tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8030308239398272700.post5077953428468595476..comments2023-11-05T06:23:41.645-05:00Comments on Pure Style Home: 2013 Goal: Running like a well-oiled MachineUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger40125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8030308239398272700.post-59141571027281064632013-03-23T10:57:17.601-04:002013-03-23T10:57:17.601-04:00How did you feel about the Sheffield Interior Desi...How did you feel about the Sheffield Interior Design Program? I have been looking into online programs and really don't have any advice on which ones are better than others! <br /><br />your blog is really inspiring me now more than ever to pursue interior design and it has been something i have been thinking about for YEARS!<br /><br />-JillBeech Haushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09335254548647753950noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8030308239398272700.post-14391888369560521192013-01-16T11:46:17.744-05:002013-01-16T11:46:17.744-05:00Great post! I love what you did with your first cl...Great post! I love what you did with your first client's daughter bedroom. Can't believe you did all of that for only $500! The hanging lamp is very pretty and I love the way you combine the white bedding with pops of aqua.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14532810689324384054noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8030308239398272700.post-22452686904274604332013-01-15T23:10:00.942-05:002013-01-15T23:10:00.942-05:00I'm just in the process of taking on my FIRST ...I'm just in the process of taking on my FIRST real client and I'm loving the business posts you are doing! Really insightful and it's great to think deeper about these things. You are a huge inspiration for me :)<br />AmyAmy @ Five Kinds of Happyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05451917183489642799noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8030308239398272700.post-37408765677679651022013-01-12T03:45:39.594-05:002013-01-12T03:45:39.594-05:00Wow! Thanks so much,Lauren for mentioning my blog....Wow! Thanks so much,Lauren for mentioning my blog. It was so nice to hear you enjoyed it and found it helpful! This is a great post and I hear these challenges all the time. You are doing great and your clients are very fortunate to have you. (and YOU are very fortunate to have your husband!) ;) You two sound like a great team and if you need help or have any questions you'd like me to address on my blog, just let me know. Thanks again! - Julia MolloyAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07234950924957715741noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8030308239398272700.post-10862827869816479182013-01-12T03:44:08.774-05:002013-01-12T03:44:08.774-05:00Wow! Thanks so much,Lauren for mentioning my blog....Wow! Thanks so much,Lauren for mentioning my blog. It was so nice to hear you enjoyed it and found it helpful! This is a great post and I hear these challenges all the time. You are doing great and your clients are very fortunate to have you. (and YOU are very fortunate to have your husband!) ;) You two sound like a great team and if you need help or have any questions you'd like me to address on my blog, just let me know. Thanks again! - Julia MolloyAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07234950924957715741noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8030308239398272700.post-45568499103714058092013-01-11T11:14:27.005-05:002013-01-11T11:14:27.005-05:00Such a great post--when these things don't go ...Such a great post--when these things don't go smoothly, I tend to start doubting myself and my abilities as a designer....even though I know deep down that I know what I'm doing! But seeing you frame it as breakdowns in the PROCESS were very enlightening. I can work to make the PROCESS better, so that the design results can shine and meet the ultimate goal, which is giving the client what they want/need/love. I, too would LOVE to be part of a roundtable or mastermind group. melissa (at) upcycledhome dot comAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8030308239398272700.post-38623368916801750852013-01-10T19:16:46.423-05:002013-01-10T19:16:46.423-05:00Hi Lauren,
Thanks so much for your helpful post. ...Hi Lauren,<br />Thanks so much for your helpful post. I recently started my own design business and think I'm in exactly the phase you were in the beginning. I find myself to be more creative than business minded and I have a hard time maneuvering through the process as well. I am also currently taking classes through Sheffield and was actually inspired to try it out when I read that you did the course as well. If people do create a round table or master mind group, I would love to be a part of it. I am always inspired by your blog and wish you continued success. <br />Btw, I'm not sure if you have the time or interest in helping newbies in the business, but if so I would love to borrow from your expertise. My email is michellejprice@gmail.com if you have any time to chat. Thanks.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12940086657992564333noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8030308239398272700.post-6910173581099815852013-01-08T04:56:32.826-05:002013-01-08T04:56:32.826-05:00I enjoyed reading this post much like the other co...I enjoyed reading this post much like the other comprehensive posts you write. I'm a self taught designer with a degree in Finance and Real Estate. Prior to starting by own design business I worked on the project management/construction side for large design/build firms.<br /><br />I definitely feel like you are on the right track regarding the changes you are making in the area of timing, contractor work, and decision making. The area I experienced challenges in was with the GOODS side. I disagree with your idea of needed to reassure your clients of the ability to source quality goods for them. They know you are completely capable or else they wouldn't have called you.<br /><br />I think no matter how comfortable the client is with the designer, if they have some time on their hands they will dabble (sometimes impede) the process in an effort to save money. What they don't realize is that they have cost themselves more money in the long run by having you do double the work (time spent making original selection, then time spent convincing them the initial selection you made was the best decision based on their budget, the design, etc.). This part of the process can be extremely frustrating. What I started to do was have clients sign off of the selections and make them aware that certain changes could throw off the time table and cost them more on the administrative side. I, by no means, try to nickel and dime anyone but it is important for everyone to realize that time and money are one in the same.Erika Wardhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04154617397853961639noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8030308239398272700.post-41827474962537700072013-01-07T11:38:57.265-05:002013-01-07T11:38:57.265-05:00Lauren, your posts are the best! This one came at ...Lauren, your posts are the best! This one came at a much needed time. <br /><br />Blessings for you in the new year!!!! xoxooxLeah Mosshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00023187733384796513noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8030308239398272700.post-69868037324690121582013-01-07T11:07:00.902-05:002013-01-07T11:07:00.902-05:00Lauren,
Surely your honesty and dedication to your...Lauren,<br />Surely your honesty and dedication to your craft and to your family and those around you benefit from your attention.<br />I think "attention to details" goes a long way.<br />So sorry to hear about the sudden loss of your friend.<br />pvepve designhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03527745630303158002noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8030308239398272700.post-30314694829596411032013-01-06T19:33:57.491-05:002013-01-06T19:33:57.491-05:00I prefer to do my own decorating, but the fact is-...I prefer to do my own decorating, but the fact is---designers have access to really cool things that the every day person does not. I have a friend who is a designer. We work well together. I'm very decisive. Before I even call her in, I have an idea of what I want in the way of color and feel. I'll even purchase things I love. Then it's up to her to find fabrics and accent pieces and pull it all together. She knows that I don't like to piecemeal anything. I want the "WOW" factor. When she's ready to put it all together I leave for the day. Having said all that, I can certainly see by your post how things can easily go awry. It sounds like you have a good plan for clear communication that can only enhance your business and make your clients happy!Barbara Eadshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05428834142056450340noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8030308239398272700.post-13255737068470342982013-01-06T17:46:35.183-05:002013-01-06T17:46:35.183-05:00Great post. I have operated my business for ten ye...Great post. I have operated my business for ten years and have done every single aspect of client/designer relationships. Have also used every method of charging. No one way seems to work. As in there is no one size fits all. I have found that each client and project is different and each project needs to be approached differently. I have recently downsized significantly due to a divorce and feel like my business and operations has gone full circle. Would definitely be interested in a round table.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15826069692186367640noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8030308239398272700.post-31096341301150260392013-01-06T12:56:55.624-05:002013-01-06T12:56:55.624-05:00Thank you so much for this post! It is super helpf...Thank you so much for this post! It is super helpful to hear your thoughts on and experiences with the design process. Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07072110471609968226noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8030308239398272700.post-72013964347503190572013-01-06T09:24:14.961-05:002013-01-06T09:24:14.961-05:00Lauren, I am a first time commenter, and want to t...Lauren, I am a first time commenter, and want to thank you for an excellent post! Very good food for thought.<br />Best, EllenAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8030308239398272700.post-32492727462023695462013-01-05T11:12:01.515-05:002013-01-05T11:12:01.515-05:00Fun to read. Based on all the comments, maybe you ...Fun to read. Based on all the comments, maybe you should look into a future in business support services as well! You could expand into conducting round tables for designers.Gingerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16920166430132039321noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8030308239398272700.post-6433073220333776042013-01-05T11:00:29.108-05:002013-01-05T11:00:29.108-05:00I LOVE this post Lauren. SO honest and true. As mu...I LOVE this post Lauren. SO honest and true. As much as I love design and the process, it is for the reasons and issues you have listed that I feel I am NOT ready to take it on as a business but more like a hobby {my house only, and family} I am terrified of having it all on my shoulders, and the business aspect of it. I heard Kimberly Seldon {a Canadian designer} say that design is 80% business 20% creativity!<br /><br />You seem to have a great head on your shoulders and looks like a great vision! Good luck with everything. I can't wait to follow along!Barbara Matsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01687912436864826801noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8030308239398272700.post-51571014192143439532013-01-05T10:51:46.548-05:002013-01-05T10:51:46.548-05:00I love everything about Des's home!! Awesome t...I love everything about Des's home!! Awesome tour!This is so good to hear being on the client side. I have much to learn too!<br />http://stylopoint.com/<br />History Of Pictures of Tayyab Khakanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12078524859390016598noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8030308239398272700.post-86219115677163400032013-01-05T10:30:38.474-05:002013-01-05T10:30:38.474-05:00Thanks for such an amazing post! I'm not a de...Thanks for such an amazing post! I'm not a designer or decorator, so I really appreciate the insight into the process. I can see why interpersonal skills {therapy?} is one of the most important elements of this business. Your work is incredible; if I could afford to hire you, I totally would. :-)Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04429304709061402946noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8030308239398272700.post-58262181466858963612013-01-05T09:35:04.824-05:002013-01-05T09:35:04.824-05:00Thank you for writing this post. I am a self-taugh...Thank you for writing this post. I am a self-taught interior decorator in about to enter my fourth year of business. I struggle with the business issues as well as some of the client presentations. As my projects get larger I realize I need to improve these areas in order to keep up.<br /><br />If you ever want to start a business round table for sharing ideas I would be very interested. I have an education in marketing and public relations to offer to my fellow professionals.Jillhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05324704809836075037noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8030308239398272700.post-1809162097640915132013-01-04T19:36:21.872-05:002013-01-04T19:36:21.872-05:00Great, great post. I am in the same boat as a lot ...Great, great post. I am in the same boat as a lot of the commenters--starting my own biz, going to design school--and ALL of your points are things that have nearly derailed me from pursuing this career. I am learning to be patient with myself through this process, and I'm so pleased that you shared your thoughts with us. Please continue the great writing! <br /><br />Jenn<br /><br />www.lemonmacaron.blogspot.comLemon Macaronhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14172493358640415234noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8030308239398272700.post-15115307523890642122013-01-04T19:22:43.627-05:002013-01-04T19:22:43.627-05:00Thank you, Lauren, for this post! I am in the proc...Thank you, Lauren, for this post! I am in the process of starting a decorating business and your honesty and openness is so helpful. I'm still in the beginning stages of the start up but am leaning towards slowly easing my way into the business so that I can learn as I go (offer design boards first and add more services as I feel more confident/comfortable). After reading this post, definitely feeling like this is a good decision. So much to learn! Like Liz, I'd love to hear your thoughts on Sheffied. Thanks again!!<br /><br />Andrea<br />www.andreajennisoninteriors.comAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13238285097154415535noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8030308239398272700.post-64304036023595273732013-01-04T18:54:00.160-05:002013-01-04T18:54:00.160-05:00After 10 years in business, I'm learning the r...After 10 years in business, I'm learning the ropes too. We have to be paid what we are worth. The struggle for me is my passion to help others make their homes beautiful. My client's hire my contractors independantly and then they hire me to work along side the contractor. I give them an estimated cost of my hours with the contractors bid. It works really well for me. DecRenew Interiors https://www.blogger.com/profile/15329481994704735606noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8030308239398272700.post-71884425089117790352013-01-04T18:29:36.791-05:002013-01-04T18:29:36.791-05:00Hello Lauren, happy new year!
I loved this post, ...Hello Lauren, happy new year!<br /><br />I loved this post, although I am not a decorator I do work in leather product design. We continually have to reign in our customers and let them know what will work and what will not and what is safe. Always a challenge.<br /><br />Thank you for the tips!<br /><br />Take care, ElizabethElizabeth@ Pine Cones and Acornshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06044933540074342177noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8030308239398272700.post-3043374364165740642013-01-04T17:07:11.921-05:002013-01-04T17:07:11.921-05:00In the past I've had clients who have their ow...In the past I've had clients who have their own contractors and/or workrooms and my general policy is that I only work with my tradespeople to ensure quality control. I know the vendors that I work with produce high-quality products and know my systems, how I work with my clients, and can meet my condensed time frames, if need-be. I am VERY picky about my textile fabrication & I've had clients say their seamstress/mom/aunt/tailor knows how to do box cushions/inverted pleats/mitered corners (etc) only to find out that they don't, or don't do it to the same standard as my team. It then creates a bit of a sticky situation because you don't want to offend the client by telling them their vendors' work wasn't as good, but I also can't accept responsibility for something that was beyond my control! If you'd still like to work with your clients' tradespeople, I'd suggest an up charge in addition to your standard project management fees and that extra $ can cover the additional time spent clarifying issues your process/specifications. <br /><br />Great post, Lauren!Dayka Robinsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05173961767682523966noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8030308239398272700.post-24057991402378712712013-01-04T16:30:13.765-05:002013-01-04T16:30:13.765-05:00Thanks, Lauren- this was so interesting! I'm ...Thanks, Lauren- this was so interesting! I'm a hobbiest decorator (as in I love color/texture/design and can't get enough of it), but also a full-time stay at home mom. I've considered Sheffield, would love to know your thoughts on the process/results. Lizhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05948620778825875448noreply@blogger.com