part 1

Starting a new design project can be exciting—but I know it can also feel a little overwhelming, especially if you’re not sure what to expect. That’s why I’m pulling back the curtain on my client onboarding process to give you a clear picture of what happens once you reach out.

We start with an initial inquiry phone call, where we’ll chat about your space. I’ll ask some basic questions about what you're envisioning and get a sense of the dimensions of the space. Armed with that information I’ll be able to put together a quote that’s a personalized for you. Once that’s approved, we’ll move forward with a few key steps to officially kick things off:

1.Contract + Deposit Invoice

The boring-but-necessary details! These are essential to set the project in motion and make sure we're on the same page in terms of timelines, scope, and budget. Quick and painless, I promise!

2. Welcome Packet

Along with the questionnaire, I’ll send you a Welcome Packet that gives you a clear overview of the design process from start to finish. It’s packed with info on what to expect, how we’ll communicate, and a few resources to get you excited about our project together.

3. Questionnaire

Here’s where the real fun begins! I’ll send you a questionnaire full of thought-provoking questions that not only let you dream a little, but also help me get to know you better.

The questionnaire provides us with two essential pieces in this process:

FIRST, it allows you to share what you like and dislike through a series of questions that help me to get to know you and your tastes better. If that thought causes you a bit of angst cause you’re not sure exactly what you like keep reading. I’ll address that further down.

SECOND, it’s a place for you to upload images of your current space, the dimensions of your space, and inspiration images, or a link to your Pinterest boards.

The beauty of this questionnaire is that it is a central place to keep all of the information organized and easily accessible for you and me both!

Once you fill out the questionnaire, you’ll be asked to create a password. This will give you the flexibility to come back and update your responses as needed. It also grants you access to your design files once I’ve prepared them, making it easy to stay in the loop as we move forward.

A NOTE about Budget—

One of the questions you’ll be asked in the questionnaire is about your budget for the project. I know—budget can be a tough question to answer! Unless you’re a pro at home makeovers, thinking about what goes into creating a room you love can be a bit overwhelming. What exactly does go into a space? And with the rising cost of furniture and decor, plus the quality you’re aiming for, it’s no wonder budgets are tricky.

To help, I’ve written a previous post that breaks down what to expect and how to budget for a design project. You can check it out here!

A NOTE about Inspiration Images—

The more comments you share on your inspiration images, the better! I’ll ask you to tell me what you love about each image you share. What stands out to you and speaks to your personal style. And it’s also helpful to point out what doesn’t appeal to you. Any feedback you provide will be helpful.

I ask all my clients to do this because my number one goal is to help you create a space that looks and feels like home to YOU!

When you send me an image of a space you like, I want to make sure we’re both seeing the same things. For example, I might notice the colors and patterns in the rug, the window treatments, or the artwork. Meanwhile, you might be drawn to the pillows, plants, or lighting. You may even dislike the rug entirely! That’s why clarifying these details matters—so we’re always on the same page and building a design that reflects what you truly want.

Curious? Feel free to start filling it out if you're ready to dive in!

By laying all of this out, my goal is to remove those pesky “unknown scaries” and give you the information you need to make the decision to invest in a design plan for your space.

The best part is that, from day one, you’ll be involved as we begin creating a space that truly feels like home. Exciting!

What If You’re Not Sure What You Like?

If you’re feeling uncertain about your style or worried that you don’t know exactly what you want—don’t stress! This is incredibly common, and it’s where I come in. Many of my clients start with just a vague sense of what they like or a feeling they want their space to evoke, and that’s totally okay.

In fact, I’ve had several clients who didn’t fully discover their own sense of style until we worked through the design process together. As we explore different ideas and possibilities, your preferences will naturally start to emerge. It’s all part of trusting the process and allowing space for us to uncover what truly feels right for you.

Whether it’s helping you pinpoint the elements that make you feel at home or offering suggestions based on your lifestyle, we’ll work together to bring clarity to your vision. You don’t need to have it all figured out—that’s what I’m here for!

If you’re curious about how I can support you as you jump into creating a home that you makes you feel the most like yourself, then don’t hesitate to reach out. We’ll set up a virtual coffee date and chat!

Up next is Part 2: What to Expect During the Design Process!