KATIE LAUGHRIDGE | Tribune News Service
STYLE AT HOME
Working with a designer is an exciting opportunity to take your design dreams to the next level. A designer's role is to help you think outside the box and arrive at a design destination that you might not have otherwise traveled.
A client-designer relationship is like a dance. We're happy to take the lead, but if both dancers know the footwork, generally things can progress a little more in step. If you're unsure of how to begin this process, you can do a little bit of prep work prior to meeting your designer that will help your design meetings run smoothly.
Gather your thoughts
Before you meet with your designer, think through these points:
1 Know what you like (and what you don't)
People are also reading... McDowell slots into 7A classification ahead of expansion, realignment Roaming Buffalo Outpost opens new, bigger location in Marion Concert in Marion to benefit J. Hartman's restaurant in Hurricane Helene recovery 'There is hope.' After Hurricane Helene destruction, Gowan family hopes to rebuild Triple C Campground Marion 14 and 11 year old donate $1,000 to Old Fort Elementary with money from detailing business Morganton furniture maker to lay off 121 while suing insurance company for hurricane damages US Health Secretary visits McDowell County as first IV fluid leaves Baxter plant after hurricane 36 temporary FEMA housing trailers approved in McDowell County, more expected Marion's greenway reopening Saturday after Hurricane Helene closure Believers bought airplane for dead preacher thinking he'd rise from grave to fly in it Lake James State Park to partially reopen Friday after Hurricane Helene closure; Mount Mitchell remains closed Pair charged in check forging scheme, mail fraud in McDowell County 2024 election results for Marion and McDowell County After 3 years closed, Mr. Bob's Do-Nuts opening again in downtown Marion Former NC Labor Commissioner to lead state health care group
If you know you hate red, it's OK to say it. We love hearing what you don't like just as much as what you do. It makes the process go so much more smoothly. When you are familiar with and can articulate what you like and don't like, your designer can more quickly and accurately identify the right design concept for your space.
2 Be realistic about your lifestyle
When meeting with you, we might ask questions about components of your lifestyle, how your space needs to function and anything that might point us in a particular direction regarding furniture frames, fabrics and more. If you have pets or small children, for example, we might steer you toward performance fabrics that are easy to clean. These questions help us to better home in on the details that elevate your design into something that is a true reflection of you and how you live your life.
3 Think about how you want your furniture to feel
Are you a fan of the feel and look of crushed velvet, or are you looking for a chunky woven organic texture in your fabric? If you know you're needing a performance fabric but are worried about them feeling hard or stiff, I'm excited to tell you that performance fabric has come a long way in recent years and can feel just as rich and buttery as traditional piles.
Additionally, think about what kind of cushions you are after and the kind of maintenance you're willing to take on. Are you a die-hard fan of down, or do you need something with more support? Do you want to set and forget, or are you prepared to fluff after each use? There is no wrong answer. All options produce beautiful results; just know what your lifestyle requires.
Gather your inspiration
Before you meet with a designer, here are a few things you can do on your own to prepare:
1 Turn to social media for inspiration
Save a post if you find a piece you love, and show your designer during your appointment.
2 Collect swatches
Gather swatches of wall colors, wall coverings and flooring from spaces you wish to keep as-is, and fabric swatches for existing pieces you want to work into your new space.
3 Measure your space
Measure your room, not only taking into account the length and width of the room but noting where the windows and doors are located in the space. One measurement we often see left out is the height and width of the doorways (and hallways and stairwells) through which the furniture will need to fit in order to enter the space. Include a floor plan if you can (don't worry; a quick sketch is sufficient).
4 Create a mood board
Mood boards can be made physically, but often I find a digital version is a great place to start. Include design inspiration you like as well as fabric and wallpaper snippets from your home if you intend to keep them. This is not a necessary step to do on your own, but it's a great way for a designer to get a visual representation of your personal style.
Be the first to know
Get local news delivered to your inbox!
Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.