Interior Design Process | What to expect from an Interior Designer

How We Work

Before we start working together, here is a quick outline of our process.

+ Say Hi

Fill out a project form and tell us a little bit about your personal style and the space we are designing.
+ Meet With Us

One of our credentialed interior designers will come to your home, discuss your style, your needs, and your desires for the space. During this one hour paid consultation, we will create a plan for your project.
+ Bring Your Vision to Life

After the initial consultation, we're ready to get to work. Based on your budget and personal preferences, we will hit the drawing board and within a couple of weeks show you the unique designs we've made especially for you and your space.
+ Add Any Finishing Touches

Your initial design will include a space plan, tear sheets of the details, and the selected furnishings we think will best bring your vision to life. Or, if you would just like our assistance in adding some finishing touches to a space, we are happy to do that as well.
+ Additional Services

Let us help you decorate for any holiday or special occasion! Based on your budget and personal preferences, we can help you create a winter wonderland, a spooky set-up or a festive environment in your home or office space. Or, if you are in need of a gorgeous tablescape, we can help with that as well. No occasion is too small for us to help you make it unforgettable.

Q: What happens after the initial call?

A: If you decide to move forward with your designer, keep an eye out for your contract, which will describe our fees and the next steps. Once payment is received, we'll schedule the next meeting with your designer.
Q: How prepared do I need to be for the meeting with my designer?

A: Before your meeting, you'll complete a detailed questionnaire about your style preferences and the functional needs for the space we're designing. If you're unsure of any of these questions, we'll talk through the details at the meeting. Additionally, Pinterest and Houzz boards, magazine cut outs, saved images, and any other inspirations you've collected are welcomed and encouraged. Most importantly, be prepared to provide a realistic budget for your project.
Q: What happens at the meeting with my designer?

A: Together, you'll look through your inspirations, determine your stylistic direction, work through your scope, establish your ordering preferences, and finalize your timeline. Then, your designer will take pictures and measurements of the space(s), as well as take inventory of any existing furnishings you'd like to work into the design.

Q: What happens after the meeting with my designer?

A: Timelines vary from project to project, but you can expect your designer to present customized designs to you within a matter of weeks. Your designs will include a space plan, tear sheets of the details, and the furnishings needed to transform your space.
Q: How do I purchase my design selections?

A: When working with Inside Stories, you have two options to purchase your goods. You can work at your pace and as your budget allows to buy the goods yourself, thus managing the delivery, installation as well as if there are any issues with the items if they arrived damaged, etc. Or you can allow us to handle all aspect of ordering, installation and managing any issues that may arise. Your designer can walk you through the economics of both options as you begin the process.
Q: What other services do you provide?

A: For us, there is no project too small. From picking out color schemes to shopping for picture frames, our designers are happy to assist you every step of the way.

Q: What makes Inside Stories unique and different?

A: We believe a lot, but a few of the key ones : Our speed. Timelines vary from project to project, but you can expect your designer to present customized designs to you within a matter of weeks. Our physical presence in our clients home. We place a high priority in meeting with our clients in their homes so that we can see how the spaces flow, observe how our clients live, and ensure we have proper measurements to design to. Our designers. All of our designers are top talent, and have a college degree or higher in Interior Design. Our designs are collaborative. When working with an Inside Stories designer, you get the benefit of the creative inspiration of multiple interior design professionals.
Q: Who are the designers at Inside Stories?

A: At Inside Stories, we place a high value on our designers. They are all full-time employees of Inside Stories and have undergone an extensive interview process prior to hire. Our designers have all received formal education and a degree in interior design, and benefit from ongoing training and mentoring by the principals at their affiliate company in their region. In addition, while you will have one lead designer, our designers at Inside Stories design collaboratively so that you get the benefit of additional creative experts inspiring your design.

Given the a-la-carte nature of Inside Stories, our designers are unable to help with the following services:

Delays in shipments, discontinued or out-of-stock items, and delivery of damaged goods. However, if a redesign is needed because your selections are discontinued or out-of-stock, additional hours may be purchased to resolve the issue.
Moving existing furnishings, hanging artwork, painting walls, or performing home repairs.
Providing discounted pricing on any fixed finish selections such as tile, carpet, or hard surface selections. We do not have access to these services.

Providing construction management or aid in the purchasing of fixed finishes, such as tile, flooring, wall-to-wall carpeting, or plumbing fixtures.
Providing measurements, fabrication, or installation of window treatments. However, we're happy to advise you on which fabric to use and what treatments will best suit your room.
Referring craftsmen, tradesmen, and builders. We believe the best recommendations for these services come from people you know or online resources such as: Angie's List, Yelp, or a tried-and-true Google search.