Proper communication is key to a professional helping you communicate your needs and desires. You'll be able to have the essential conversations with your designer by gathering inspiration and fully assessing your preferences.
Create a Love List and Not-for-Me List
It's a good idea to take photos and ideas of your favorite things when meeting with interior designers. But have you ever thought of making a list about the things that you don't like? These dislikes, perhaps surprisingly, can also be crucial.
Get Visual
Interior designers are primarily visual. It makes sense that images can be the most effective way to convey your thoughts and feelings. This makes things simple and clear. If you imagine "desert style" to be southwestern with lots of natural woods and colorful textiles but your designer envisions more of a Palm Springs midcentury desert feel, then conflict is possible. Your designer and you can quickly get on the same page if you point to a photo and say "I love this" or "I don't like that look." .
Images that directly relate to your project
Collecting images of projects you like and don't like is a great place to begin. Photographs of landscapes are a great way to start if you're working with a landscape architect or landscape designer.
Our interior designer recommends that you look at photos of exteriors and whole-house plans if you're looking for an architect to help you with a home remodel. Start looking for photos of kitchens if you're redesigning your kitchen. We believe you see the picture.
But Include Some Less-On-Topic Photos Too
You don't have to include every image that isn't directly related to the project, but they can still be a great example of the style you love. Images of lifestyle, food, and gardens can provide great examples of color palettes that can help your designer get a better understanding of your overall style than the project photos.
Practice Being Picky
Allow yourself to take as many photographs as you like when you start filling your idea books with photos. Enjoy it! It's time for you to be picky. Focus on reducing each list to the 10-20 best examples. This will give you a better understanding of design and allow you to make design-related decisions. It will be easier to discuss your design strengths the more you use them.
Try To Get Specific
It is helpful to be able to point at an image that you love or loathe, but it can lead to confusion and miscommunications if you don’t clearly state what it is about the space you like or dislike.
While you may be thinking about color palettes, your interior designer might be focusing on furniture design. A note is added to each image in your idea book. This will make it easier.
Take the following checklists and use them as a guide. Then, see how many you can add to your own lists.
THE THINGS THAT YOU LOVE Checklist:
You should include the following features:
NOT FOR MY Checklist:
You have strong feelings about certain colors or shades of color. You deserve a huge pat on your back if you have made it this far. It can be difficult to define your style. But, it doesn't have to be hard. Your designer will usually be there to help you throughout the entire process. Your designer and you will have a better working relationship if you put more effort into the front. If you have completed these exercises but are still struggling to identify your style, it might be worth looking laterally:
Are there restaurants, brands, or shops that reflect your love and hate?
This information can help you add to your style information, provided that the places you choose are familiar or easily found images of. It is important to communicate your preferences to an interior designer. However, it is equally important to let your designer know your thoughts and feelings.
All the things you love will be there. You might not love all of them, but you can always find a way to make it your home. You may be surprised at how much you enjoy a creative interior designer's vision.
Comments