How A Designer Creates A Space That Feels Like YOU!

If you use an interior designer like Designs by Gia, you will have no more endless wasted time. Less worry and money spent on purchases, as you try to find just the right items. No more disappointed in the results, or spending more time trying to return or re-sell unused items that just didn’t give you the desired results. No more feeling overwhelmed when looking at a two-square-foot carpet sample and trying to visualize how it would look throughout a room or wondering if the pattern will look right on a stairway.

I hear these worries, concerns, and heartbreaking tales of design and renovation projects gone wrong all the time. Sometimes a homeowner doesn’t have any idea how to begin to put a room design together and they quickly realize that the “fun,” of designing a space can quickly turn into a never-ending circle of horror. But I know, it’s scary to give control of your home design to a professional. You want your home to feel like you, so you feel like you have to do it yourself.

Nothing can be further from the truth. A professional designer’s overall goal is that you, the client, will be happy in the space. When you speak to a designer for the first time, this should come through right away. If you get the feeling that a designer is not interested in finding out how you use the space or how you want to have your space feel, simply find a designer who does. Choose a designer that you feel is interested in creating a space for you.

When I design a space for a homeowner. Here are some things that I do that help me create a home that feels like my client.

1. I immediately take notice of many details about my clients to help me design a space that is right for them. Whether it’s a small detail in your existing space, a piece of art that you have and love, or the shoes that you are wearing, I notice the small details of the selections that you have already made for yourself, and although you are not going to duplicate these details in the same way, breaking them down gives me insight into what you are going to like. The direction your tastes go.
2. I ask questions about my client’s family, their lifestyle, and their use of the home. Then, I listen to what my clients say. This is crucial. Not every person uses their homes in the same way. A young family with small children and pets might require different design selections than a single person who spends a lot of time traveling. A young family might need washable durable fabrics. The single traveler might appreciate European textiles and already possess some incredible art pieces from their travels.
3. I discuss if my client’s home is functioning well for them. We will talk about what works and what doesn’t. At first glance, I will most likely see some of these areas, but listening to the client who uses the space daily can bring a wealth of information that must be considered.
4. I notice when a client shows me a piece of furniture in their home that they love and I notice when a client points out design elements they do not like. It’s critical to listen. And I will ask even more questions to help me figure out what my client will, and will not like.

There is a wealth of information that comes out of these discussions and observations. A designer must know what to do with this wealth of information and how to apply it. A designer must be able to translate these random pieces of information into a cohesive plan of action. A designer thinks differently than you might guess. When you are randomly making purchases for your home, we will do the opposite. We will not be buying on impulse. We are making selections based on an already mapped-out strategy. That strategy is to create an overall space design that functions as previously discussed, reflects your tastes and desires, and works for the proportions of your space. All of the elements, materials, products, and purchases have to work well together to create a balanced cohesive design. If this is done properly, the space will “feel,” the way that you want it to feel and contain elements that are truly reflective of the client’s world.

In the end, you can walk into the space and feel at home. Without the feeling of being overwhelmed by stress, or the turmoil of feeling like you have to figure it all out on your own.

Until Next Time,

Gia