Design Process | Interior Design Services
Upper west side mid-century modern sputnik chandelier in dining room with custom built-ins and antique mirror wallpaper backsplash
“Her attention to the small things that make a huge difference was impressive, and combined with her access to supplier’s reps gave us a wide range of choices that still fit our budget and timeline.”
Our Interior Design Process
“Her guidance and expertise made the entire experience of decorating our new home absolutely wonderful! ”
“We have hired Sarah for various different projects and love working with her. She is patient and determined to make sure you get the vision you want. ”
“Sarah Elizabeth made this complicated job uncomplicated and converted our apartment, room by room, into a home for our family, reflecting our tastes and how we live. She made a daunting project happen with a minimum of effort by us, fully turn-key. ”
Initial Meeting
A complimentary 20 minute phone call scheduled with potential clients is how we like to begin, followed by an in-home consultation should we feel the project is a good fit for our design studio. This is a working meeting and will be billed at a flat fee for the first 2 hours. We listen carefully and ask a lot of questions during initial meetings to get at the core of how you want to feel in your space, while giving design advice and preliminary recommendations for each room. Our team then reviews the scope of work and includes everything in a detailed proposal that includes all phases of the design process, furniture, fixtures and accessories we will source, design direction, and projected project hours. Once contracts are signed and the retailer’s sent, we start the exciting design process!
Design Process:
Our team gets to work measuring and documenting your home to begin space planning. We are also developing color palettes and drafting floor plans, elevations, and mood boards. This is where a lot of the creativity happens, and a lot of our time is spent - laying out each room, while sourcing furniture and lighting that go with the design style established. Once we’ve presented these, revisions are made. We begin scheduling work including millwork, painting, wallpapering, window treatment installation, to name a few. Shopping trips to view furniture are an integral part of this process as well. If you are in a rush to move into your new space, we’ll advise on the most important items to order first, as lead times vary, as well as which items to invest in, and where you can save. Our goal is to make the entire process fun, dynamic and tailored to work best for you.
Next Steps:
Once furniture and fixtures are approved we begin the ordering process - approving samples and strike-offs, placing orders, tracking, shipping, and receiving. We inspect everything that arrives to trouble shoot anything that can (and does) come up. If something arrives damaged, we take care of it in real-time to ensure things continue running smoothly, as your advocate from beginning to end of the project.
When we aren’t meeting:
Countless things go on from designing and updating drawings, to sourcing, ordering and tracking items, and we’ve got it covered. We work closely with our upholsterers and various trades, visiting workrooms to ensure your furniture is perfect, while managing project progress with contractors and many vendors, keeping in close communication so that nothing is overlooked. Multiple site visits happen to ensure we are up-to-date on any changes to the project.
Installation:
We arrange for your furniture and accessories to be stored safely in preparation for the big install day - though one size does not fit all, and you may choose to have furniture delivered as it becomes ready. During installation, our team of movers (also art hangers, handymen, rug installers and so on) work carefully unpacking and placing furniture and accessories, prepping for the big reveal - knowing you are moments from enjoying your new space! Fast forward to when the project is completed, we are still here to insure everything looks and feels just right. It is time for you to thoroughly enjoy your new home. We cannot wait to see how you live in your space!
“...Throughout the project Sarah remained in constant communication with me to ensure that everything was going smooth. I will definitely work with Sarah in the future and would highly recommend her services.”