5 Steps To Starting Your Interior Design Project

Hey, fam! So glad to see you here again….and if you’re new here, welcome! 

So, I get this question all the time...how do I start my own interior design project? Don’t worry, help is on the way! The following steps can be taken with me, another designer, or just you love! Either route you choose, knowing where to start and what to consider is very important. 

Grab a notebook, your favorite pen, and your beverage of choice so you can start writing! 

Are you ready? Here we go...

1.Establish your needs

When you’re thinking about starting your project, one of the first steps is to decide what it is you need help with! Take a few days and pay attention to all of your pain points. 

For example, you’re in the kitchen and you realize how frustrating it is that your dishwasher is so far away from your sink. Ugh! That’s just not functional for you or your family….write that down! Another example could be that you have family and friends over and there is just not enough seating. You’re pulling in chairs from the kitchen and you still have guests sitting on the floor….double ugh! Write that down.

Keep doing that no matter how large or small. The more info you can write down, the better. If you decide to work with a designer instead of going the DIY route, this info will be extremely helpful for them so that they can give you exactly what you’re looking for. Designers are not just designers….we are problem solvers. We don’t just fluff pillows and pick paint color, we create a space that functions specifically for you and your needs while fostering health and wellness. It’s not just about making a room look pretty, it’s about making it practical and functional for how you live every day. 

Because living in a space that doesn’t function the way it should is not only frustrating, but it can become very stressful. We have all spent more time at home in the last year than ever before and the problems will really present themselves (sometimes rather loudly) when a space is not feeling good or working well for you. 

So, write everything down and do that for as long as you need until you feel like solving those issues will make the space exactly what you want it to be. Remember, it’s not just about how it looks, it’s also about how it feels and functions. 

2. Establish a realistic level of investment

It is so important to have a realistic number in your mind -- not only about how much you are willing to invest in your home, but also how much your project will cost. All too often people just throw a number out because that’s what they feel comfortable spending. What they don’t realize is that  just because you want to spend that amount, doesn’t necessarily mean that’s what the real cost will be.

If you truly have no idea how much your project will cost, take some time and do a little research. If it’s a bathroom remodel, look at the materials you’re wanting and then check pricing on what it would cost. For example, if you know you want quartz countertops, then research the average cost of quartz or at least get a low-high range cost. Look at all the things you want changed: new faucet fixtures, reface cabinets, new light fixtures, new countertops, new bathtub, add hardware, etc. Make a list of everything you want and need done, then price everything out. It may not be the exact number, but it gives you a place to start. That way, when you seek out a designer, you’ll have decent information to back up your investment level. Additionally, if you decide to hire a professional designer, ensure your investment level includes the design fee.

If you still struggle after doing some research, no worries! Designers can help you put one together. They will know the true costs of your project once they define the scope of work and get estimates from trades (if construction is involved). 

3. What kind of experience are you looking for?  

If you’re planning to work with a designer, it’s time to think about what design experience you’re looking for. Designers usually have a range of services, with more hands-on packages and those where they just present you with ideas, and you do the rest! These will, of course, vary in price and will offer up a different experience for you. Here are some questions you’ll want to answer when making that decision: 

How involved do I want to be in this project? Do I want things to be selected and presented to me or do I prefer to just be guided along where I do most of the work? Do I want to manage the whole project along with the investment level? Do I have an idea of what I want to do but need help with the execution? 

For example, I offer specific design services that are tailored to a specific audience. If you need help with a remodel or full room design, I’m the one for you! If you just need assistance with selecting a couple of lamps, I may not be a fit for you and that’s okay! Finding the right designer that connects with you and your design needs is crucial when starting a “project relationship”.

Design Consultation: I always begin with a consultation before proceeding with further design services. This is the time where we get to know each other and I’m able to learn more about your project needs.

This involves up to two (2) hours in your home, giving you as much advice as I can about your project and developing ideas that you can either execute on your own or hire me to take care of it all for you. You’ll also receive a PDF Summary of Recommendations and a custom moodboard for one space of your home. If you just simply need expert advice but are not interested in starting future projects at that time, then you can take the ideas I give you and execute them on your own! Take your moodboard while you furniture shop and bring the design you desire to life in your own way and on your own time. DIYers this service is for you!

Full Room Design: This service is for the complete design of one room or multiple rooms in your home. Need a room refresh? Do you want a master bedroom reminiscent of a 5-star hotel? We will select wall treatments, fabric, light fixtures, bed linen, custom pillows, custom drapery, accessories, and more to completely transform whatever room you need help with!

New Construction & Remodeling: If you have a new construction home or need to revive and transform your existing space into the home you’ve always wanted, Shades of Gray Design Studio can help you get there. 

I work with a team of talented trades, vendors, suppliers, and contractors who assist me in bringing your dream space to life. This service includes space planning and custom design of your new space, sourcing materials, finishes, fixtures, lighting, and appliances. It also includes custom cabinetry and millwork. Whatever you need to achieve the beautiful, luxurious, and functional space you deserve, we’ve got you! 

And last but definitely not least…

Full service interior design: This is at the tippity-top of the experience ladder. This is the ultimate service! Shades of Gray Design Studio plans and manages the entire project from start to finish. All of the planning, research, selection, sourcing of products and everything in between are taken care of. This is a perfect fit for you if you don't want (or don't have the time) to manage your design project and prefer to trust the designer and their process. The most note-worthy thing about this service is that all of the installation and styling is done for you. This means that after all of the amazing design ideas have been presented and approved, and all purchases completed by me, everything will be delivered and beautifully set up in your home. This is the big reveal people can’t wait to experience!

This is what I mean when I ask what kind of experience you want. The amount of work you do will vary from service to service. So sit down with your handy dandy notebook and think about what service would give you the most value. It’s not just the money part of it but also your time and sanity. What do you value the most?

4. Inspiration photos

Whether you plan on hiring a designer or not, you’ll need to get an understanding of your style and nail down what inspires you. This is the fun part! Take a look at Pinterest, Houzz, google images, and even my portfolio so that you can take note of what kind of style you want your home to have. 

Feel free to google the following design styles to take a look at some different options as well. 

>Modern

>Traditional

>Scandanavian

>Minimalism

>Bohemian

>Eclectic

>Art Deco

>Farmhouse

>Transitional

>Shabby Chic 

There are definitely more if you want to get more specific but this is a great place to start. 

Save all of your photos that you find and like and if you want to go one extra step, write down what it is about it that you like. For example, you may like the style of the chair legs, or you like that there are lots of seating options. You may like the overall look and style or maybe you just like the drapery style that was used. The more specific you are the better. 

5. Book your consultation 

If you’re ready to start a project with a designer, the first step will typically be a discovery call. This is a brief 15-20 minute call with the designer to see if you are a fit for each other.  You’ll be able to find that information on their website. 

And remember, the consultation is an important step in beginning your project. That’s where the designer learns more about you, your pain points, how your space flows and how the space is used. If you would like to schedule your complimentary Design Discovery Session with Shades of Gray Design Studio, you can book the phone call, here.