Client Berkshire european part 1 reveal: upper floor, art room and mudroom

I am happy to FINALLY have some photos of this project! This project was such a labor of love and I am very happy with how it turned out. The home had a heavy Tuscan vibe and the client really wanted it to feel more old world modern.

The loft area had two open balconies that opened out into the room below. Both of those were closed up and a closet was taken out, so the dining nook could look out into the entry way. We used a custom light for the entryway and we thought it would be a nice backdrop for the table and chairs.

The client really wanted a hang out spot upstairs. The loft was designed as a multifunctional space to mostly accommodate her kids. We have a tv set up for movies and nintendo sessions, a pool table (that they wanted to use from their previous home) and a dining area to be used mostly as a small game table. The loft area felt pretty dark after closing up those two open balconies, so we added an interior window to look into the family room below as well as an exterior window next to the tv cabinet. Adding those two windows really helped brighten up the space.

Here’s a look at the interior window:

Here’s a better look at the exterior window we added:

And here’s another look at both windows:

Another request of the client was to include a kitchenette area. They wanted somewhere they could store snacks, have an ice machine and mini fridge. This area is also right outside the theater room, so we needed a place to stash a microwave for popping some popcorn. We chose to match the wood on the tv cabinet and had a mix of T&G and zellige tile for the backsplash.

Here’s a look at the full loft area.

On the upper floor of the home, they have a second laundry room. This area we went a bit more fun with blueish-greenish cabinets and fun tile. The countertop is a butcher block counter and the backsplash is zellige tile.

That leads us into the kids bedrooms. The first one was for their daughter. We wanted this room to feel pretty and girly, but also be able to transition with her as she grew up. We chose a natural wood bed with grey ish nightstands. We wanted to pull in some color and did so with the top blanket.

We positioned the desk to look out the window. Next to the desk we did a fun hanging swing.

There is a private bathroom attached to this girl’s room. The feel of this bathroom was also pretty and girlish. We had chosen on a soft tanish pink to paint the bathroom. After we painted it, the little girl decided she didn’t like pink and wanted to repaint it turquoise. So they repainted it. We designed a sweet little desk for her to sit down and get ready at. We used a carrara marble on both the vanity and the desk.

Next to the girl’s room is a boy’s room. In this room we wanted a fun vibe, without feeling too “little kid”. This boy is 8 (and was 6 when we first started designing this room), so we wanted a style that could adapt.

This bedroom has a semi private bathroom. We wanted this bathroom to feel a little playful. We chose a blue tile for the backsplash and natural wood vanity. We used fun little finger pulls for the hardware.

There was an extra room that our client kept going back and forth on the use for it. We eventually settled on an art room. This is a room where she and her kids (mostly her daughter) can do art, crafts, projects, etc. It also stores all the fun paper, glue, tape, sparkles, ribbon, markers, pens and the like! Storage was very important here as our client had lots of things she wanted to store in here. We opted for cabinets on 3 walls and 3 desk areas. We included a cute little bench to break up the two desk areas.

The last space is the mudroom. This space was a place for kids backpacks, shoes, coats and all the other stuff kids collect to be stored behind pretty cabinets. We also added a little reading nook under the stair area. Tumbled limestone flooring adds depth to the space as the slated creamy white cabinetry add a layer of sophistication.

We can’t wait to show you more of this home! The reveal of the main areas of the home will be coming soon!

xo,

Jen

Does Working With An Interior Designer Mean My Project will Cost More?

Over my time as a residential interior designer, I’ve heard some non-truths about what it’s like to work with an interior designer. I’m sharing the most common misconception I’ve heard. 

The misconception is when you work with an interior designer your project will cost WAY more. 

Have you had this fear about hiring an interior designer? If so, you’re not alone. 

We’ve all heard the horror stories. Not to mention, there’s a fear that designers have expensive tastes, will completely disregard client budgets, and will insist that only the most expensive items will work in order to achieve a certain look.

There is a lot to break down here, because yes, working with an interior designer is a luxury. You certainly CAN pick paint and furniture on your own. You certainly can go into a new build or large scale renovation project with just a great contractor.

And there are also designers out there who completely ignore client budgets, making it impossible for their clients to ever see the design come to life. 

But, when digging into whether there is an alignment with your needs and wants and what a professional interior designer can offer, the key is to understand what you value the most. And, of course, what you most value will be significantly different depending on your life stage. 

If you are at a point in life where what you value most is affordability and bottom-dollar cost, then working with a quality interior designer may not be well aligned with your current realities. No problem. Thankfully, these days there are many value retailers that offer free design services as well as outlets for pre-owned or low cost goods that make it quite easy to find furnishings at economical prices. 

On the other hand, if you are at a point in your life where you value acquiring quality furnishings and enjoying an up-scale aesthetic, having an expert help with major furnishing decisions and purchases, choosing things that will not soon need replacement, and surrounding yourself with items that are precisely matched to your taste and preferences then yes, absolutely working with an interior designer will fulfill all those goals, and will significantly enhance the aesthetic of your home. 

Making an investment in professional interior design services is an important choice. Here are some key considerations to be aware of if you’re considering hiring us for your upcoming project:

• There is a fear that an interior designer will implement their own preferences without regard to what the homeowner really wants. This is not the case when you work with us. We are 100% devoted to understanding your wants and needs and then selecting items that match YOUR style, YOUR preferences, YOUR budget, and YOUR wishes and desires. Home design is very personal, as we strive to create homes full of our clients’ personalities. We want our clients home to feel like them, not feel like us. We serve as a guide to create a design that feels right for our clients, and ultimately, every choice made is our client’s choice.
  
  

• My experience as an interior designer allows me to help clients avoid making costly mistakes many homeowners end up hiring us to fix. Have you ever heard of someone doing something in their home then having to fix it? As an interior designer, I know how to properly evaluate options before an investment of money or time occurs, to guard against misaligned selections or choices that won’t result in what the client is hoping to achieve. 

• We have access to a much wider range of products and materials compared to an average homeowner. There are countless manufacturers of home furnishing products that only distribute their products through industry professionals. This is called to-the-trade sourcing. It means that when you work with us, it opens up tons of possibilities for you. And often, because we are so familiar with the customizations, quality, and product features of the vendors we order from, we are often able to find better, higher quality, or more cost-effective products from the options available.

• One of my favorite things to do in a design project is to take a high-low approach, which means we select high quality and impressive pieces where it counts, and reasonably-priced items elsewhere. Few people have the budget to afford the very highest-end pieces for every single item in their home.
  
  More often it makes sense to splurge on certain high impact pieces in some instances, and to be much more restrained on other items. If done well — spending money where it counts — the overall effect will make the entire design seem more high-end and custom, even if lower cost pieces were mixed in. We can help you determine where to save, and where to splurge.

• My team and I are adept at value-engineering — figuring out how to get the desired effect at a lower cost or getting the most “bang for your buck”. The primary objective is to achieve the desired look, functionality, and quality without overspending to get there. A good designer will be a conscientious steward of your investment, and will aim to find cost-effective solutions wherever possible. Making the best choices in decor and furnishings protects and maximizes your investment in your home.
  
  
  

• My team and I allocate time each month to research new products so we are well aware of stylistic trends. By dedicating time to research, we are able to ensure our clients aren’t investing in something that will look out-dated tomorrow. The selections we make for our projects have a timeless appeal; we veer away from making design choices that are 100% aligned with a trend that will come-and-go. Trends can sometimes be fun and a little trend can be fun. However, we only incorporate trending items when it’s a non-permanent or lower priced piece. Investing in pieces that have stylistic longevity and aren’t “trendy” means you won’t feel the need to replace items anytime soon, just another way to protect your monetary investment.

• Another thing worth considering is the emotional toll and stress of going through a home remodel or refresh, without an advocate who has experience in your project type. Countless decisions need to be made, and the fear of making a poor decision that will cost you in time and money can be debilitating. Working with a designer can significantly reduce your stress. Throughout the design project, you will know you have an expert focusing on your project so you can relax and focus on your family, your job, and your piece-of-mind. You can’t put a price on that!
  
  
  

Hiring an interior designer to lead you through the design process is a valuable investment that will save you time, money, and headaches. Our team has vast insight into what is possible, and our clients often share with us that they are able to realize something they could never have created on their own. The result will be a beautifully designed and curated space that functions perfectly for you and your family, now AND in the future. 

Want to learn more about working together? Submit a project inquiry and we can set up a discovery call to go over additional details about our services, pricing, and process.

What we look for in an interior design project

If you have ever worked with an interior designer before, you understand it’s a long-lasting, collaborative relationship requiring good communication, patience, and openness to new ideas. 

Just as it is important for a homeowner to find an interior designer who is a good fit with their personality as well as their design aesthetic, interior designers also have a process for determining if a project will be a good fit for their company. As a small boutique firm, we take on a limited number of projects each year to allow us to fully support our clients and bring their vision to life and we work with our clients for typically a year or longer.

This is why it’s so important for us to make sure a project is a good fit from day one. By the time we’re revealing their perfectly designed home, we’ve typically become very close with our clients. 

Here are a few things we considers before we take on a new design project for a client:

1. Project Type

Interior designers work on a wide range of home improvement projects, from new construction to room remodeling to kitchen and/or bath redesign to furnishings and material selections. Here at Jede Interiors, our specialty is full service design, although we do take on smaller projects too! (Check out our services tab here to see what we have to offer).

2. Design Style

Some homeowners prefer a traditional look in their home, while others like clean-lined contemporary furnishings. Some like a casual farmhouse vibe, while others relish the reemergence of the Mid-Century Modern aesthetic. There are those who love antiques and others who don’t want old pieces in their home at all! In certain areas of the country, a coastal look emulates the nearby shoreline and waterfront living. Other areas require paying homage to the desert, the mountains, or the flavor of a city. Mixing varying pieces, colors, and styles in a Bohemian or eclectic manner is appealing to other homeowners. 

Our signature look always includes sourced vintage items and lots of soft rugs. We love sourcing from a wide range of vendors, choosing items based on our client’s interest and background. Our clients are typically drawn to cozy and inviting homes. While we customize every design based on each client's style preferences, functional needs, and budget, we find that working with clients whose style aligns with ours makes for the most streamlined and enjoyable design process. 

3. Appreciation For The Value Of Good Design

We place a high value on thoughtful design and the creation of well-curated spaces. But we also make sure every space we design is livable, welcoming, and comfortable day in and day out. We love working with clients who relish good design in their homes as well. 

We tend to work with clients who have an appreciation for thoughtful design choices. They understand there should be unity between the home’s architectural style and the contents within. They recognize a functional layout and purposeful furniture selections lend to a space that feels intentional and personal. Homeowners who relish good design realize how that translates into quality experiences and cherished time spent with family within the home. Savvy homeowners know that quality furniture pieces are a worthwhile investment because they hold up to tough day-to-day use while also providing a luxurious look and feel. 

4. Trust

When you engage a professional to provide a service — [whether it's a travel agent to plan your dream vacation or a cleaning service to keep your home sparkling] you likely have confidence the job will be accomplished in-line with your expectations. We always hope the clients we work with feel assured that we are devoting our expertise and knowledge toward creating an ideal space for them and their families. We want them to trust the process and know that — even if they don’t hear from us every day — we are working behind the scenes to execute their vision, which is at the forefront of every selection we make for their home When clients place their trust in us, we can perform our very best work and create the most beautiful, unique spaces. 

5. Communication Style 

The design process unfolds more seamlessly when communication between the interior designer and client is open, timely, and respectful. We want our clients to feel comfortable expressing their thoughts, ideas, and concerns with us, and it’s what we’ve built our entire design process around: proactive and well-planned communication. We send weekly email updates once construction/furnishings are underway.

6. Expeditious Decision Making 

Executing a design project typically requires a myriad of decisions. The faster and more confidently decisions can be finalized, the more efficiently the project can move forward. This means a homeowner should give thorough consideration to the scope of their project right at the onset or even before the project is launched. 

When both the client and the interior designer have an aligned and clear vision for desired project outcomes, the project can progress more seamlessly. After years of creating designs for clients, we’ve honed our design process so our clients aren’t involved in the million and one decisions required to bring their vision to life. We present to them only the most critical decisions and provide them with ALL the information they need to make the best decision for their home. Experience tells us that when our clients place their trust and confidence in our abilities and skills to execute a cohesive and thoughtful design, the design and implementation phases are much more enjoyable and efficient for everyone involved.

7. Professional Collaborations
Interior designers often collaborate with architects, contractors, carpenters, artisans, tradespeople, vendors and suppliers, and others. We have had the pleasure of working with many talented industry professionals. We've also worked with a few who have made our job and our clients’ experience much more difficult (and expensive) than necessary. During our initial call, we'll talk through who you've already contracted and are happy to share recommendations once we’ve been hired for your project and have a full understanding of your needs. 

As you can see, there is a lot we think about when we meet with potential clients to discuss their homes. We believe that the success of our projects (for both us and our clients) is directly tied to the time we spend making sure a project is a good fit. 

We know you have choices when it comes to designing, renovating and furnishing your home and we’d love to see if we’d be a good fit for your project. Learn more about working together by filling out our Project Inquiry Form.

7 things to Consider before starting on your outdooR design project

As spring and summer draw near, we are all craving more time in the great outdoors — relishing the breeze through our hair and the sun on our skin. If you have a beautiful deck or patio space to enjoy, you may be itching to ditch the indoors for more outdoor living time. 

If your outdoor space is not all you dream it could be, however, we have several suggestions to help bring it up to par. Make plans now so that when the winter weather is behind you, you’ll have a beautiful outdoor space to enjoy. 

Design is a process. Before making decisions about furnishings and decor for your outdoor space, it’s important to consider several critical factors.

1. Determine The Functionality Needed
The very first consideration toward creating the ideal outdoor space — whether it be a large backyard, or a condo balcony — is to determine how you want to use the space. Function should drive all decisions about outdoor elements (indoor, too!). Here is a list of some of the many activities you may want to pursue in your outdoor space:

1. Relaxing, reading, napping

2. Outdoor games and activities

3. Playing with pets or children

4. Cocktail hour and conversation

5. Dining — for how many?

6. Entertaining — for how many?

7. Bird watching or nature immersion 

8. Patio gardening

9. Cooking

10. Watching TV
    
    

The more activities you hope to do in your outdoor space, the more critical a proper furniture layout becomes. Be sure to check out our design services if you’d like help creating a functional outdoor space.

2. Consider The Orientation 

Be mindful of the orientation of your outdoor space relative to the direction and angle of the sun during the months you will be using that space. Note what times of day certain areas have full sun or full shade — of course, that will be different in the spring, at the summer solstice, in late summer, and in the early fall. Be mindful of where the sun is the hottest and where breezes can be the strongest.

Also, pay attention to where sunrises and sunsets can be viewed or whether particular angles allow sight lines to the most appealing views of nature. And don’t forget about other adjacency concerns. Can traffic noise or sound from neighbors be heard in specific spots? Are bugs or insects more bothersome in certain areas? Can you see your neighbor’s car-lined driveway from certain angles?

Both the desired functionality and the space orientation will impact decisions about furniture finishes and the spatial arrangement of furnishings. Consider whether furniture choices and seating arrangements will allow for conversation and socializing.

Generally, if you wish to entertain, you will want furniture pieces to face one another. Make sure furniture is spaced close enough to comfortably have a conversation. 

If you are planning outdoor dining furniture, capacity can be simple to compute: a six-foot rectangular table will seat approximately six people, an eight-foot table — eight people, etc. A 48” round can seat four to five, and a 60” round table can seat six to eight. 

Weather is also a very strong consideration in choosing finishes for outdoor furniture. Wood (often teak), all-weather wicker,  or metal (often aluminum) are both good choices for outdoor furniture frames that will stand up well to weather conditions. Outdoor fabrics that can withstand the elements without fading or decaying are widely available, if your outdoor furniture will be exposed to heavy rain or unrelenting sun, we highly recommend the use of high-quality furniture covers or opting for furniture pieces that do not include fabric-covered cushions. 

When arranging furniture outdoors, try orienting pieces to allow views to the most pleasing features of your space or of nature. Also, consider how the outdoor setup will impact the view from inside the home. For example, you may want to use a large umbrella to shade a seating area, but when viewed from inside, you can see the mechanicals of the umbrella and it blocks your view of the sunset (or similar).

3. Consider All Weather Conditions, Including When Your Outdoor Space Will Not Be In Use

There is a lot to think about here. In addition to temperature considerations, it is also important to consider rainfall, wind, and off-season conditions. If you are selecting hardscape flooring, think about slipperiness when wet, and how it will be treated during the winter. If kids or pets will be walking on an outdoor surface throughout the year, will the material tolerate salt and de-icer? 

When selecting hardscape materials, consider the need for permeable surfaces that allow rainwater to seep into the ground versus impermeable surfaces that cause rainwater runoff. Some municipalities may have maximum square footage or percentages of total lot area allowed to be covered in non-permeable surfaces, such as concrete. Your home and driveway already count as impermeable surfacing, so find out from your local building department whether additional non-permeable surfacing can be added. Or opt for stone or brick pavers with gaps between or wood decking with spaces between planks. These options allow water to seep through to the soil below, reducing rainwater runoff.

Make sure patio pots are sufficiently heavy and stable so they won’t tip over with strong wind gusts. Select plants that match the sun condition requirements for the desired placement. If you plan to use fake plants, always choose ones that are native to your area. You want the benefits of a fake plant, but you never want it to look fake!

4. House Entry Considerations
Always remember to consider the connection of your outdoor living space with the adjacent entry to your home. If pets, children, or even adults will be active outdoors, is there a way to ensure they will not bring dirt or mud in from the outdoor space when they enter? In the winter, are there accommodations for snow gear, coats, and gloves? And is there an accommodation for pets coming in with snowy or muddy feet?

We always recommend incorporating well-designed drop zones to collect wet towels, shoes, pool bags, wet snow gear, and other outdoor gear to protect your indoor space. If you are fortunate enough to plan for these considerations pre-construction, you may consider adding a portico over entries to accommodate seasonal challenges as pets and people enter from the outdoors.

5. Lighting Needs
If you plan to utilize your outdoor spaces after the sun goes down (and you probably do!), you will need to include one or more outdoor light sources. This can include a hard-wired, permanently installed outdoor fixture, such as a ceiling light on the underside of a framed overhang or a wall sconce on the exterior wall of your home. Your home may already be equipped with an outdoor sconce by the backdoor or some spotlights under the eaves. 

You’ll want to plan lighting for the area itself and for any pathways from your home to the outdoor space. 

Other outdoor lighting options include low-voltage sources that are plugged into an outdoor outlet, such as string lights that can be strung up to the underside of a pergola or canopy. String lights are inexpensive and available in a wide variety of styles and colors. If you have a covered patio or overhead structure, a lighted ceiling fan may be a good option. The cool breeze can add comfort and deter pesky bugs. 

Make sure to select lighting fixtures approved for outdoors installations. Any 120-volt lighting will need to be installed by a licensed electrician, and lines extending away from the house will need to be buried or encased in conduit. Low voltage options are plugged directly into an outdoor outlet and do not require any additional safety precautions. Low-voltage lighting includes a transformer that converts the voltage to a lower and safer level. Another option for outdoor lighting is solar-powered lights that require no wiring or cords. A solar-powered fixture is placed outdoors (often as a spike into the ground) and its photovoltaic cell collects power from the sun by day to emit light after dark. 

Outdoor lighting not only provides ambient lighting so you can effectively use your outdoor space, but it also provides lovely accent lighting that highlights the beauty of the outdoor space when viewed from indoors. When positioning outdoor lighting, do consider the view from the indoors looking out. Exterior lighting that highlights outdoor features, such as an ornamental tree or bush, can enhance your home’s nighttime aesthetic.

6. Other Outdoor Amenities

If you want to fully enjoy all aspects of an outdoor living space, consider other desirable amenities. This might include a grill, a bar, an outdoor kitchen,  a heater, fire pit, a misting system, a spool or spa, or a fountain. 

As you can see, there is much to consider when planning for an outdoor space design before you even begin to think about furnishings and decor. If you need help creating a fabulous outdoor living space, we’d love to help you! Fill out a Project Inquiry Form today.

Happy designing!

xoxo,

Jen

The 5 Design elements to splurge on when designing your home

Where to save versus where to splurge when it comes to furnishing your home. This is a difficult question for homeowners to wrap their minds around. Almost no one is able to build or remodel a home, or even furnish one for that matter, with an absolutely unlimited budget, where everything they can imagine is financially attainable. The reality for most everyone is that there needs to be strong consideration given to expenditure limits and discretionary spending — both when building, remodeling or furnishing a home.

So, the question is really to determine where — in all the choices available when it comes to furnishing your home — it is best to splurge, and where a bit more restraint might be appropriate. The answer to this question is not exactly the same for every client we work with either and this is because some clients have hot button concerns, where the quality of a certain element is just really important to them.

But there are specific things we consider when helping a client where to splurge versus save. Because even with an endless budget, some things simply don’t require a splurge.

Instead, here are some factors to think about when deciding where to dream big versus where to spend more modestly. 

01 | Spend on items that will increase your home’s value.

Choosing to spend on design aspects that increase the value of your home is always wise. This could include details such as higher ceilings, better-quality finish materials, automation features, ample storage space, and substantial built-in cabinetry. 

Other nice-to-have features, such as radius drywall corners, or high-end air filtration and air exchange systems, will not necessarily result in a higher home value. Why? Because they are valued only by a subset of people who value those particular things. They are not universally sought by a broad range of homeowners. Splurge on home details that appeal broadly to most people, and that will positively affect your home’s value. 

02 | Spend on items that have permanence.

For construction projects, one very sound approach is to splurge on areas of greater permanence that are costly to change, and be more moderate in areas where making changes is an easier undertaking. This would mean that you would spend the money to get high quality hardwood floors, but do not spend lavishly on a wall to wall bedroom carpet or on cabinet hardware Why? Because there is a great deal of expense and labor involved with changing hardwood flooring if you were to decide to do it down the road. But wall to wall bedroom carpet or cabinet hardware can be changed much more easily, and at a fraction of the labor cost. Another example would be to invest in high quality cabinets and stone countertops, and choose a lower cost backsplash tile. A backsplash can be changed out much more easily than ripping out cabinets or countertops.

03 | Spend on items that provide a return on investment.

If building or remodeling a house, consider investing in items and materials which have a good return on their investment. Unfortunately, this often means spending more money where it is not visible. Upgrading the insulation performance within your walls (higher R value), or investing in better quality windows will equate to savings in heating and cooling costs down the road. Installing radiant heated floors (in-floor heating) is not only a desirable feature for home buyers because of the comfort factor, it’s a very energy efficient means of heating a home. The cost of energy efficient features will save money over time, and therefore are a wise investment.

04 | Spend more on the items that get the greatest use.

When it comes to furnishings, we put more strain on some items than others. We always suggest investing well in high-traffic areas and in high-use items. In a typical family room, the sofa takes a lot of beating. The whole family, including the cat and dog, pummel the sofa daily. Even when very careful, sofas get beat up. But the tv cabinet or console table — they are rarely touched. So, investing in a high quality family room sofa is a no brainer. 

We also always recommend splurging on lighting when possible. Lighting in a home can elevate the feeling and over all mood of your home.

If you are looking to save money, look at the areas of your home that receive more occasional or singular use. This is especially true for kids bedrooms, laundry rooms, guest rooms, and mudrooms.

We recommend spending where quality matters. 

05 | Spend on items that make a statement, or are focal points.

Spend money on things you see everyday or that your guests will see (if you host often). This might include a beautiful fireplace surround in the great room, beautiful kitchen cabinets and countertops, or stunning window treatments in your living room or bedroom. On the other end of the spectrum — spaces that aren’t used daily, and aren’t in the most public spaces of the home — are better approached with economy in mind. Calcutta marble countertops aren’t always needed in the laundry room.

Another approach to this strategy is to compare stunning jewelry layered on top of a simple black dress. Choose more moderately priced cabinetry, but add stunning cabinet hardware (drawer and door pulls). Find ways to “dress up” more economical choices.

The term “Value Engineering” is used often in interior design; it’s the process of removing excess costs from a design while still preserving a high aesthetic and maximum functionality. We do this often for our clients by saving in areas that aren’t as impactful, and investing in areas that make the most sense. This ensures our clients stay on budget while still allowing for wise investments in their home they will enjoy for years to come. 

Learn more about working together by filling out a Project Inquiry Form.

8 Reasons to love your interior designer during a construction project

If you’re considering a major renovation or are building a home, you may be wondering who you need on your build team? If you have a general contractor and architect, do you still need an interior designer? Or, do you only need the designer for the design aspect, and once construction is underway, you’ll be off to the races?

This is a common question we are asked, so in this post, we’re going to share how we/our team work with contractors during construction to save our clients time, stress, and money. 

Yes, as an interior designer, we are able to interpret your aesthetic and style and bring it to life through beautiful finishes and furnishings. 

But we also have to know a great deal about construction methods; the impacts of plumbing, electrical, HVAC, interior finish materials and appropriate installation methods; cabinetry and millwork fabrication; maintenance requirements for products and materials; strategies for using and modulating light sources; and necessary sequencing for the installation of plumbing, electrical, and other building and finish systems.

Still with me? 

Yeah, it’s a bit more complicated than fluffing pillows.

Keep in mind, by the time your project is under construction, we’ll already likely have an exhaustive knowledge of the specific details about your design. Armed with that intimate knowledge of your project, when we make a visit to your construction site, we’ll be able to recognize both potential impacts of work completed, and critical requirements needed for work to proceed.

In other words, as your interior designer, we’ll have insight into what may affect project progression, and what issues may or have arisen that could impact the final delivery of your design. 

Yes, of course, your contractor and tradespeople (painters, carpenters, electricians, plumbers) have invaluable expertise in their particular trade. No one can do what they do — they are enormously skilled. And your general contractor brings inestimable value to the project, in cost-estimating, construction sequencing, construction site safety requirements, permitting and inspections, ordering build supplies, and much more. (Note: while we aren’t licensed general contractors, we have been designing homes in Utah for years). 

But, a general contractor and their subcontractors won’t really know the design intent the way we do as your interior designer. Not even close. 

We’re the only people who can see the BIG picture (oftentimes even more than our clients can - which is what makes us so good at our job!) and know how construction activities may impact proper execution of the approved design. 

We’ve seen many, many examples of installation and fabrication issues in completed homes. Meaning, the design wasn’t implemented properly. IF an interior designer had been onsite during the critical time when certain events occurred, those issues may have been easily avoided.

So, here’s a glimpse into how we support our clients during the construction phase of a project, either while making site visits, or while continuing to monitor installation progress and coordinate details via other communication channels.

01 | We are the point person for all questions or concerns that arise regarding the design of the space. 

Because we are intimately familiar with the nitty gritty aspects of EVERYTHING design-related in a project, we are consulted throughout the project on anything that might impact the final outcome. 

In a typical full home new build or large scale renovation, we can save our clients hundreds of hours throughout the construction phase of a typical 18 month project.

02 | We provide specific instructions to installers or tradespeople. 

Once the design is approved by our clients, we provide thorough documentation of the design via plans, elevation drawings, detail drawings, and specification sheets. Our clients are always amazed when they see the size of their spec books that include details on every single thing chosen for their project, plus drawings for installation, when applicable. No detail goes unturned!

But even with these detailed documents provided, questions of interpretation or intention do still arise. Relying on the installers to guess at the designer’s intent is NOT the way to go. We WANT to be consulted throughout construction to make sure any changes that need to happen in field are aligned with our client’s overall vision for their home. 

03 | We answer questions installers and fabricators have about products, materials, and furnishings. 

For example, if something came up related to extended lead time on an item already approved, we are there to determine whether the project can absorb the delay, or whether another choice should be made. And if we decide another choice should be made, we’re there to make the new selection and ensure it works with the other elements already chosen, so our clients aren’t scrambling to pick something on a moment’s notice, hoping it will work!

Or, if we help a client choose natural stone slabs for their countertops and provide drawings of where to make the cuts in the stone so the veining and coloring is best highlighted (or hidden). Sometimes these decisions are made on site once the material is in place and from experience, we know our clients typically don’t want to be responsible for where their slabs are cut. Talk about “no turning back”!

04 | We ensure the installation matches the design intent. 

There may be instances where something needs to be installed a certain way for the purpose of aligning with a detail of another component —a domino effect. The installer may not realize this. But because we have a big picture view of the project, we’re able to make sure everything progresses according to plan, and in accordance with our client’s intended design outcome. 

05 | We troubleshoot unforeseen issues that arise during construction. 

It’s inevitable that — during demolition, or even construction— something problematic will happen. (In fact, we recommend to our clients to have an additional 10% of the total construction budget in a contingency fund just for situations like these.) 

Maybe measurements were off by a half inch, or walls and corners are not plumb, or a mechanical chase or plumbing lines were hidden within walls in unexpected places. 

One thing we are known for, above all else, is for being excellent creative problem solvers. We come in to determine the optimal course of action to deal with the issue and provide our client with our recommendations so they don’t feel alone in making decisions during a stressful construction project. 

06 | We help make on-the-fly decisions when it comes to changes. 

As much as we’d love to say once the design is approved, nothing changes, but in a large-scale construction project, it’s inevitable that some changes will need to be made once construction is underway.  

When this happens, we work alongside the construction team and our clients to assist with and review change orders. A “change order” is an official document that details the approval of a change to any aspect of the project — whether it’s the design of a specific feature, the elimination of an element, or the addition of a detail not originally specified. You do NOT want to risk any change discussed being forgotten, misinterpreted, or overlooked. Having this paper trail is SO important. 

Not to mention, because these change orders are official documents, if work is done incorrectly or charged incorrectly, you can refer back to the original plan documents and the change order to find a remedy. We’ve also had instances of clients who did NOT approve change orders or authorize the additional expenses that came along with them, but their contractor certainly tried to collect. These change orders protect both our clients, the contractor, and us, ensuring that all changes being made are approved and acknowledged by all parties.

07 | We advocate for our clients to ensure everything is done right the first time. Let’s say the plumber is just about to install the garbage control switch to the right of the sink, but the homeowner is left-handed. Or say that the same plumber is installing the shower head at standard height, but the client is particularly tall. These, among many other things, are the details a designer can help ensure are executed with the client’s best interest in mind.

08 | We open our clients’ eyes to what is possible. 

When our clients are building a home or tackling a large-scale renovation, they want to make sure they’re investing their money wisely. That means, they want their choices to make sense for their current life stage AND their future life stage (assuming they’re staying in the home for a while). They also want their design to be timeless. Yes, you can change just about anything in a home with a good construction team, but it’s important to get it right the first time. 

We provide insights and ideas into what is possible - what we’ve seen done on other projects that turned out beautifully, ways they add more natural light or avoid future function issues by making simple changes, selections they can make that will create a timeless look they’ll love forever. 

With our years of experience, we’ve seen a lot, and always love when we’re brought into a project from the beginning so we can help our clients fully maximize the investment in their construction project. 

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Having an interior designer involved during the construction phase of your project ensures you won’t live with regret that something wasn’t executed exactly to your liking, or that you missed an opportunity to make your home truly unique and perfect for your needs. And, as you might guess from reading this post, we save our clients hundreds of hours of time and years of stress simply by being there from start to finish. 

If you’re about to embark on a large-scale renovation or new build project and don’t want to do it alone, we’d love to chat with you. Click on this Inquiry link to tell us more about your project.

Happy Designing!

Cheers,

Jen