture pieces, artwork, floor coverings etc. This process is extensive and it happens behind the scenes, so our clients aren’t often aware of everything that needs to happen in order for their installation day to go ahead seamlessly for them.
I collaborate with artisans, architects, artists and suppliers to facilitate my client’s vision, from planning through to installation and styling. We have many meetings to help facilitate the process- all this goes ahead for our clients so that their project is truly unique and special to them. It takes many years to establish these valuable relationships with those mentioned above, so I take pride in my exclusive ability to be able to extend these connections to the projects I work on.
Floorplan and design by Marylou Sobel Interior Design
Installation time!
The most rewarding part of the project for both the clients and for us at Marylou Sobel Interior Design!
It is so exciting to see everything come together, all the months and in some cases, years of hard work and dedication, it is so satisfying for me to see my clients delight and happiness, in most cases, the end result has far exceeded the clients expectations at the end of the project when the job is completed and installed.
Can we help you with your next project?
Find out more about Marylou Sobel here, and to find out some information about how our services work, click here.
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