The ONE Design Consultation You Need to Achieve Your Dream Home
Whether a client is building a new home, renovating their current home, wanting to redecorate a single room, or simply looking for an expert to bounce ideas off of, every successful design project starts with a 2-Hour Design Work Session.
This unique 2-hour session can be used in a wide variety of ways...
I’ve seen clients use that time to glean my expertise as we walk through the long list of decisions that need to be made for a new build. From layout options that impact the overall flow of their home to the detailed finishes in each individual room, they come into the session overwhelmed, and leave feeling knowledgeable and ready to forge ahead.
I’ve had other clients preparing for their first child and realizing the nursery needs an overhaul. The thought of choosing the perfect paint color that will be soothing for baby, yet stimulating enough to keep them awake during those late night snuggle sessions...well, that can be a daunting task. They use this consultation to determine a paint color, set a theme, and make a plan that feels both fun and achievable.
No matter what home project looms for you on the horizon, my 2-Hour Design Work Session is the first step, and quite honestly, sometimes all you might need.
Here’s how to know if it’s right for you...
Who is a design consultation right for?
I often tell clients that this is a service that anyone and everyone can benefit from. If you have questions, from the most general to the incredibly specific, this consultation will help you find the answers that you are looking for...which is more than worth the investment.
A 2-Hour Design Work Session might be for you if:
You are building a new home or renovating an existing home.
Your list of decisions to make grows longer by the day and you don’t know where to start.
You're frustrated with trying to furnish and decorate your home.
You don't know where to start, where to shop, or what to buy!
You're trying to choose the right paint color.
You grab swatches, hang them on your wall, and still don't know which one is right!
You just want someone to come in and create your dream home!
You know what you want, but don’t have the time to do it yourself.
You want to work on the home yourself but need a plan.
You’re eager to roll up your sleeves and dive in, but you want some direction.
You don't know what the heck you need but you know you don't like how your home looks now!
You need someone with an eye for design to evaluate your space and make some honest recommendations.
What is the process for preparing for a design consultation?
In order to get the maximum bang for their buck, I ask clients to do some prep work so that we can both go into the consultation prepared and ready for an impactful and insightful conversation. Time is money, and I don’t want to waste anyone’s time discussing details that could have been shared ahead of time.
The process starts with a free 15-Minute Discovery Call. This short conversation gives me a feel for the type of project the client has in mind, and establishes a firm foundation for next steps.
We start by chatting about what the client is struggling with and what their design/decorating plans are to date. If they have no clue and are seeking guidance from the get-go, that is great too. I’m here to help!
We’ll talk further about their likes and dislikes, what’s working in the home and what isn’t, how the family lives in the space, and much more. Don’t worry, if a client doesn’t have all of this top-of-mind on the call, I’m well-versed in asking the questions that get us to the answers we are looking for. ;)
Following this first call, I send the client a questionnaire or two to get to know them and their project. I also ask clients to send photos of the rooms they are wanting to address during the session.
What can be expected from a design consultation?
From the information gathered on the discovery call, as well as the details provided in the completed questionnaires, I can determine a client’s style as well as the most important design dilemmas they are facing.
Every conversation is personalized for the project at hand (since it is only 2 hours, after all), but each session does follow a similar framework.
Following an overview of the project specifics, one of the first things I always start this session with is educating clients about undertones, since those are the basis for developing every color scheme.
Whether the client is redecorating, renovating, or building new, understanding the undertones in their space allows clients to cut through 85% of the choices and go straight for the neutral category they are working with. This leads to less overwhelm and also allows for quicker decisions, saving significant time and stress.
After walking through this mini undertone “seminar”, I’ll answer client questions and offer practical, professional advice and tips on anything from paint colors to fixed finish options, space planning to lighting ideas, window coverings, decor, fabric choices, and more.
For instance:
If a client needs the most help choosing paint colors, we will identify the rooms with the greatest need and work through the paint selections together.
If a client needs help deciding on kitchen or bathroom layouts and finishes, we will begin narrowing down the available options.
If a client wants help measuring their space to determine the size of furniture and accessories to buy, we will complete the measurement in-person (or make a plan to do so virtually).
At the end of any design consultation, the homeowner will always leave informed and well-equipped to move forward with their project.
Sometimes this consultation is all they need to get over the hurdle they were facing. Other times, this is the first step in a longer client-designer relationship. No matter the outcome, this session is always an incredibly valuable first step.
What is brought to a design consultation?
I bring samples of fabrics, paint, tile, flooring, countertop materials, window coverings, etc...any finishes that go along with the project the clients specifies on their completed questionnaire.
I will also go through any samples that the client may have on hand and make recommendations as to why they will or won’t work and how to continue on or shift gears, if needed.
After the 2-Hour Design Work Session, if the client isn’t confident in executing the ideas on their own or doesn't have the time to move forward with the plans we laid out, they can choose to have me come up with a design plan and execute it accordingly.
But, if they got everything they needed from our time together, wonderful! They know I am always available for a continuation conversation. It’s easy to book an “Ask Adrienne” phone call (or Zoom conference) away if/when they need more guidance.
What are the benefits of a design consultation?
I find that most clients fit into one of 3 categories:
They have no idea where to start.
They have an eye for design and know what looks good together, but need confirmation.
They know what they like but don’t know how to bring all of the materials together in a cohesive way.
A design consultation can resolve any of these situations.
This 2-Hour Design Work Session always saves clients substantial time and money. For instance, a client may know that a design element looks “off” but they don’t know why and therefore can’t fix it.
Knowing how to identify undertones in neutral paint, fabrics, tile, and wood is the key and is also usually where most people go wrong. If I do nothing more than educate clients on this subject for 2 hours, they will save time and money by purchasing decor in the appropriate color palette the first time and will leave the session well-informed for all future design decisions.
What do others have to say about the design consultation?
Does this sound like something you could benefit from? You don’t have to just take my word for it. Here are some reviews from clients who booked 2-Hour Design Work Sessions and came away from those with everything they needed to continue with their projects armed with knowledge and excitement for the journey ahead:
“We found Adrienne to be very personable and made us feel very comfortable in our discussions. She helped us make sense of our style and what we could achieve with our color choices. Extremely knowledgeable and professional. We feel so much better moving forward with our project after our initial consult with her and will continue to consult going forward. Highly recommend Adrienne to help with any project you may have!”
— Arlene H.
“We felt very fortunate to have Adrienne come to our home for multiple projects, and apply her expertise. In today's world of endless options such as paint colors and countertop choices we found her an invaluable resource to achieve the final look we desired. She is highly knowledgeable, has excellent interpersonal skills, and helped us transform our rather drab and dark newly purchased house into something fresh and reflective of our family, energy, and spirit! Highly recommend Adrienne for any house related project.”
— Courtney F.
The 2-Hour Design Work Session is a very customized service because every client has different needs and levels of assistance they require. Due largely to the work that myself and the clients do in advance, and the dedicated time where we can hone in on the questions at hand, the investment in this working session is invaluable.
I’m thrilled to offer this service to my clients, whether it is the first step of many in our working relationship, or is the push the client needs to continue on their way informed, equipped, and re-energized.
I offer straightforward guidance for stress-free building, renovating, and decorating. I will simplify your decision-making, saving you time and money- and create a home that makes you feel welcome after a long hard day!
A home is your biggest investment, taking risks is not an option! If you’re ready to work with a professional to plan thoughtfully for your home’s future, design individually for your family’s lifestyle, and achieve the home of your dreams, please give me a call.
Until next month,
Adrienne