tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8030308239398272700.post2440020961531142802..comments2023-11-05T06:23:41.645-05:00Comments on Pure Style Home: Behind the Scenes in an Interior Design Project/ BusinessUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger75125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8030308239398272700.post-85545680115120491242011-05-02T13:59:46.114-04:002011-05-02T13:59:46.114-04:00Lauren -
We know you are super busy, so thank yo...Lauren - <br /><br />We know you are super busy, so thank you for taking the time to share all your thoughts on what being a designer is REALLY like. It helps those of us considering this field. Bravo to you for all you have accomplished!Meghanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06418600859312571509noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8030308239398272700.post-78733998420800622902011-05-02T13:54:16.880-04:002011-05-02T13:54:16.880-04:00Great post, Lauren. Thanks so much for sharing you...Great post, Lauren. Thanks so much for sharing your insights/experience!casey at loft and cottagehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07180716705337502674noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8030308239398272700.post-29291874853605836602011-04-28T17:42:31.365-04:002011-04-28T17:42:31.365-04:00This post couldn't have come at a better time ...This post couldn't have come at a better time for me. Lauren, I hear you loud and clear and know what you mean when you talk about losing sleep, haven't had much this week. It's vital to stay on top of it all and difficult when your a one man show. The minutia of this business is daunting. One must be highly organised and even still things can go bad. Good software and VA's are a huge help. I think the most important and best tips I could share is to tell your clients up front that things can go wrong but you will work on their behalf to make it all right. Also under promise and over deliver. It buys me a bit of extra time should I need it.I learned this from a high profile designer, a long time in the business who offers business practice courses for ID's. Even still I always feel so horrible when issues arise as I want to do the best job possible.Hunt Studio Designhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17789442048614926936noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8030308239398272700.post-84042086734432542572011-04-25T13:35:49.603-04:002011-04-25T13:35:49.603-04:00You nailed it! No one realizes the hours that it...You nailed it! No one realizes the hours that it takes to put a design concept together. I've been working with a building contractor who is now retired & he's encouraged me to use change orders no matter how big or small. The client must sign the change order & the order states the additional charges. I think this is going to be a life saver for me. Draperies are another area that I find very difficult to nail down because we start with a design, give a bid but before the process is complete, the design changes several times which calls for additional measurements & fabric calculations and additional time. Again, I 'm going to implement a change order for draperies as well. Just curios... Do you give an itemized bid to the client or just a total? (They seem to knit pick the itemized bid to death which results in loss of sales, generally. )Brooks Interiorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16907150188344469715noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8030308239398272700.post-53199217593887179912011-04-24T15:58:35.057-04:002011-04-24T15:58:35.057-04:00This is an excellent post, Lauren. Thank you for ...This is an excellent post, Lauren. Thank you for taking the time to share your perspective. <br /><br />I especially liked the timeline and graph of a construction/complete renovation. The insulators finished yesterday and the drywallers are scheduled to start tomorrow and I feel EXACTLY at the point shown. Here's hoping that painting won't be as much of a dip as is depicted.redbrickbuildinghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11934246160796228489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8030308239398272700.post-87744230297480634972011-04-21T14:53:56.278-04:002011-04-21T14:53:56.278-04:00What a wonderful post! Thanks for the insight...a...What a wonderful post! Thanks for the insight...and the honesty! Keep it up, you're doing great! Love your work, KristyKristy {West 23rd St. Vintage}https://www.blogger.com/profile/01388199530119917615noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8030308239398272700.post-58162997447616814952011-04-20T09:44:15.918-04:002011-04-20T09:44:15.918-04:00Hi Lauren! I've been following your blog for a...Hi Lauren! I've been following your blog for a while and you're amazing! <br />I am an architect and interior designer in New Delhi, India and we face many of the same issues here too! Not so much about trade only items as that concept doesn't really exist here yet but like Carol said, managing client expectations is the most challenging part. Usually in our contract, we try to clarify the scope of work but there are so many intangible things you end up dealing with and doing for the project that all take up so much more time (than i think they will if I can forsee them at all)!! <br />I love the way you've been able to articulate all of this by breaking it into a process! Wish I could get some of my clients to read this... Wonderful post! Thank you!! <br />Love your work and blog! <br />SmritiUnknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04252575952445905148noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8030308239398272700.post-22307758657529053992011-04-19T16:40:12.337-04:002011-04-19T16:40:12.337-04:00Lauren... loved this post. You've accomplished...Lauren... loved this post. You've accomplished so much early in your career. I look forward to each post you present.... love your sense of style... you're going far... FayRed River Interiors,LLChttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14365633997114211377noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8030308239398272700.post-13338479230271861362011-04-18T15:25:52.616-04:002011-04-18T15:25:52.616-04:00Loving this shade of green - soft and yet "up...Loving this shade of green - soft and yet "up-beat" - beautiful! Classy.Izzy Herriette & Co.https://www.blogger.com/profile/17780379620812471644noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8030308239398272700.post-52703018260690856352011-04-18T15:21:13.250-04:002011-04-18T15:21:13.250-04:00This comment has been removed by the author.Izzy Herriette & Co.https://www.blogger.com/profile/17780379620812471644noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8030308239398272700.post-48336102666178407292011-04-18T11:30:46.198-04:002011-04-18T11:30:46.198-04:00Hi Lauren,
I found this so helpful..even though I&...Hi Lauren,<br />I found this so helpful..even though I've worked with interior designers over the years. I think as a client, it is really helpful to understand the designers point of view. <br /><br />Good design takes work (and a good eye) and is worth paying for!<br /><br />So proud of how you have evolved your business!<br />xo ElizabethAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15395215787881578608noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8030308239398272700.post-35645419190771938072011-04-18T11:28:37.875-04:002011-04-18T11:28:37.875-04:00Gorgeous living room! the colors create a very ni...Gorgeous living room! the colors create a very nice mood of relaxation. Nice post, check out also <a href="http://www.123dview.com" rel="nofollow">3D Rendering</a>Joannahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04425059526389856972noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8030308239398272700.post-89784395693395729622011-04-18T09:15:55.943-04:002011-04-18T09:15:55.943-04:00Lauren - this is a great post! I know step by ste...Lauren - this is a great post! I know step by step what is involved in a project, but it is nice to see it all written down. Somehow the order of having it written down brings a peace to the chaotic nature of an interior design project. You are absolutely right, clients do not know the processes and as designers we are responsible for educating them. By educating our clients, we bring more value to our industry. Bravo!Capella Kincheloe Interior Designhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09433277176181869271noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8030308239398272700.post-13559895165673131352011-04-18T07:38:57.936-04:002011-04-18T07:38:57.936-04:00wow what a gorgeous room, love the sofa! and the ...wow what a gorgeous room, love the sofa! and the reno stress chart is hilarious!!! so true too!!One of my Hobby Blogshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05282982287412178840noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8030308239398272700.post-7171375726738853912011-04-17T23:52:16.971-04:002011-04-17T23:52:16.971-04:00Wonderful tips Lauren - you really captured the in...Wonderful tips Lauren - you really captured the ins and outs of the process. so important for other designers AND potential clients!Linda Merrillhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07484402027814646865noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8030308239398272700.post-29993893666426187752011-04-17T19:56:29.278-04:002011-04-17T19:56:29.278-04:00Thank you for such a great post! It's great in...Thank you for such a great post! It's great information that someone like me is constantly looking for. I admire your work so much! I have kicked myself daily for years now for not going into interior design. Instead I went into marketing/graphic communications. So, I've finally started to do something about it and although it's a slow start with no degree in the subject, I'm loving every minute and enjoying the trip to whereever it leads. Check out my blog if you can find time. I'd be truly honored:)Miss B.e.e.https://www.blogger.com/profile/12257528941906464196noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8030308239398272700.post-68268097376498320572011-04-16T19:11:24.293-04:002011-04-16T19:11:24.293-04:00Fabulous post. Love that you have stopped the lab...Fabulous post. Love that you have stopped the labor intensive one day consults. They take so much time and effort for little or no profit. Great way to start out, but you have earned your wings. <br /><br />Also, always always do a grand reveal!!!! God that is so elementary and I am always shocked by how many designers don't do it, Use your garage to store the furniture if u have to! The piece meal decorating looks terrible, the client is never happy. <br /><br />I always make the client leave for the day. By the time they come home, the flowers are out, the candles are lit, the lights are low, and they are usually stunned by how great it all looks. So glad you do it like this too. You'll never go back!!!<br /><br />You are the best. I love you!!!!cotedetexashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06421509668956556785noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8030308239398272700.post-67722324421783944732011-04-15T22:26:25.788-04:002011-04-15T22:26:25.788-04:00nicely done! although my favorite part of this wa...nicely done! although my favorite part of this was that graph...bahahahah! so true.Keaton Interiorshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00382827950750763715noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8030308239398272700.post-70450459148614236102011-04-15T21:24:20.372-04:002011-04-15T21:24:20.372-04:00Lauren,
The timing of this post was perfect for me...Lauren,<br />The timing of this post was perfect for me.<br /><br />First, let me applaud you for taking your time to write such a detailed amount of information that everyone in the design community can learn from. I know that I really appreciate your willingness to share.<br /><br />The reason the timing is perfect, is because for the past month I have been collaborating with a couple of designers on a project that we initially had hesitated to take on, but did because we didnt' want to turn down the challenge. Well the challenge, one being the difficulty of the client relationship, has just come to a head this week. Everyone is frustrated and nothing is getting accomplished. It's a sickening feeling, that I've lost sleep on, because we feel like we're not doing a good job and that they're not happy, even though they (the clients) are the ones who keep changing their minds and can't settle on decisions.<br /><br />Your advice was extremely helpful!<br /><br />Thank you so much!Ceciliahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04628255099423441897noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8030308239398272700.post-7221120954311936182011-04-15T15:44:39.302-04:002011-04-15T15:44:39.302-04:00I dream of doing interior design as a profession s...I dream of doing interior design as a profession someday and am fascinated by the information you post about the behind-the-scenes realities of the job. I'd love to hear more about how you got started and how you chose your go-to sources and contractors and everything. Do you ever spec furniture from places like Pottery Barn and Crate and Barrel and such, or must you always choose something to-the-trade-only or one-of-a-kind vintage? Thanks! Love your blog.Betsyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07635957456679432800noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8030308239398272700.post-2855049972993508702011-04-15T02:53:07.658-04:002011-04-15T02:53:07.658-04:00Lauren, you are so kind & generous to share yo...Lauren, you are so kind & generous to share your wisdom & what you have learned with us . Thanks!<br /><br />Karen T.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8030308239398272700.post-35153358321617803702011-04-15T00:33:56.134-04:002011-04-15T00:33:56.134-04:00What a great post, Lauren. I concur with everythin...What a great post, Lauren. I concur with everything. It's a difficult business to stay profitable in. The old saying, if anything can go wrong it will is so true in this field. Clients don't realize all the time and effort it takes to get an item to installation. So glad to see you charging retail or almost retail to cover your time. It's really the only way to stay in business.<br /><br />I have decided not to continue to take on short consultations as well. It distracts me away from my full service clients who are waiting for my time and who are much more valuable to my business. I just have to figure out how to deal with clients who up front want full service, then as the project wears on....start shopping on their own and buy retail, trying to get cheaper prices on similar items that I present. Do you ever have that issue? I understand them wanting to save some money, but it can really affect my profit on a job and can water down the look and overall appearance of the project.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18342939244592589843noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8030308239398272700.post-52576217761141391452011-04-14T22:36:47.424-04:002011-04-14T22:36:47.424-04:00This was a terrific post! I really appreciated re...This was a terrific post! I really appreciated reading about the realities of design. I always thought I wanted to be an interior designer, but I questioned whether I could handle that much "face" time with people. This post has confirmed my thoughts! I can love design without getting involved in project management.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02085198142422136185noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8030308239398272700.post-14641072671437481932011-04-14T18:25:23.315-04:002011-04-14T18:25:23.315-04:00Very nice! Thank you for sharing this - it's ...Very nice! Thank you for sharing this - it's a great primer for understanding the basics...Jennhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15597630887713954960noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8030308239398272700.post-54246623285639148702011-04-14T15:49:10.765-04:002011-04-14T15:49:10.765-04:00Great, detailed post! I appreciate how you manage ...Great, detailed post! I appreciate how you manage to keep it real. Even though I am not a designer and don't plan on designing in a professional capacity, I still found this post very interesting and applicable to other areas of my life. Thanks for taking the time!Rachaelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18077820101832963757noreply@blogger.com