Image Source: Design Inside’s Lincoln Park Mid-Century Modern Living Room Project
Over the years, our team of interior designers in Chicagoland have helped hundreds of homeowners design, renovate, and decorate their condos, townhouses, and single-family homes.
Because it’s not our first rodeo, we know that every project is unique, requiring different aesthetics, timelines, budgets, and more. But what doesn’t change from project to project (whether that is a full renovation or smaller-scale decorating project) is the streamlined process we have developed and carefully honed throughout our many years of experience.
We are proud of the process we have created, and today, we want to share that with you. (And yes, this process is different from what you see on HGTV… our recent blog post tells you why.)
So let’s jump right into the nitty gritty and explore what you can expect when you work with us every step of the way...
Image Source: Design Inside’s Modern Chicago Kitchen Project
Step 1: Project Kick-Off & Planning
Budget, Timeline & Selection Limits
After the project scope has been defined through a series of discovery calls, initial consultations, and detailed questionnaires and the contracts have been signed, we begin the design process for your project.
During the project kick-off, you will meet the main interior designer responsible for your project (who may be different than the designer that stopped by at your initial consultation, simply based on team member availability).
Your lead designer will begin your project by reviewing your inspiration images, discussing your overall budget and timeline, establishing a deposit schedule, providing you with an introduction to IVY (our collaborative design software), and discussing your selection requirements (e.g. if items must be returnable, if your turnaround time is very short, if you require seeing selections in-person).
Armed with all of this information, your on-site lead designer will take the necessary measurements of your job site, inventory the existing furniture and accessories that you want incorporated into the new design, and assist in refining your vision along the way so that no detail is left out of the design.
Pro Tip: For a kitchen renovation, our previous post about budgeting for a kitchen remodel might be a helpful tool if you don’t know where to start.
Decoration-Only Project Note
This step looks exactly the same whether you’re renovating a whole home or decorating a single room!
Image Source: Design Inside’s Rustic Modern Living Room Loft in Chicago Project
Step 2: Design Development
Preliminary Floor plans, 3-D Renderings & Rough Elevations
Now that we have a deeper understanding of your design tastes, we will work on the development of your new space and create a complete design. This includes the necessary floor plans, elevations, furniture selections, material samples, paint colors, and sketches required to convey the design to you and any contractors or trades that may be involved in the implementation.
Our goal at this point is to give you enough information to understand what the finished space will look like and confidently make a decision about the direction of the design. Because of this, you can expect multiple versions of the drawings: floor plans, elevations, 3-D renderings, etc.
After you’ve had a chance to review everything and together we have identified your preferred layout, we will begin the materials selection and contractor bidding process.
Decoration-Only Project Note
While this step is also very similar no matter the type of project, contractors aren’t required for a decorating job, so you can ignore the part about bidding and know that at this point, we will begin your furniture selection process instead. This is the fun part!
Image Source: Design Inside’s Modern Chicago Master Bedroom Project
Step 3: Project Management
Inspiration, Material Allowances & Preliminary Selections
With a floor plan selected and a design direction established, now is the time to make some preliminary selections. In order to do this, we provide some sample selections and, based on your preferences, will refine down to specifics.
It’s important to note that some finishes need to be selected (e.g. flooring, countertops, cabinetry) before we can receive an accurate quote from the manufacturer. We will continue to refine the project budget as selections are made and quotes are received, so we have a more complete picture of the finishes that will be installed in the space.
Even before the dust starts to fly, our careful management of the project is critical to keeping it on track and within budget. Depending on the size of your project, you may elect to manage the project yourself. However, most clients hire us to manage things so they don’t have to worry about all those little details (like sticking to the established timelines, fulfilling the agreed-upon payment schedule, avoiding issues before they start, being on-site to review the work of all trades, handling furniture and merchandise deliveries, etc.)
Decoration-Only Project Note
Once we have a firm grasp on your personal aesthetic, we will continue to show you round after round of loose selections until we have a final concept in place, encouraging your commentary along the way.
At that point, we will finalize the budget knowing exactly which pieces will be furnishing the space. (Oh, and if you love a piece but it is out of your price range, we are very skilled at sourcing similar pieces that do work within your budget!)
Image Source: Design Inside’s Modern Wet Bar Loft Project
Step 4: Contractor Bidding
Bid Packet, Walkthroughs & Negotiations
It is ideal to have the space at least 70% designed in order to get accurate contractor bids on the work, which is why we complete steps 1-3 before we get to this point. Our team can help you find contractors to complete the proposed updates, or if you prefer to work with contractors you already know and love, we’ll be happy to meet and work with someone new!
Depending on how much guidance you would like from the design team, we can completely direct or be the secondary support in the bid packet preparation and/or bidding process, walkthroughs, and negotiations. It’s your call!
Either way — whether you’re handling this all yourself or letting us navigate it for you — we recommend getting 2-3 bids for the work, and we suggest that each includes a prepared bid packet with all material selections and a thorough punchlist of the labor required.
Since each contractor will have different availability as well, we also recommend asking them about potential start and completion dates based on their current workload, inquiring as to whether they require a deposit and how much that is, and requesting copies of their insurance agreements.
With those various bid packets in hand, you can more fully compare the different price points, quality of work, and timelines proposed by each contractor.
Decoration-Only Project Note
Great news — you can skip right over this step. No contractor bids are needed when no construction is happening. Lucky you!
Image Source: Design Inside’s Rustic Modern Living Room Loft Project
Step 5: Selection & Procurement
Specific Selections, Product Acquisition & Final Drawings
After your final approval of the design and the selection of your contractor, it is time to start purchasing materials. During this phase, necessary products and merchandise will be acquired by Design Inside, yourself, and your contractor, if applicable.
Pricing is part of this phase and your budget will be further solidified throughout this selection process. As more items are selected, we will build upon each piece. For example, the cabinets or vanity inspire the light fixtures and the lighting inspires the hardware. We will typically follow the sequence below:
Foundation Pieces: cabinets, countertops, tile, etc.
Secondary Pieces: light fixtures, faucets, shower components, etc.
Tertiary pieces: cabinet hardware, towel bars or ring, etc.
This phase will be completed or nearly complete before contractor work begins. Construction moves quickly, so we want to make sure that the materials are delivered to the site and available for the work to be completed in a timely manner.
Decoration-Only Project Note
This step is nearly identical for a renovation or decorating project. However, instead of hard furnishings (like countertops), we are talking about soft furnishings. So, the sofa will inspire the chair, the chair will inspire the end table, etc.
We will begin by selecting our foundation pieces (sofas, etc.), build on that with our secondary pieces (rugs, lounge chairs, etc.), and finish off the design with those all-important tertiary pieces (lamps, side tables, accessories, etc.)
Image Source: Design Inside’s Modern Chicago Home Office Project
Step 6: Implementation
Contractor Work Begins, Deliveries & Questions
Once the products and materials have been received and the team responsible for managing the implementation has been engaged, the contracted implementation/construction can begin. This may be as simple (for you) as us installing furniture and hanging artwork, or as complicated as living through the construction of a kitchen remodel. It all depends on what type of project you have.
Again, depending on your project size and scope, implementation may be completed by Design Inside, yourself, the contractor, or any combination of the three. Make sure this is clearly defined, and if you have any questions about what you are responsible for, don’t hesitate to ask. We are always available to answer any questions you or the contractor may have.
During this phase, it is critical to keep an open line of communication and to inspect the construction as it is progressing. We heavily utilize email, text messaging, cell phone pics, and phone calls to expedite communication and to maintain the timeliness of your project. Oftentimes, weekly status meetings are required, so you might be asked to plan accordingly—but you’ll have some advance notice.
Decoration-Only Project Note
This step looks exactly the same whether you’re renovating a whole home or decorating a single room. Well, other than the fact that you won’t have a contractor involved. But you get the point...
Image Source: Design Inside’s Modern Chicago Dining Room Project
Step 7: Project Wrap-Up
Closeout & Finishing Touches
Once the dust has settled, the paint has dried, and the last piece of furniture has been moved into place, we will come on-site to take some photos of the completed project for internal records. (Pending your permission, we would also love to add your project to our online portfolio!)
We will review the project with you to make sure that you are happy with the final result. Our goal is to make sure that we have met or exceeded your expectations and that you will be delighted to live in the space for many years to come.
If you have decoration work you would like our help within your newly remodeled home, this is a great time to discuss your next proposal of work. Otherwise, we will balance out your account, and hope you will think of us for future projects!
Decoration-Only Project Note
This step looks the same once all of your larger furniture items are in place. However, we save artwork and accessories for the end. So, depending on how involved you would like us to be, we will complete this step and then send you on your way with guidelines to shop and finish the decorating on your own…
OR, we will work with a combination of your existing items and newly-sourced decor that we purchase for you, put the finishing touches on the space, and then complete this project closeout step. It’s up to you!
Image Source: Design Inside’s Rustic Modern Chicago Loft Project
Wow, quite a process right? But believe us, the process is ESSENTIAL to a project’s success. If you start working with a professional who doesn’t have a well-defined process in place, run the other way!
We work hard to ensure that every space we renovate, design, or decorate is unique and tailor-made for your needs (and never, ever copy and paste a previously used design). Our thoughtful process provides the framework for successful, creative, and personalized projects, on time and in budget, time and time again.
If this sounds like a process that would work for you and your family, give us a call. We would be honored to help transform your home through careful planning, incredible attention to detail, a well-executed plan, and a lot of exciting collaboration along the way. Let’s get to know each other and have some fun. ;)
Until next month,
Kathryn