Updated: Sep 18, 2020
5 THINGS I'VE LEARNED SO FAR WITH INTERIOR DESIGN
It has been about 4 months since I hopped on the Pinnacle Interior Designs bandwagon, and what a 4 months it has been! When I first started this process, I thought I had a great understanding on the different Design Styles and that my passion and experience with staging and styling spaces would be more than enough to get my foot in the door. BOY was I enlightened right off the bat. This industry is insane, in the best way possible.
Here are some of the things I've learned along the way. There are too many to count, but let's start with 5!
1. Always show your clients multiple options:
When you are working on the styling side of a project and gathering everything into a mood board, you should have at least 2 different options for everything. You might personally love a dining room chair, wall art, a vase, etc.. but you never know what pieces your client will love as well. When you have a different options for them, they are then able to visualize each in their space. Maybe they like the chair and couch from option 1, but the wall art, vase, and ottoman from option 2. From there, you can combine. This also saves your own time because you aren't having to go back in multiple times when something is a "no" and start from scratch with options.
Option 1 for an awesome client
Option 2- same project
2. MEASURE MEASURE MEASURE!
When you're inside a clients house for that first consult and you agree on what spaces you will be remodeling/renovating, be prepared to measure everything. Things you may not even think you need to measure, should be measured. You never want to be in a situation where you are placing a tile order, or flooring, and you forget what that floor dimension was or what size dresser they are needing for china storage in their dining room! Always over prepare, as it's so much better than looking un-organized to a client.
3. Solid relationships with your contractors is so important:
This is an industry where relationships with those around you is maybe the most important thing. There are multiple options of contractors and vendors you can reach out to for all the things, but it's better to have a few set people you work with consistently for each category because establishing that relationship is so important. You quickly gel into how the other operates, and you build your brands together. You trust them and back them enough to want to work with them consistently. Finding those people to put in your corner is such a pivotal part of this industry.
Stoltz Installation and Carpentry
It's always a pleasure to work with Barry from the Tile Shop!
4. Word of Mouth & Relationships with your clients is EVERYTHING
Much like number 3, relationships with your clients is the thing that keeps you going. A lot of times in this industry, your clients are the ones that get you your next one. They loved the work you did on their home so much that they find joy in recommending you to their friends and loved ones. As with any industry, there will be days and times with certain projects where issues can arise in any point of the project, whether it's something on your end, the contractors end, or you find out last minute something you ordered is on "back order" and won't arrive for months, but through it all...making sure your client is happy and any worries are put to rest is such an important piece to the puzzle.
5. Some things are better to view in person
We are in a time where its normal to purchase every. single. thing. online. From groceries, to clothes, to interior design items, it can all be done online. Things like wall art, dressers, chairs, and smaller decor items like bathroom lights and mirrors are all things that you can typically order online and would most likely LOVE when it arrives. However, there are those people that want to see everything in person before ordering. Things like couches, beds and appliances are definitely things that would be smart to view in person. There is something about touching something with your hands, sitting in it, and being able to literally visualize it in your space that really brings everything full circle for your project.
These are just some of the things I have learned along the way, and there's no doubt there will be more! Hopefully some of these things are helpful to read, or maybe you haven't necessarily thought of when stepping into the world of Interior Design. Thanks for reading!
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Thank you for joining in and reading! I hope you got an insight into what we do, who we work with, the reality behind making old spaces new, and how awesome are clients are!
Jeanna Letzring, Owner/Interior Designer
Website: pinnacleinteriordesigns.com
Email: pinnacledesigns@yahoo.com
Instagram: pinnacleinteriordesigns
Facebook: Pinnacle Interior Designs
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