What is Full Service Interior Design?
Full service interior design: it's an art and it takes time.I have worked with rookie clients; those who have never worked with a designer before, and those who have worked with an interior designer. Some of my clients have worked with what I call, "personal shoppers". A personal shopper actually shops the local furniture stores and provides a few options for pieces of furniture for a client's home. This works well when a client wants their furnishings super fast and is not concerned about custom, quality, or specialty pieces. I have heard a lot of feedback from the clients of personal shoppers over the years and while the clients get their furnishings fast, they are usually dissatisfied with the results.Why are clients dissatisfied? Shopping for what is available off the shelves means that you get what you get. The sofa may be a little too long, the armoire may be a little too dark in finish, and the art may not fit as nicely with the color scheme. The design is often piece meal. One piece here and one piece there and installed a few pieces at a time. I have had many inquiries over the years from potential clients who want this service but I have to kindly decline. It's not that I don't want to help, it's that I know these potential clients will not be pleased with the results and nether will I.
Good design is meant to last.
It should reflect the people who live in the home.
It should be carefully selected for those who have pets and those who have children.
The rooms should coordinate.
Interior design should make you feel happy.
It takes time and it is worth the wait!
A plan should be created for all pieces of the project before anything is ordered.
All full service projects begin with a meeting to discuss the scope of the project and the client's goals for their home.
There are questionnaires to be filled out and collaboration over inspiration images.
My assistant and I take measurements of all the rooms that need to be beautified and lots of photos.
Master Bedroom Before Photo
We return to the studio to create floor plans and the concepts. Then we start the selection process. I will share some of the items with my clients to make sure we are on the right track. We will have another meeting to review the progress thus far. Sample fabrics and finishes will be shared. We return to the design studio to make adjustments and continue to ensure every detail is on target.During the interior design process we are ordering samples, checking stock and prices, and coordinating and collaborating with contractors.We schedule a design presentation at which we share all of the images and materials samples for furnishings, art, lighting, rugs, etc. It's very exciting!! My clients get to see what the result will look like. If there is anything that they do not love, they can make changes. I usually work with husband and wife teams and it's imperative that they both love the design plan.
Procurement and Renovations
This is when all of the ordering and renovations take place. It takes many hours to place the orders and then track them. My clients do not have to worry about any of this. Whew! All of the pretties make their way to a receiving warehouse in Dallas where they are uncrated, inspected, and photographed. All of those reports are sent to me for review. My team takes care of any damaged items.I collaborate with contractors and vendors to make sure the desired aesthetic is achieved. I do not hire, fire, or manage the schedules of the contractors. That is the responsibility of the client, however, there are a lot of details that get figured out behind the scenes and on the site. We are always working together.After all items have been received and renovations are complete, delivery is scheduled.
Installation
Installation takes one to three days depending on the number of rooms. The delivery crew installs the furnishings and art. My assistant and I place the accessories. We make a BIG mess. The we clean it up and let our clients know that its time to come home.
The Big Reveal
There is nothing more exciting than walking clients through their home for the first time! We have all waited and waited and now it's show time!
Before and After Photos
Take a look at the master bedroom before we began the project. They used what they had from their previous home but wanted to elevate the space and make it more luxurious and comfortable.Here is the hand-drawn rendering that we presented to the clients. It is important that the clients see the vision that we have for their spaces. We all need to be on the same page. Renderings are provided for full service clients and help communicate the details and get our clients excited about the changes.
Here is what took place:
The walls were painted to compliment the cherry colored furnishings
The painter smoothed the headboard wall
The wall paper installer measured the wall and let us know how much wallpaper was needed
The wall was sealed and the paper was hung
The electrician replaced the ceiling fan
We installed the furnishings, rug, art, and accessories (we incorporated the clients' special items)
Master Bedroom After
Master Bedroom Before
Master Bedroom After
The ottomans are custom and the bedding is soft and machine washable.The husband wanted a larger chest to store his workout clothes so we selected one that is lighter in color and large enough to hold plenty of clothing.In the sitting area we added floor lamps that focus the light and save room on the side tables. There is a special space for her and one for him, or they can sit together! So may options! The custom ottoman opens to hold books and paperwork. We incorporated gold and brass to compliment the aqua colored walls. Everything was selected for it's usefulness, size and proportions, color, and style.
Here is the living room when we walked in. Here is what took place:
The walls were painted a lighter color
Recessed lights and wall sconces were installed
The chandeliers were replaced
A larger TV and a sound bar were installed
Then we brought in all of the pretty items
Living Room Before
Living Room After
Living Room After
Living Room Before
Living Room After
Living Room Details
Overall, the room needed to be lighter and brighter. We accomplished this with paint, additional lights, and lighter furnishings. The upholstered pieces are custom-made.The process is not quick or cheap but it is well worth the investment of time and money. This is a successful project. This is happy.When you are ready to create your unique home, contact me at holly@hollybellomyinteriors.comRenderings by Tawna Allred InteriorsProfessional photos by Twin Shoot Photography