There have been heaps of emails lately regarding how the online consultation process works, so let's take the mystery out of it and run through everything that is included in your 10 Rooms Consultation, shall we?
You call or email me.
Phase Two: Determining a Design Direction
1. The Space Itself
My clients are people who have always done their own decorating, and are feeling frustrated with the results, new home-owners who are just getting a feel for what their style is, or simply very busy people (who isn't, these days?) who do not have time evaluate which choices would suit them the best. Often clients are about to, or have just made, some major furniture purchases and their home is feeling disconnected (from room-to-room). Sometimes they have a particularly challenging space, or they have had a life change and are looking for a fresh start.
In any case, I try to determine your motivation because that is what will drive your choices.
A short online questionnaire will allow me to get to know you better. I ask things like....
Where is your home (country, city, suburb)?
What is the architecture like? Which direction does the space face?
In an online consultation, I encourage clients to include any photos/links of spaces they like, along with photos of their own space. This allows me to gain a basic understanding of your home, your style preferences, and your design goals.
This is where the four main factors come into play:
Size, light, orientation, placement in the home, flow, existing finishes, furnishings, etc..
2. The Purpose of the Space
Time of day you will be using the space, relaxation vs. stimulation, adult vs family, long-term vs short term, etc..
3. The Personality of the Client
Are you outgoing? Do you want an entertaining space that encourages lively conversation?
Are you looking for a retreat? A place to rejuvenate after a very busy workweek?
Are you outgoing? Do you want an entertaining space that encourages lively conversation?
Are you looking for a retreat? A place to rejuvenate after a very busy workweek?
Do you prefer a more formal or relaxed style home?
4. The Preferences of the Client
Which colors do you prefer? How much color do you want to live with?
This sounds basic, but many times sitting down and actually defining these clearly gives a great base palette to work from.
Now that I have all your information, we can work on determining a design direction. During this phase we will be emailing back and forth a few times, with me asking more specific questions and providing you with a collection of images - "inspiration rooms" if you will. Quite often, the original vision gets tweaked here, as we get a true sense of what makes your heart skip a beat!
Now that I know where you need/want to go with this space, I make selections....
If you have chosen a Colour Consultation, I pull out the paint chips and select your perfect palette.
If you have chosen a Design Consultation, I will select colour, then complete the design with suggested furnishings, finishes and accessories.
If you have chosen a Colour Consultation, I pull out the paint chips and select your perfect palette.
If you have chosen a Design Consultation, I will select colour, then complete the design with suggested furnishings, finishes and accessories.
In either type of consultation, we can go through several different options here, until your unique design direction is achieved.
Once we have finalized your selections, you will receive a Color Plan - your colour recommendations, including wall and trim colours and the specifics (which paint, which finish).
If you have opted for a complete Design Plan, you will also receive design boards that incorperate all the elements of your design, and floor plans specifying layout.
If you have opted for a complete Design Plan, you will also receive design boards that incorperate all the elements of your design, and floor plans specifying layout.
Phase Four: The Finish!
Your space is transformed :)
A standard paint colour consultation fee is $100.00. That means for the cost of a can of paint you can ensure total satisfaction the first time you paint - no more re-painting because that pretty sunny yellow paint chip you liked in the store has somehow morphed in screaming yellow lunacy on your walls!
If you opt for a design consultation, the per room fee is $250.00. This is like having me come out to your home and design your space for you. We cover all the bases, from furniture and paint to lighting and art. With a floor plan, design board and shopping source guide you will have a complete personalized design to simply implement into your home!
A common concern clients relate is that by hiring a designer the style of your home will not reflect you, but someone else. To be clear, I will not promote my personal preferences or the trendiest colors to you.
The 10 Rooms goal is always to find that unique solution that enhances your space, reflects your personality, and makes you happy.
Anne-Marie Ezeard
Principal Designer, 10 Rooms Design
amezeard@10rooms.com