Ever wondered what gets discussed during an initial consultation?
Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at what we discussed and accomplished during one clients’ initial consultation! It’s a lot, so I’m breaking it up into multiple posts. Enjoy!
Family Room Layout Quandary
My clients were really struggling with finding a good layout for furniture in this open concept space with the odd angled fireplace, so I sketched up this rough (not to scale) layout during the consultation.
This drawing became the to-scale furniture layout below (actual scale of all final pieces).
Kitchen Backsplash Woes
Pink beige travertine tile dated the kitchen and made the counters look extremely yellow.
I recommended a change to a beautiful Ann Sacks modern glass tile, installed in rows for a contemporary feel. I also recommended a dark grout color and oil-rubbed bronze outlets.
Arch Pains
The one random arched passageway in the home just did not fit with the rest of the architecture.
My clients weren’t fans, but their friends kept telling them to leave the arch. I reassured them that you can get rid of one arch and still maintain the integrity of the architecture. The passageway looks MUCH more in tune with the rest of the home now.
More Drama Required!
The dining room color wasn’t my client’s favorite, but they had no idea what to do instead.
I recommended black, since I knew my clients love black. This room has both ample natural light and electric light, plus it has a lot of white woodwork, so the room can handle a super dark color. I also recommended nixing the paint in the tray ceiling to let the architecture itself be the star.
Bye Bye, Off-Centered Can Lights
Can lighting has its place…but not awkwardly off center over the dinette eating area.
I recommended having the two can lights removed and adding a chandelier in the center of the eating area, instead.
Click here for Part 2!
John Smith
| 8 January 2024Lindsey Putzier’s blog beautifully unravels the intricacies of an initial consultation in interior design. The detailed account provides a fascinating glimpse into the collaborative process, emphasizing the importance of understanding the client’s vision. The narrative style engages readers, creating a sense of anticipation for the upcoming parts. Looking forward to gaining more insights into the artistry of interior design consultations!
Daniel Smith
| 22 April 2024Thanks for sharing a behind-the-scenes look at an initial consultation! It’s insightful to learn how you approach these sessions and what clients can expect. I like how you focus on understanding their needs, style preferences, and goals. This approach not only sets a positive tone but also helps build a strong foundation for the design process. I look forward to reading more in the next parts of this series!
Daniel Smith
| 28 April 2024What an insightful look into the initial consultation process! It’s great to see the emphasis on understanding the client’s vision right from the start. The detailed explanation of how you listen to and collaborate with clients really highlights your commitment to personalized service. I also appreciate the focus on setting expectations and clear communication. Thanks for sharing this behind-the-scenes perspective; it’s incredibly helpful for anyone considering a design consultation!
St. Louis Retaining Walls
| 5 November 2024This first part of your series on initial consultations is incredibly enlightening, especially for those of us in the construction and landscaping fields. I appreciate how you break down the importance of understanding a client’s vision and goals right from the start. It’s fascinating to see how establishing a strong foundation during the consultation can lead to a successful project outcome.
Your insights about assessing the site and discussing potential challenges resonate with me, particularly when it comes to projects involving retaining walls. I’ve encountered various situations where a thorough initial assessment could have mitigated future issues, such as drainage problems or soil stability concerns.
I’m curious—when discussing retaining walls specifically, what key factors do you emphasize to clients during your consultations to ensure they have a clear understanding of the engineering and aesthetic implications? Are there particular questions you find most helpful in guiding the conversation?