Practiced interior designers know part of the custom design experience is creating a space personalized to the client’s design sensibilities. That process starts by foraging out the client’s preferred design style, preferences, and intended use of the space.
We’ve asked four designers to share how they get clients to open-up and convey thoughts about what they’d like to see in their completed space and how trends influence the process.
Design Professional: Amy Bubier, ASID
ab design elements, llc
Tell me about the techniques you use to get clients to communicate their design style?
With out-of-town clients, we have found that dropping images into Houzz Ideabooks is a good way to see items side-by-side during telephone discussions with the client. Whether we use images from Houzz, online manufacturers, or scan in magazine pictures, placing images in Ideabooks makes it easy to add/delete in real-time, versus following up with a PowerPoint or sending individual links. That’s a good initial way to start, then we expand on those concepts and images and work up to more comprehensive presentations.
Sometimes we’ll take a client to a home that we’ve done in the past—whether it’s a vacant vacation home or one where we’ve asked the homeowner to visit for a quick 10-minute tour. The new client can sit on pieces that are custom-made by the same proposed manufacturer. This is also an opportunity to talk about lighting and color palettes. I always want to understand what they love and don’t love when working with a client.
Each season we see new trends sweep the design industry. How do these trends influence the development of the design?
Often we see trends crossing over between interiors and industries like fashion, industrial design, and automotive design. People are seeing trends in different contexts and are influenced by them. We all enjoy a fresh change and trends allow this — they’re often a good thing! When it comes to homes, most people want to acknowledge trends but they want a timeless, classic look. It’s often a fine balance when furnishing a home or specifying more permanent things like tile finishes and light fixtures. The obvious answer is to use more trendy colors and patterns in objects that can be changed out over time at less cost. It’s fun to pull in unique, edgy objects and fixtures because it gives the home an unexpected style.
Share with us some tips on how you help clients to stay focused on the ultimate vision?
Sometimes it’s best not to visit showrooms with clients because they can get overwhelmed or easily distracted so we’ll narrow down to a few options and meet at their home. When we’re furnishing a whole home it’s helpful to refer to a PowerPoint presentation where we have all items near each other for context. During each meeting, we re-iterate the design concept/vision and bring our basket of samples/cut sheets so that we’re seeing the pieces together as we make decisions. At the end of each meeting, I like to wrap up with what we’ve accomplished, decided, and what we have left to do. This summary helps me as well as the client to see where we are in the process and it keeps us focused on the specifics that are leading to the finished vision!
Design Professional: Joi D. Prater, ASID
Joi Prater Interiors & Associates, LLC
Tell me about the techniques you use to get clients to communicate their design style?
Most people don’t know what to call their design style. I don’t get too worried about trying to put a name to traditional, contemporary, modern. What I might describe as a traditional or a modern design, may not be what my client would describe as traditional or modern design. I feel the best way to understand a client’s design style is to look at photos or pictures of a room together. I ask them to show me things they like, as well as things they don’t like. There is usually a common thread in what they are drawn to. Once I have identified this, I know what direction to take with them. If we start by selecting a main piece for the room, whether it’s a fabulous piece of furniture, a unique tile, or a fun wallpaper, I will show them what works with it and compliments their selection. This helps to create their own personalized design style.
Each season we see new trends sweep the design industry. How do these trends influence the development of the design?
I think new trends make a significant impact on the public’s view of interior design choices. It’s fashion for the home. And just as we like to change our wardrobe with the seasons, we like to do the same with our environments. Trends have a tremendous perception on the public and dictate what is “in” and up-to-date. However, with that said, not all trends are for everyone. The feeling that we get from an environment is more important than following a trend. Spaces appeal to us for different reasons and they always evoke a feeling. What is our main objective in the design? A calming, serene space? A vibrant, lively room to entertain? Or, organized space to work? The design needs to be functional for its occupants. It needs to speak to your senses. Never feel you have to follow the crowd. The development stage is the time to think outside the box, be creative, and have some fun!
Share with us some tips on how you help clients to stay focused on the ultimate vision?
Create a great plan, coordinate all materials and selections before final decisions are made, and keep the end result in mind!
Design Professional: Yvonne Wyman
Fantasia Interior Design
Tell me about the techniques you use to get clients to communicate their design style?
I like to start off with an interview process; preferably in their home. I find out what they need, want, and how they want the space to function. I get to know the personality of the homeowners, their background, lifestyle, as well as the needs of the family and pets. Building a personal yet professional relationship is imperative to establish trust. I like to show them we are serious about their project, yet we like to have little fun, and most importantly, we value and encourage communication. This is accomplished by going out to an occasional dinner or inviting our clients to trade and design events so they feel like they are part of the project. I often give my clients homework such as identifying what they already have but still might need, finding pictures of how they might want the home to look when completed, or even finding unique designs they might want.
Each season we see new trends sweep the design industry. How do these trends influence the development of the design?
I stay current on design trends by going to Market, regularly visiting the local design center, attending and hosting design and trade events showcasing new and emerging concepts, designers, and color forecasts. Staying on top of these trends helps me build a source and idea reference so less time is required to find just the right pieces. I love creating designs that are new and fresh and providing my clients with a look unique to their home.
Share with us some tips on how you help clients to stay focused on the ultimate vision?
Since most people have a hard time envisioning the final product, I incorporate pictures, sketches, and show them previous projects. This helps them visualize how different colors and textures may work in their space. I also have a project schedule in place to keep the client on track and well informed.
Design Professional: Laura Eagan, CKD
Estrella Cabinetry and Design Center
Tell me about the techniques you use to get clients to communicate their design style?
Thank goodness for Pinterest and Houzz!! I ask my clients to create a file or board and pin everything they like. This is the best way to communicate with them and to see their design style. So often we speak different design style languages using the same words. Before the introduction of these wonderful sites, I would ask my clients to create a three-ring binder with pictures from magazines or cabinetry brochures. Glad to say those binder days are over!
Each season we see new trends sweep the design industry. How do these trends influence the development of the design?
I am in such a unique location that my clients come from all over the country. Each of my clients’ design styles is heavily influenced by their original location. Each location often has seasonal trends and, it is my job to know the demographic of their background. For example, a client from North Dakota is extremely different from a client originating from Florida. Even though they are relocating to the Southwest, I am asked to incorporate their roots into the design style of the new home they purchased in Goodyear, Arizona. A contemporary design for the North Dakota client might be a walnut slab door with soapstone countertops with the Florida client interpreting contemporary as white slab doors with a quartz countertop with a bit of sparkle in it.
Share with us some tips on how you help clients to stay focused on the ultimate vision?
This exact scenario happens quite often. A client will start the project thinking they want to go in one direction and then discover they like something entirely different. 50% of the projects I have done lately begin with, “I want everything gray.” They quickly realize they don’t want everything gray as we incorporate some warm tones into a gray pallet. If I take a gentle approach and show them by mixing maybe a warm wood tile floor with the cool gray cabinetry, it will be spectacular. Keeping the client focused is sometime difficult but then maybe, to show them my thoughts, I will break out my own Pinterest board!
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