If you are looking to work with an expert on a home project, such as an architect, landscape designer or interior decorator, communicating your preferences clearly and concisely will help your designer understand exactly what you want.
You will be better prepared to have these important conversations with your designer if you gather inspiration correctly and assess your personal preferences.
Create a Love List as well as a Not-for Me List
It is a good idea to take photos and ideas of your favorite things when you meet with interior designers. But have you ever considered making a list or a list of those situations you don't like? These dislikes, perhaps not surprisingly can be just as important.
Try to get Visual
Interior designers are primarily visual. It makes sense therefore that images are the best way to convey your thoughts and feelings. This makes things simple and clear. For example, if "desert fashion" is characterized by southwestern style with lots of natural wood and vibrant textiles, but your designer envisions a Palm Springs midcentury desert feel, conflict is possible.
Your design professional and you can quickly get on the same page if you can point at a photo and say, "I love this" or "I don't like that look." .
Images that directly relate to your project should be included
Collecting images of projects you like and don't like is a great place to begin. Photographs of landscapes are a great way to start if you're working with a landscape architect or landscape designer.
Our interior designer recommends that you search for photos of exteriors and whole-house design before you hire an architect to remodel your home or build a custom house. Look for photos of kitchens if you're redesigning your kitchen. We believe you see the picture.
But include some less-on-topic photos too
You don't have to include images that aren't directly related to your job, but which show you a particular style you love. Images of lifestyle, food, and garden can provide a great example of color palettes. They can help your designer get a better understanding about your personality than just job photos.
Practice Being Picky
You have the opportunity to choose as many photos you like when you start to fill your idea books with photos. Enjoy it! Once you are ready to return for another appearance, it is time to be picky. Focus on reducing each list to the top 10-20 best examples.
This will give your designer pro more images to look at and it will likely give you some practice in making design-related decisions. It will be easier to discuss your likes and dislikes if you have more design power.
Try to Get Specific
It is useful to be able to point at an image that you love or loathe, but it can lead to confusion and miscommunications if you don’t clearly state what it is about the space you are enjoying or not.
While you might be thinking about color palettes, your interior designer might be focusing on furniture design.
A note should be added to each image in your idea book. It should explain keywords and the reason you included it.
Take the following checklists and use them as a guide to help you decide how many you want to include in your own lists.
The Things You Love Checklist:
Favorite color/colorsColor palette or combination that appeals to yourFurniture that you love
If you are looking for architecture, you will love the overall feeling of the space.
The NOT FOR ME Checklist
You are allergic to certain colors or shades of color.
You deserve a big pat on your back if you've made it this far. It can be difficult to nail down your design. Your design professional will usually be there to guide you through the entire process.
The more you think about the front end, however, the easier it will be for you to work with your designer.
If you are still having difficulty identifying your personality after going through the exercises, you might want to look laterally at what restaurants, brands, or stores best represent your love and hate.
This can add a lot of value to your style information, provided that the designer is familiar with the locations you've chosen.
Remember that it is crucial that you communicate your preferences to your designer. However, once you have done this, it is equally important to trust your designer to come up with creative ideas.
All the things you love will be there. You might not love all of them, but you can always find a way to make it your home. You may be surprised at how much you enjoy a creative interior designer's vision.
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