What To Expect From Your First Interior Design Meeting

Introduction To Your Interior Designer, Team And Project

So, you have engaged an interior designer to design your dream home. Or you are ready to breathe new life into your living space? Maybe you’ve always had a vision for your home, but you just don’t know how to execute it. That’s where an interior designer comes in! An interior designer can help you bring your home to life and create a space that you love.

When you first engage with an interior design team, you’ll be introduced to the key members who will be working on your project. This team will be your go-to for everything design-related, and they’ll be with you every step of the way. They’ll be there to answer any questions you may have, and they’ll make sure that your project stays on track.

Interior Design Preferences

At your first meeting, you’ll be asked about your likes and dislikes and the design aesthetic you prefer. It’s important to have an idea of what you want before you meet with your designer. Think about your favorite places, your influences, and the hotels you love. Even things like washrooms with great designs can give you an idea of what you like. What feel do you want for your home, and what journey do you wish to experience when travelling through our home.

Some clients may struggle with expressing their ideas, but don’t worry if this is you. Your designer will have ways of extracting this information through time, examples, vision boards, and questionnaires. They’ll work with you to create a design that reflects your personality and style.

Your Furniture, Art And Accessory Inventory

Your designer will also take a look at your current inventory of furniture and possessions. They’ll meet with you to discuss what items can be kept and which pieces can be “reinvented” by moving them to different locations or by making minor modifications. For example, a sofa may be reupholstered to fit the new design style, or a coffee table may be refinished to match the new colour scheme.

How Your Lifestyle Defines Your Design

During your first meeting, you’ll also discuss the aesthetic of the space with your designer. They’ll ask you questions about your lifestyle, such as how much entertaining you do and the number of guests you typically host. This information will help the designer determine how much crockery, chairs, tableware, cocktail glasses, and barware will be needed. (This applies to every space of your home)

You can expect to discuss a range of topics that will help them understand your vision and preferences for your home. One of the areas that your designer might look at is how to utilise small areas and unused rooms in your home. For example, they might ask if you want to create a gym, study, reading nook, extra storage, walk-in wardrobe, extra bedroom for guests, kids playroom, prayer room, or extra washroom.

Flexible Spaces

Creating flexible spaces is another topic that your designer might discuss with you. This involves designing spaces that can be used for multiple purposes, such as a living room that can also serve as a home office or a dining room that can be transformed into a space for entertaining guests.

We love using sliding walls and screens to compartmentalize spaces in various ways. They create private spaces within an open floor plan, separate spaces without creating a permanent wall, add texture to space, and enhance natural lighting. However, when using sliding walls and screens in interior design, it is essential to ensure functionality, consider the space, create balance, and choose the right material. By following these rules, interior designers can create unique and functional spaces that meet the needs of their clients.

How To Visualize Interior Design

To help you visualise the design ideas that your designer has in mind, they may use Pinterest boards. This allows you to see images of different design elements, such as furniture, lighting, and decor, and how they might work together in your space.

Your designer may also show you examples of their previous projects and ask you to point out any standout moments or elements that you like. This will help them get a better understanding of your design preferences and style.

If your designer is sourcing pieces, lighting, or art for you, they will spend time finding out any artists, designers, or makers that you love. With their extensive knowledge and relationships in the industry, they can source unique and beautiful pieces that fit your style and budget.

Your first meeting with an interior designer will involve a lot of discussion about your preferences, vision, and goals for your home. By understanding your needs and style, your designer can create a unique and personalised design that reflects your personality and lifestyle.