Let’s get one thing straight: interior design isn’t HGTV magic. No one’s flipping a room in 48 hours with perfectly steamed curtains and zero lead times. Behind every “after” photo you double tap is a journey that includes vision boards, hard decisions, budget talks, and the occasional existential meltdown over grout.

Here’s what really goes into transforming a space—and why skipping steps isn’t sexy.

Phase 1: The Meet-Cute (AKA Initial Consultation)

This is where it all begins. You bring the dreams, I bring the notebook and a laser measure. We’ll talk vibes, budget, lifestyle, and all the things you don’t want to end up hating six months in (open shelving, anyone?).

What we cover:

• Your wants, needs, and wishlist
  
  
• How you live (or aspire to)
  
  
• Timeline expectations
  
  
• Project scale & budget ballpark
  
  

📝 This is also where I gauge if we’re a fit—and yes, this is mutual.

Phase 2: Scope & Contract (Let’s Get It in Writing)

Once we vibe, I craft a custom scope of work. This outlines exactly what’s included (and not), timelines, deliverables, fees, and what to expect when you’re expecting a designer.

📄 Nothing kills a vibe like misaligned expectations. This doc makes sure we’re on the same page, start to finish.

Phase 3: The Vision Phase (AKA Where the Magic Actually Happens)

No, we don’t go straight to ordering chairs.
This is the creative core—where your story, style, and space collide. Mood boards, floor plans, color palettes, sourcing. This part takes time because it sets the tone for everything.

💭 Most clients want to skip to “the fluffy stuff,” but this is the main ingredient—just in blueprint form.

Phase 4: Review & Refine (Cue the Google Slides + Opinions)

I present the full design concept: furniture, finishes, fixtures, layout, lighting, and some secret sauce. You take it all in. Then we fine-tune—because design is a dialogue, not a dictatorship.

🔁 Usually includes 1–2 rounds of revisions to nail the final look.

Phase 5: Approvals, Ordering & (Let’s Be Real) Waiting

Once you approve, I move into purchasing. This part feels like a pause but is actually where all the behind-the-scenes magic happens: vendor coordination, order tracking, backorder wrangling, and managing delivery windows tighter than a Pinterest pantry.

📦 Spoiler: That sofa might take 12 weeks. No, I can’t speed it up. Yes, it will be worth it.

Phase 6: Installation Day(s) (aka Controlled Chaos)

This is the most exciting part—and the most unpredictable. Deliveries arrive, furniture is styled, art is hung. It’s a full-blown transformation moment…with a side of logistics.

👷‍♀️ Sometimes it’s done in a day. Sometimes it’s done in phases depending on what’s arrived.
🪞Pro tip: Trust the process and avoid peeking too early. Reveal days hit harder when you don’t see the sausage being made.

Phase 7: The Punch List (Because Perfect Takes Tweaking)

Even with the best planning, there’s always a detail or two to revisit: a missing knob, a lighting delay, a cabinet that squeaks. The final 5% is what takes a space from done to divine.

🛠 This is normal. And it’s included—because good design isn’t rushed, it’s resolved.

The Timeline at a Glance

📅 Total: 2–4+ months depending on scope, sourcing, and speed demons at FedEx.

Final Thought: Good Design Is a Journey, Not a Drive-Thru

If you’re hiring a designer just for the install day, you’re missing 90% of the magic. Every layer of a space—from concept to curtain rod—tells your story. I’m just here to help you tell it really, really well.

Want to take the first step?
👉 Book a consultation and let’s start your room’s glow-up.