We’ve all seen them…the home renovation shows that make an extensive transformation seem like a breeze. The designer leads the clients effortlessly from assessing their current space to choosing a tile to a seamless construction process to a beautifully finished home. All at lightning speed.

Don’t get me started on what’s missing from this process! There’s so much more than what’s portrayed in that 30-minute episode.

So, what’s it really like to renovate your home with an interior designer? This month, I’m sharing my tried, tested and carefully honed 4-phase process with you. Let’s dive into the details…

Phase I: Explore

During Phase I, we get to know each other better while exploring your priorities, goals and dreams for your home. There are two steps in this phase, which culminates in a fully defined scope of work and project proposal.

Design Debrief:

It all begins with a Design Debrief, a complimentary 20-minute phone call where you share your goals with us, learn more about how The Space Within works, and discover if our studio is the right fit for your project. If so, we move forward and schedule your Style Session.

Style Session:

The Style Session is an intensive 2-hour working consultation with our Creative Director (that would be me!). During your session, I complete a functional and design assessment of your home or your architectural plans if you’ve engaged an architect or building designer for your renovation or new build. I’ll share insights, inspiration and ideas to help you uncover new opportunities and see your home in a fresh light. We also spend time getting to know you better. Some of the things that we’re keen to learn more about are how you use your home now, how you envision living in it in the future, and what your favourite interests and hobbies are.

All of this information helps us understand your goals and lifestyle so we can work our magic and bring these elements together to create a home which is extraordinarily yours. And, in the process, allows us to to clearly define the scope of your project and develop a fee proposal for your approval.

Phase II: Reimagine

During Phase II, you get to sit back and relax as we explore the potential within your home. No more running around to showrooms or poring over endless supplier websites on your already busy weekends!

Trade Day:

Before we start detailed planning of your new home, we need to know where we’re starting from. So, to gather the intel required, we return to your home to complete a detailed site measure, to document any existing site conditions that may impact future designs and to assess any furniture and accessories you will be retaining. We also invite our trusted team of trades to join us so that they can familiarise themselves with your project, share insights and recommendations and ensure that each and every detail has been assessed.

Concept Design:

With all relevant information gathered, we delve into the details of your project and get creative behind the scenes! We explore options and possibilities, always thinking outside of the box and collaborating with our trades and suppliers, to develop a concept that is not only right specifically for you but offering more than you thought possible.

Detailed Design:

With the design concept approved, we put pen to drawing paper, detailing and finessing all of the technical design specifics of your new home. This includes developing 3D schematics, floorplans, elevations, joinery details, and other plans to represent the ingeniously practical features and spirited design elements that are sure to set your heart alight!

Sourcing:

Still “behind the scenes” and part of Detailed Design, we select all required fixtures, finishes, and furnishings, as well as the hardware and accessories that are personalised to you and will truly make your design come to life. Every last detail in your design is selected with you in mind, all while accounting for a budget and timeline that balances your goals and objectives.

Presentation:

No doubt, you’ll be counting the days until this event— it’s the first big reveal! We’ll meet, either in our Studio or in your home, as you’re guided, room by room, through the intelligent, imaginative design plan for your home. You have access to samples of the finishes and materials selected for you, so you can feel the quality for yourself, while seeing the design come to life in both plan and perspective drawings. And, rest assured, we’ll review the proposed budget and timeframe for your approval before moving forward.

Phase III: Transform

This is when things get real, boots hit the ground and your project comes to life. We continue to do the heavy lifting behind the scenes as you sit back and, as much as possible in a renovation, live your normal life.

Procurement:

We order, track and manage the delivery of all of the stunning elements that will make your new space feel like home, from fixtures and hardware to lighting and furniture. With bespoke design, this requires much more effort than simply pressing a “Buy” button! It involves precise ordering, tracking, vendor communication, receiving, inspection, and at times, speedy and creative problem-solving.

Build/Renovation:

Whether you’re building or renovating, we have your back by acting as your proxy on the job site. We carefully monitor this messy, noisy, busy time period to ensure your design is being implemented as planned. You’ll often find us on-site with our trades to answer detailed design questions, monitor the timeline, assess progress, and address any challenges or opportunities that arise.

Installation:

When the science of building is complete, it is time to make way for the art of installation and decoration. We work with our trades and suppliers to add the aesthetic touches to your home, ensuring it will be ready for you and your family to enjoy for years to come. Curtains and artwork are gracefully installed, light fixtures are expertly mounted, and furnishings are carefully positioned.

Issue Resolution:

No matter how big or small your project, issues and challenges are sure to crop up. But, rest assured, whether it’s a delayed order, a damaged item, or a piece of joinery that needs to be adjusted, we will quickly and expertly manage the resolution on your behalf.

Phase IV: Live

The final reveal is right around the corner! But, before you open the door to your new home, we add the finishing touches to your space. These are the accessories and decor that may not feel necessary but are essential to giving your home a certain “joie de vivre”. It’s what makes the homes you see in magazines and on TV look so polished and inviting.

Styling:

During the Transform Phase, we have already scoured our suppliers for the perfect items to reflect your personality and elevate the design of your home, from luxurious throws to stylish scatter cushions and inspired objets d’art. We carefully unwrap these rare finds and arrange them in your home for their picture-perfect debut.

Reveal:

After you have opened your home to our team and lived through the dust and noise, it’s finally time for YOU to enjoy the spoils. The excitement of seeing your project fully finished, with everything in its place, is hard to describe — but you will find it unforgettable.

Photography:

You may notice that we have invited the professionals to photograph your new home and capture the spirit and joy of your life. These photos will feature proudly on our website and socials (anonymously, of course) and will be a keepsake for you as a reminder of the transformation of your home!

A Well-Honed Process to Create Your Extraordinary Home

So, what do you think? More than what’s portrayed on those renovation shows? Indeed…

By working with an expert in interior design not only is your home elevated in extraordinary and unexpected ways, but you gain peace of mind that all aspects of your project are handled professionally. The process may seem lengthy, but it’s because every detail is accounted for. That’s how you get imaginatively practical spaces that infuse your everyday life with joy and delight.

Is a renovation in your future plans? We’d love to help. Reach out to us to start the conversation or download our Pre-Renovation Guidebook below.

Live. Beyond Ordinary,

Donna