The One Thing Everyone Needs to Know Before Starting an Interior Design Project
In our blog post on design consultations last month, I mentioned the importance of having a pre-planned strategy for making decisions. Today, I’m pulling back the curtain on WHY this is so important to a successful project.
Hint: It starts with “decision” and ends with “fatigue…”
But first, let me explain what most people don’t know about design projects.
WHAT REALITY TV DOESN’T TELL YOU ABOUT INTERIOR DESIGN PROJECTS
1. THERE’S NO SUCH THING AS A SMALL DESIGN PROJECT
Whether you have a tiny space or a large one, one room to style or a whole house to renovate, there is simply no such thing as a small design project. Why?
Because no matter the size of your space, there are hundreds, maybe thousands, of decisions to be made when designing!
I’m sure you can think of the big and sweeping questions, like “which flooring” and “how do we arrange this space?” But interior design goes much deeper, to the high-level details like “how will the window casing intersect with the wainscoting?” or “how do we deal with a tricky tile finish detail?”
LBI’s Suggestion: Awareness and realistic expectations are the first very step to not getting overwhelmed… so now you know!
2. MOST DESIGN DECISIONS AREN’T QUICK, SIMPLE ONES
Ever heard of the domino effect? Interior design projects have little dominos scattered every up, down, and which-way, so one decision (or a change to one) impacts ALL of the other pieces.
This means that each decision must be calculated and thoughtful, and you’ll likely want a professional’s advice or leadership to make sure you’re seeing every angle. Professionals also help you make decisions that can avoid accidentally sinking your budget or timeline.
LBI’s Suggestion: Let an experienced designer take the specifics off your plate, or at the very least, bring you the advice, mockups, and illustrations to make those decisions a whole lot easier.
3. DECISION FATIGUE IS A NORMAL PART OF ANY DESIGN PROJECT
If no project is small and no decision is simple, then it’s unsurprising that “decision fatigue” is a normal and expected part of any design process.
As the decisions add up over the months (or the year, if you have a large-scale renovation), we often see our clients’ enthusiasm and interest puttering out — not because they no longer care, but simply because it’s exhausting!
LBI’s Suggestion: Even if you are working with a designer, expect decision fatigue and be actively on the lookout for it because…
4. GIVING IN TO DECISION FATIGUE CAN HURT YOUR PROJECT’S OUTCOME
It’s true. Falling prey to decision fatigue — i.e. losing interest, defaulting to easy solutions instead of the best ones — can hurt the final outcome of your project.
Trust me, we do this on the daily. We know how real decision fatigue is, and we never blame you for feeling disenchanted with your project as time goes on. BUT, and this is a big but, don’t give in!!
LBI’s Suggestion: If you find a designer you trust to represent you well, you can give them the freedom to make the behind-the-scenes decisions that will keep your project moving. That’s what we’re best at! Your energy (and sanity) will thank you.
That’s it for today. I hope this topic has given you the insight you need to start your design project with the best expectations and preparation.
And if you haven’t yet seen our post on design consultations, it’s another informative read to help you on your way to success.
See you next week!
XxLeAnne