Welcome to our new series: things your designer wants you to know! We can’t really speak for other designers, but I guess the title made more sense than saying: “Things we really want you to know” because it definitely answers the question of who “we” actually is, and to which specific situation we might be referring. {The possibilities were really endless with that one over here on our little website.} But with my typical over-explanations up and out of the way, it was fun to cover a few FAQ’s about our business last week. Today we’re thrilled to announce that we’re launching into a new series covering a few things we’d like you to know, before we work together. Today’s topic is getting started {part 1!}, because it always helps to outline a few things.
Things your designer wants you to know {getting started, part 1}
after – our house
• Things Your Designer Wants You to Know: Don’t be apologetic about the state of your house.
We can’t tell you how many apologies or excuses we get on that first visit to a client’s home. Sorry my house is a mess. Sorry we haven’t done anything. This is so gross. We haven’t lived here long, etc.
I think the thing we want you to know about us, is that we’re not here to judge. We’re here to help. That’s why you’ve called us in. I would be the exact same way. Sometimes I’m still explaining to people about projects under construction when they drop by our house. But we consider it an honor that you’ve decided to trust us with this process. So we’re definitely not making any assumptions about you or your home. We’re here to learn more about you. What’s working. What’s not, and why.
Also, please know we’ve lived through a renovation more than once, with our entire process. Over and over again. That means we know what it’s like. We’ve lived in absolute chaos while we waited for it to happen. We’ve enjoyed it all cleaned up and pretty for people to come over. Right before it went back to chaos again. Our house is in absolute chaos, now. Chances are I ran through the house like a chicken with my head cut off, trying to find something normal to wear right before we showed up at your house. There is laundry covering the kids’ floors, there are trim pieces flanking the basement while we wait for cabinets to be completed, and I still haven’t started organizing anything. It’s called life. We understand.
before – and during this renovation it was a complete nightmare because it was piled high with all our moving boxes…
A lot of us coming in and taking a look, requires discussion. Most of our sweet clients also end up saying they’re sorry they’re all over the place, and aren’t sure where they want to start. Again, that’s why we’re here. Let’s talk this out. Let’s discuss all the ideas, about what makes the most sense. This is where good projects are born in collaborative discussion.
So I said all that to say, don’t feel bad or apologize. It looks like a real home with real people to us, and we’re just happy to be here.
after
before
• Things Your Designer Wants You to Know: HGTV isn’t real.
A doctor once asked me during an appointment when she figured out what I do for a living, if I watched a lot of design shows on HGTV. When I said no, she laughed and said “Of course you don’t. I don’t even know why I asked you that. That’s like someone asking me if I watch Grey’s Anatomy.” And we both had a nice {borderline hysterical} laugh. This little story pretty much sums it up for us.
Are you a big fan of the Magnolia Network? That’s awesome. But just so you know, it’s not real. There is a lot of editing that takes place in these great TV shows. We’ve worked with production companies before, so just know there’s definitely a man behind the curtain.
America has been brainwashed by “Move that bus!” and sparkle transitions to show the before and after with commercial breaks where an entire house is taken from 1700 to 5,000 sq ft for 2k overnight. I’m exaggerating, but we’ve definitely had some close encounters of that kind, when it comes to the expectations borne from seeing these things over and over again. It can be easy to get caught up in it. A lot of blood sweat and tears happen behind those shows. A lot of time and money is spent. Editing is that final magic wand to gloss it all over. They’re there for entertainment value and people have grown accustomed to that. It’s just not real life.
Please know we’re here to tell you the truth. We aren’t going to lie to you about what’s possible because we aren’t working off of cost-plus motives. We have our base fee and we go from there. We want to guide you through the process and help do what is smart for your family, location, plans, and budget. We learn a lot about people after a quick meeting to see where their perspective is when it comes to an actual renovation. Please know we might tell you something a little different than what you were expecting.
Most importantly, we’re going to be honest up front, and come up with some great solutions for you.
• Things Your Designer Wants You to Know: You’re not always comparing apples to apples
Many times, prospective clients call us in, and wish to compare us to other companies. We know it can be hard because there are so many variables out there. What we offer is a little different, so please know you’re not always comparing apples to apples. Some people realize this. Others don’t.
Check out our post here where we’ve outlined what makes us a little different. But we offer many tailored approaches to working on projects with the client, depending on what they want.
At the end of the day, we put the client first. The functional design that they’re happy with, is the ultimate end goal. That means that we are helping you from the very beginning of the project. From the first meeting, all the way through that polished photograph at the end with all the final details that make your house feel like a home. The little things are our favorite part, and we’re here to hold your hand all the way through that process, from that first meeting to the last day. Sometimes, we work with contractors, sometimes we don’t. We’re happy to tailor the experience to the client’s needs, but we’re here to help you reach your end goal, either way.
So when you call in a standard contractor, who may give you one quote without design, vs. ours… just know these are two entirely different approaches. They’re never apples to apples.
after
before
• Things Your Designer Wants You to Know: We can actually help you save money
We start with the design. That means there are no surprises later because we didn’t throw out a random quote. We’re here to help you think through the entire process, and provide the best approach to making it happen. Timeless, beautiful design is what we love, and we can definitely help you achieve that.
You may spend a little money to hire us, but we are an experienced and educated team with years of combined experience, here to help consider new possibilities and solutions for those unexpected problems. At the end of the day we’re here to help you polish up that final look, and take it to the next level.
• Things Your Designer Wants You to Know: Open Communication is key.
We strive for open communication with our clients. We’ve found that in this industry, this is actually where we shine, because it can be hard to come by. We’re here to be honest and helpful.
So please communicate with us in return.
If you have a question, please ask. If you are concerned about something, let us know. If something is really important to you, we want to hear. If you need to change something, we are all ears. If you’ve changed your mind and you’re ready to pivot, just let us know. If you need to hit pause or even head in a different direction, please just tell us.
We know more than anyone that money can become an issue when you’re thinking about changing all the things. We can actually help with whatever needs to happen, and we’ve personally been there.
Stonewalling or ghosting really don’t accomplish anything, especially in the middle of a project. We have vendors we’re talking with, and spaces we’re holding for clients. We have multiple projects in various stages, that we’re working on at once, so our scheduling abilities hinge on your willingness to be open. Orders may have been placed. Items get discontinued. We just ask that clients keep lines of communication open so that we can work hard for you and keep those timelines flowing smoothly. And we will absolutely do the same for you.
Communication is they key to accomplishing what we ultimately strive for.
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And this, dear friends wraps up part one of things your designer wants you to know! We hope this helps give you an idea of what to expect when you’re getting started with us. Or maybe what to look for, if you’re working with someone else.
Next week, we’ll be covering part two of getting started. Then branching out to other parts of the process. What are some other topics you’d like to see covered in this area? If you’re a designer, what would you like to add to this list? We’d love to hear.
Did you know that we take on clients in the Nashville area and nationally? We’d love to hear from you! Contact us here!
Have an inspired day!
psssst… see the rest of this entire series, here!
• In our FAQ’s post, {where we’ve outlined a little of our company}
• Things Your Designer Wants You to Know {getting started, part 1}. –you are here
• Things Your Designer Wants You to Know {getting started, part 2}.
• Things Your Designer Wants You to Know {the process, part 3}
• Things Your Designer Wants You to Know {red flags, part 4}
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