The “No-Surprise” Initial Consultation

Hello there Design Aficionado!

Step into Cathy’s world for a moment. Cathy and her husband are empty nesters now and ready to embrace their new life. She and her husband are wanting to renovate their home. Cathy is so excited for all the possibilities but at the same time is overwhelmed by all the possibilities. They decide together that the best plan of attack is to hire a designer to help with the decisions. They have never hired a designer before and wonder, “what can I expect?” Well guess what, that’ alright, I don’t like surprises either! I’d like to pull back the curtain and ease all of our minds. Professionals hire professionals, and outsource projects in their home to make sure they are done right. Hiring someone to design your interiors is no different from hiring someone to landscape your yard, or clean your home, or do maintenance on your car.

Referrals, yes please!

Cathy asked her dear friend, Deb, interior designer referral. Cathy promptly scheduled her Discovery Call with Fran. Cathy found Fran easy to talk with, and felt confident to pay the consultation fee to book her appointment.

Tools of the Trade

Cathy and her husband who make decisions together welcome Fran in warmly. With years of experience, knowledge and a spirit to ease Cathy’s burden; Fran comes ready to work. She brings her tools of the trade with her; large paint boards and sample box and a sketch pad and pencil.

A little about You…

In the heart of the home Cathy and Fran begin to engage in conversation while strolling thru the spaces that they are considering. Cathy’s reveals her pain points and their dreams of how they will live. Their utmost desire is to live sustainably. To have a home that it easy to live in, where they can entertain friends and have family over for Christmas and Easter. Not to mention the annual neighborhood meat smoking competition. They lead active lives and health is a foundational. Cathy shares her design dreams (colors, styles) and Pinterest boards. As they tour the house, Fran takes note of the architectural details, the play of light, and the unique features that make Cathy's home special. Fran reassures Cathy that each decision is an opportunity, not a burden, and together they can curate a space that resonates with her current lifestyle. Cathy is able to discuss their timeline and investment guidelines.

Plans to Prosper—Grand Vision

With her tools of the trade Fran begins to lay out a frame work for the space that Cathy and her husband can take actionable steps. All great design begins with a plan and my desire for them is to have their home prosper.

Over the next hour we laid out selections for the renovation plan:

So much good happens during this visit and this consultation is vital to a successful design project!

The overwhelming choices are now organized into a coherent plan. Not just with design ideas but with a sense of clarity and confidence in the direction the renovation will take. Can you imagine having these decisions made before its too far? Imagine how this benefits timing and budget?

A little about Me…

Once we have discussed their action plan, we have a comfy seat and Fran sheds more light on Interiors with Panache. We go over our website, our testimonials, and the Interiors with Panache process. See? No surprises.

Next steps

Ready to take the plunge? Having what we both need we can decide to move forward into a relationship that will last. The initial consultation is like the opening act of a grand performance. It's the moment when you and your designer start building a connection, understanding each other's vibes, and setting the tone for the entire design journey. Think of it as a creative collaboration, where your ideas blend with the designer's expertise to create something truly extraordinary.

As the initial consultation comes to a close, you'll be eagerly awaiting the big reveal – the roadmap for the design journey ahead. Your designer will outline the next steps, timelines, and what to expect as your space undergoes its magical transformation. Cathy and her husband felt confident in this to secure their next appointment with a Designer by Your Side service. They know they don’t have to do the renovation alone. They have someone to ask questions when bumps in the road come along. And this is real life, so bumps do happen. To get to the home they dream of it helps to have support.

And there you have it – the delightful tale of the initial consultation in interior design. It's not just a meeting; it's the beginning of a creative adventure where dreams become designs and spaces become stories. So, are you ready to let the panache unfold in your home? Let the design journey commence! ✨