From Casual to Committed: How to Grow a Strong Relationship with Your Interior Designer
You wouldn’t marry someone after a single coffee date, right? The same logic applies when finding the perfect interior designer. Each step of the relationship — from your first conversation to full project commitment — matters. Just like dating, it’s all about good chemistry, honest communication, and feeling confident enough to take things to the next level.
The First Date: Getting to Know Each Other Better
After our initial 30-minute Zoom call, we’ll schedule your first official design consultation. Think of this as the real “first date.” You’ll want to bring a few images that reflect your style (Pinterest boards, Instagram saves, Houzz ideabooks) and be ready to talk about timelines, how you live, and what’s inspiring you.
We’ll take this time to share our portfolio and walk you through our process, chat about your investment, and explain typical deliverables to expect.
Palo Alto Home Renovation Image Credit: Vivian Johnson Photography
Casual Dating: Starting Small Before a Big Commitment
Not ready for a full-blown renovation yet? Start small. Consider a by-the-hour service. If you’re working with us, Designer On Demand lets you test the waters before diving into a complete project. Maybe it’s just one or two rooms, or a quick consult on color and layout. You maintain control and keep it casual, while still having an expert on hand. It’s like “friends with benefits” for interior design — no big commitment, but still plenty of style support.
Oakland Hills Home Renovation Image Credit: Vivian Johnson Photography
Building Trust: Honesty is Everything
Ever been on a date where no one speaks their mind? Not fun. Designing your home is the same. As your designer, we need to know what you love, hate, and what you’re willing to try. Don’t worry about “hurting our feelings.” Honest feedback helps us refine your style and craft a space that feels like you.
At the same time, sharing your vision is key. Sure, pictures help, but go deeper.
How do you want to feel in your home? Is your living room for movie nights with family? Are you craving a spa-like bedroom for ultimate relaxation? Tell us. We’ll connect your lifestyle and architecture with your aesthetic wishes to create a cohesive concept. Maybe we’ll curate a few colors for the entire home or find personal details like a custom pillow fabric or art that ties back to a place you love. This personal touch ensures your home is authentic and meaningful — never cookie-cutter.
Image Credit: Matthew Millman Photography
Going Exclusive: Ready to Fully Commit
How do you know when it’s time to go all-in? Maybe you’ve started small and love the direction things are heading. Maybe you trust us so much you’ve asked if we can handle a second home. Or you find yourself referencing our advice when picking a restaurant or noticing details in a movie set — that’s a sure sign we’ve got your vibe down.
When you’re ready for full-service design, you’ll know. You’ll feel understood, confident that we know your style and how you live. It stops feeling like a business transaction and starts feeling like a creative partnership.
Image Credit: Vivian Johnson Photography
Finding “The One”
A great relationship with your designer is about mutual understanding, trust, and that spark of excitement. If you look forward to our meetings, if you love elements we nudged you slightly out of your comfort zone to try, and if your home feels like a true reflection of you — congrats, you’ve found “the one.”
Image Credit: Lauren Hurt
Happily Ever After
From that first “date” to going all-in on a top-to-bottom transformation, building a relationship with your interior designer is about honesty, patience, and a willingness to explore. Start small, give honest feedback, and celebrate when you know you’ve found a partner who “gets” you.
Now, who’s ready to swipe right on a major home transformation? If you’re ready to begin, you know where to find us.
Cheers,
Melanie