Most of the clients who contact me have never worked with a decorator before and don't know what to expect from me or the process. Assuming that you have chosen wisely, and you and your decorator have a good understanding and vision for your space, here are three easy steps to ensure a productive and mutually satisfying design partnership:
1. Be Decisive. This is the single most important factor in whether or not your design process runs smoothly and proceeds in a timely manner. As a decorator, I can't do anything without first getting your approval. For everything from budgeting to window treatments to delivery times, I need your input. I can recommend many things but unless you can pick one and not vacillate, nothing gets accomplished.
2. Be Honest. If you don't like the things your decorator is doing or the direction the project is going, say so! If you hate every one of the five chairs you were shown make that clear. But don't stop there, explain what you don't like. Is it the color, the style, the price? If you don't make your objections clear you are likely to get more of the same. Having said that, the choices your decorator makes are not random. Tell your decorator your concerns and then give her the chance to explain why she made her choices. The decorator is looking at the big picture and how all the elements of a room come together. She should be able to articulate the reasons for her choices.
3. Trust me! By saying "trust me", I am really saying trust yourself. You chose your decorator because you like her work and have a good rapport. Have faith that what she is recommending and suggesting has been thoughtfully and professionally done. Trust that there has been consideration given to budget, personal preferences, timeline and overall outcome. This doesn't mean hand over the keys and the check book and go on vacation. It does mean that you don't question every decision and ask for justification of every choice. After all, people hire decorators to do what they can't or won't do themselves. You have to trust in your decorator's talent, knowledge and experience. If you don't trust your decorator, terminate the relationship and find another decorator.
For me, the best jobs are those that deliver a product that my client is thrilled with, but the most satisfying jobs are those that run smoothly, stay on budget, and result in a good design.
Now that you have these guidelines, call a decorator and get started on your dream home!
2. Be Honest. If you don't like the things your decorator is doing or the direction the project is going, say so! If you hate every one of the five chairs you were shown make that clear. But don't stop there, explain what you don't like. Is it the color, the style, the price? If you don't make your objections clear you are likely to get more of the same. Having said that, the choices your decorator makes are not random. Tell your decorator your concerns and then give her the chance to explain why she made her choices. The decorator is looking at the big picture and how all the elements of a room come together. She should be able to articulate the reasons for her choices.
3. Trust me! By saying "trust me", I am really saying trust yourself. You chose your decorator because you like her work and have a good rapport. Have faith that what she is recommending and suggesting has been thoughtfully and professionally done. Trust that there has been consideration given to budget, personal preferences, timeline and overall outcome. This doesn't mean hand over the keys and the check book and go on vacation. It does mean that you don't question every decision and ask for justification of every choice. After all, people hire decorators to do what they can't or won't do themselves. You have to trust in your decorator's talent, knowledge and experience. If you don't trust your decorator, terminate the relationship and find another decorator.
For me, the best jobs are those that deliver a product that my client is thrilled with, but the most satisfying jobs are those that run smoothly, stay on budget, and result in a good design.
Now that you have these guidelines, call a decorator and get started on your dream home!
