What I Wish More Clients Knew Before Starting a Home Design Project
Let’s talk timelines, budgets, Pinterest dreams, and learning to trust your designer.
Designing your home is one of the most exciting and transformative journeys you can take. You might be focused on updating a single room or envisioning a full-scale remodel. No matter the scope, there’s something powerful about creating a space that feels uniquely yours. But here’s what most people don’t realize when they start: beautiful design takes more than just good taste. It takes strategy, flexibility, and a bit of patience.
If you’re thinking about starting a home design project soon, here are a few things we wish every client knew upfront—because a little knowledge now can save a lot of time, money, and stress later.
Good Design Takes Time
We know the HGTV shows make it look like you can flip a whole house over the weekend, but in reality, a thoughtfully designed space takes time. From the initial design consultation to the final styling touches, there are multiple phases involved—each requiring planning, coordination, and follow-through. The process includes site measurements, mood boards, 3D renderings, sourcing, purchasing, managing deliveries, and often troubleshooting the unexpected. These stages are layered and intentional.
For example, sourcing custom furniture pieces or handcrafted materials can take 8-12 weeks (sometimes more). Contractors and tradespeople often have full schedules, and permit approvals can take longer than expected. When everything finally arrives, there's still installation, styling, and walkthroughs to complete. It's a dance of details that demands patience, precision, and preparation.
Pro Tip: Start planning as early as possible. If you want your space ready by the holidays, you should be starting in the spring—not October.
Your Budget Needs Room to Breathe
We get it. Budgets matter. But what most people don’t account for are the unexpected expenses that show up along the way. Maybe the electrician discovers outdated wiring. Maybe that vintage tile you fell in love with requires extra labor. Or maybe you decide mid-way through that you really want that statement chandelier. No matter how much you plan, surprises often pop up.
And here’s the thing: being financially rigid puts pressure on every decision, often leading to compromises that affect the final outcome. Flexibility within your budget gives you space to make thoughtful choices, pivot when needed, and handle surprises with confidence. It also means you're more likely to end up with a result you truly love, instead of something you just had to settle for.
Pro Tip: Add a 15-20% contingency line to your budget for those "just in case" moments.
Pinterest Is Inspiration, Not a Blueprint
We love when clients come to us with Pinterest boards. It helps us understand your style, your mood, your vibe. But it’s important to remember: Pinterest shows the highlight reel, not the behind-the-scenes. That kitchen with the waterfall island and brass fixtures? It might be a $150K custom build from Europe. The lighting, the scale, the finishes—everything you see is tailored to a different context.
Our job is to take your inspiration and translate it into something that works for your home, your lifestyle, and your budget. We use your favorite pins as a launch point to understand what speaks to you, then we build a space that feels aligned—not copied. It’s about capturing the essence, not duplicating the details.
Pro Tip: Tell us what you feel when you look at your inspo images. Cozy? Modern? Airy? That’s the real blueprint.
Trust the Process (and Your Designer)
This one’s big. Trust is everything. When clients let us do what we do best—while staying open and communicative—the results are next-level. It’s okay to ask questions and be involved. But the best transformations happen when there’s mutual respect and space for creativity. The most successful projects come from a shared vision where everyone plays their role with clarity.
If we suggest a different sofa size or steer you away from that all-white paint you saw online, it’s not because we’re ignoring your vision. It’s because we’re considering how it will live in your space, with your light, your layout, and your needs. Every recommendation we make is about ensuring your final space isn’t just beautiful on Instagram—but also functional and lasting in real life.
Pro Tip: Choose a designer you vibe with—someone who listens and leads. Then trust them to carry the vision through
Final Thoughts
Designing a home isn’t just about creating something beautiful—it’s about creating a space that works for the way you live. Your home should support your lifestyle, elevate your everyday routines, and bring joy and comfort to your life. With the right mindset and a thoughtful approach, the process can be just as fulfilling as the outcome.
Our promise? We’ll guide you with intention, creativity, and care every step of the way. Because at the end of the day, this is more than a home project. It’s your story, your sanctuary, your everyday. Let’s build something meaningful—and beautiful—together.
Ready to get started? Let’s make it amazing.
