Before diving into furniture catalogs or debating paint swatches, it’s essential to establish a clear understanding of your personal style and functional needs. Defining these upfront will help guide your collaboration with an interior designer and ensure the finished space reflects your taste and lifestyle.

Step 1: Discover Your Style

Your style is more than just what “looks good”—it’s about how a space feels to you. Start by exploring different aesthetics to identify what resonates.

• Create a Mood Board: Use Pinterest, magazines, or even screenshots of rooms you love to gather inspiration. Look for patterns in colors, textures, and design elements.

• Take Inventory: Walk through your current space. What do you love about it? What feels outdated or uncomfortable? This can provide valuable insight into your preferences.

• Define Your Keywords: Think of a few words that describe your style—cozy, modern, minimal, eclectic, traditional, etc. These keywords will help communicate your vision to your designer.

Step 2: Identify Your Needs

Great design is about making each room / space work for you, not just look good. Consider these aspects:

• Functionality: What is the primary purpose of the space? How do you use it now, and how would you like to use it? For example, is your living room a space for entertaining, relaxing, or both?

• Lifestyle: Do you have kids, pets, or hobbies that impact how the space should function? A home office for remote work has different needs than a crafting space or a home gym.

• Storage: Think about what needs to be stored and where. Do you prefer open shelving to display items or closed cabinets to minimize visual clutter?

Step 3: Establish Priorities

Just like in the design program, budget and time constraints mean you can’t always have everything you want. Be honest about what’s most important to you.

• Must-Haves vs. Nice-to-Haves: Separate the essentials (e.g., a functional kitchen layout) from the extras (e.g., custom cabinets with specific detailing).

• Short-Term vs. Long-Term Needs: If you plan to stay in the home for years, consider how your needs might evolve.

While having a defined style and list of needs is crucial, be open-minded. Don’t be afraid of your interior designer’s recommendations and to adjust as the project progresses. New materials, layouts, or ideas might emerge that improve the overall design. This flexibility can result in a better outcome for your space.