I am often asked the question..."How do you begin the design creation for a room?" so in the next few blogs I will take you through the thought processes to begin re-creating a terrific space.
When I am working with clients, the very first question will be "how would you like to use the room?". This may sound a little odd, if the room's original intent, by the builder, was as a dining room or formal living room. But, in today's reality, we all live in our homes differently from how they were originally intended, depending on our family structure and life-style . I have seen many rooms that were designed originally to be a formal entertaining space that have become a "home school" room and computer space with the current residents. Formal dining rooms that have become hobby or art spaces. The important thing in home's design is that.. there is room to do all the things that the family enjoys and cherishes, in comfort and a style that reflect their personality. I will often discover that my clients celebrate special occasion by gatherings in the large eat-in kitchen... or entertaining on the deck.. or togetherness in the family room around the fireplace with a movie. They may enjoy converting the living room or formal dining space in a way that will enhance their family living. My mantra is...recycle, reuse, re-purpose!
I recommend that the client begin by examining their needs thoroughly. Perhaps they would like an adult sanctuary in the house that is busy with children. Or they may want a space that inspires the little ones. A place children can explore and play safely with a watchful eye nearby. A space that can grow can grow with them into a more adult style room later on. Perhaps they are empty nesters exploring new hobbies and activities and need the space to support that. What ever their needs are, the end result of any renovation/redesign is to create a functional orderly room to live in and create in a way that is comfortable and inspiring. I want them to think about how they want to live on a daily basis and how they want to entertain for special occasions.
After they have determined the 'wish' use of a room, I recommend sitting with a pencil and paper and create a "wish" list of all the elements that they would love to have in the room. In this exercise, I encourage them to think "out of the box". Put all the 'wants' on paper! Perhaps the room needs to have two functions. Then, that should be considered. I discourage thinking about cost at this time, just begin thinking of the function. I will encourage them to make the most complete, even extravagant, list as possible. Remember, its a "wish list" and it will help them to realize all the possibilities..this may be the point were they consider major construction..moving walls etc. They will find it helpful to look through magazines and web sites for inspiration and then clipping and saving pictures for reference. All of this 'homework' can be done before my initial meeting with them. These are also the steps the "Do-It-Yourself" person should also take time to complete.
At our first meeting, I will listen to their vision and wish list and we will begin to come up with a concept for the space that is going to meet all their needs and and their wish list too.. Now, we all have a sense of how they will use the room and the elements that will enhance their lifestyle. We will talk about furnishings, lighting and the wall finishing ideas that will complete the look and function we are planning. To answer these questions, we will look at the other rooms they have already completed and love. It is important to have the new room flow in style and color with the rest of the home.. and it is my job to make that happen.
After we talk about the concept, the wish list, the style ideas..its time to talk money! I will ask what their budget is for the project. I have a very good understanding of what things will cost and what can be done. Often times they will have a number in mind, ,but if they simply have no clue, I will throw out a reasonable number and see how they feel about it.
For my clients, I will put an itemized "guesstimate" budget together for them before they accept the project. It is part of their initial consultation fee.. I've had years of experience and knowledge about what will be involved with the project and how much it should cost. We will talk about if it can be increased as the shopping progresses or if it must be reduced. All will be understood and a letter of commitment will state that clearly before we begin. I encourage them to be as open as possible about the budget...there is nothing worse than going over budget.
NEXT WEEK...THE PROJECT BEGINS...Big ticket items always get selected first...hope to see you then.
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